Wednesday, December 2, 2015

3 ways to Stay in Shape This Holiday Season

Pachanga/ Plango - 4 weeks of Fitness Classes for $35  - Pachanga and Plango are the same thing... If you take Pachanga at 24 Hour Fitness, it's just called Palango. These classes are incredibly popular and for good reason. The simple, intense, and fun workouts torch calories while you hardly notice.

$30 for Ugly Sweater Run  -  The Ugly Sweater Fun Run is a 5k where you get you run in your favorite ugly sweater and after you will get a beer too with your ticket

The Ugly Sweater Run: Buy Now While Supplies Last


$19.99 for Billy Blanks PT 24/7 7-DVD Set with B2 Bands and Gloves .... because, hey it's Billy! Who doesn't remember Tae Bo?! This 7 disc set is actually worth $80 and comes with resistance bands and gloves!


Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Fiske and Frisk on the Hill - Planetarium, Cafe Aion, Shopping and your pick of History or Theater

This week's Colorado itinerary takes you to 'The Hill' in Boulder. For those not familiar with the University Hill, it refers to the neighborhood around Colorado University. Full disclosure, if you visit during a semester, there will be a fair amount of college students around. Personally I like the energy and the pace of the area. A 1/2 off Groupon featuring Fiske Planetarium  was the inspiration for this collection of places to visit. Please leave feedback and let me know what you think of this day trip. For the most part, all the below suggestions are in walking distance of each other. In addition to some of the recommended restaurants, I have also included a links for other restaurants in the area that currently have deals.


Cafe Aion - Brunch 11 am 

Cost: $6-$15
http://www.cafeaion.com/

Start your day with brunch at Cafe Aion. Many of the dishes are designed for sharing. Spanish and Moroccan flavors are apparent in the menu. The fried cauliflower is surprisingly one of the stand out Tapas - fair warning, you may not want to share. In addition to coffee and juice, they also have a full bar. I am particularly fond of their Bloody Mary's, made with chili infused vodka and crispy bacon.

Bloody Mary @ Cafe Aion

Fiske Planetarium - CHECK SHOWTIME AND GET TICKETS

Cost: $11 for 2 tickets with Groupon (Reg. $10 per ticket)

The Fiske Planetarium features the Ziess, one of the most advanced stargazing machines in the world. Furthermore, CU has recently invested in an all-new fully immersive theater system, making it one of the most sophisticated planetariums in the country. Since the planetarium was the inspiration for this day trip, I suggest that you select what show you would like to go to, as there is different programming throughout the day.  https://fiske.colorado.edu/beta/events 


Use the below suggestions to fill the time in before or after the planetarium show.

Shopping on the Hill 

Cost: Varies $-$$$ 
http://www.thehillboulder.com/businesses/ 

  • Meininger's - Go get your craft on! Actually if you time your trip right, you can take a free art class with part of the Demo and Dialogue series that is hosted at Meininger's in conjunction with the Art Student's League. As a bonus feature, a coupon is usually given to those who participate in the class-  http://www.meininger.com/demo-dialogue/ 

Colorado University: Natural History or Theater 

Cost: Free - $$ (admission to some theater events)

Since you are pretty much on CU's stomping grounds, you might as well check out some of the culture on campus. Two points of interest are the Natural History Museum and the University Theater.   

GrassRoots

Restaurant Deals - Up to 40% Off 

Here are just a few food options that are reasonably priced and in the area. A couple of the recommendations are neighborhood favorites and the other three have good Yelp reviews and Groupons! 
  • Terra Thai - No coupon on this one, but with most of the menu ranging from $3-$8, why would you need one? Great food here, however, they are not open on Saturdays 
  • The Sink - What does Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain have in common? They both ate at this burger joint when they were in town.... not together, of course ;)  
  • Tibet Kitchen  - $12 for $20 worth of food for two or more people with Groupon
  • Mimi's Kitchen  - $13 for $20 worth of Mexican cuisine for two with Groupon 
  • The Cheese Course -  $15 for $25 worth of bistro menu items and drinks for two with Groupon

Sunday, November 8, 2015

Denver Arts Week 2015 - Best Bets

Denver Arts Week is a celebration of all things art and is currently in full swing. From November 6th through November 14th, patrons of the arts can find all sorts of events that are deeply discounted or free. Arts week encompases pretty much all the creative fields - 2D and 3D arts, dance, music, comedy, and performance. Below are a few of my favorites, but for the full list visit the Denver Arts Week event page.

Denver Arts Week

Nov 8th 

Colorado Convention Center Public Art Tour
Cost: FREE 
Starts 1:00pm 

*Many years ago when I was in art school, I took a class on Art Industry. While in this class, I had the privilege of being able to tour many of the public art installations including the art installed at the
Convention Center. This was one of the more fascinating art tours that will leave you with an appreciation of much more than the Blue Bear. 


Denver Veterans Day Parade and Festival 
Cost: Free  
10:00am - 3:00pm 

$52.80 for Two Tickets to Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 3
Cost: $52.80; original price $134.00 - Use Code: ARTS2015 when purchasing a pair of tickets 
1:00pm 


Best of Santa Fe Exhibit and Awards 
Cost: Free 
10am - 6pm

Nov 9th 

Art Tour of the Byers- Evans House Museum 
Cost: $6 
Starts at 12pm 

Denver Museum of Natura and Science Free Day 
Cost: Free
9am - 5pm

Improve Hootenanny 2 for 1 Improv Tickets 
Cost: $5; original price $10 (Redeem offer at the door, through Nov 10th) 
Starts at 7:30pm 

Nov 10th 

Faculty Tuesday: Cabaret Songs 
Cost: Free 
Starts 7:30 pm

St John's Cathedral Music at Noon - Brian Hanly; Violin and Willian David; Piano
Cost: Free 
Starts 12pm
http://www.denver.org/includes/calendar-of-events/St-John-s-Cathedral-Music-at-Noon---Brian-Hanly-violin-William-David-piano/30909/4973/ 

5280 Take - Off at Wings Over the Rockies - (Nov 6th-12th)
Cost: $5.82 per person; original price $11 pp
Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5

Nov 11th 

Like the show Face Off - Check out this event! 
Denver Film Festival: Creative Conversations: A Master of Movie Magic 
Cost: $15-$17
Starts 7pm 

Hot off the Press - Printmaking Demo 
Cost: Free 
6-10pm 

Visiting Artist Series: Ian Bogost - Ironoia: The Mistrust of Things 
Cost: Free - Seating is Limited, RSVP via link
Starts 6:30pm

Nov 12th 

Colorado: Why are we Here - Free Lecture 
Cost: Free 
Starts 6:15pm 

Mixing Your Media 
Cost: Free 
12- 9pm 

Frontier Religion in Early Colorado 
Cost: $10-$15
6-7:30pm 

Nov 13th 

A Mile High Ode to Star Wars Toys: Sneak Peak with the Curator 
Cost: $15
3-5pm 

Beatles to Bach III with Skanson & Hansen 
Cost: $10-$15
Starts 7pm 

Christo Artist Talk 
Cost: $15
Starts 7pm 

Nov 14th 

40 West Creative Arts Sampler - mini workshops 
Cost: Frees 
1-4pm 

RiNo Artists and Models Ball 
Cost: $25
6:30-10pm 

Symphony at the Movies: Back to the Future 
Cost: $34-$94

    

Sunday, September 20, 2015

Ja Ja Bistro - NEW OWNERS, How's the experience? Patio Brunch of Bloody Marys and Omelettes

Ja Ja is a french term for every day wine or house wine. If you are interested in enjoying your ja ja wine in a cottage/ patio atmosphere JaJa Bistro in Littleton might be the place for you. JaJa Bistro first showed up on my radar, while reading the positive reviews posted on A-List Denver. It wasn't at the top of the list, but there were enough good things said about it that my curiosity was piqued.

My review is based on a single visit this past weekend. I had tried to visit one prior time, but it was on a Sunday and the previous owners had JaJa closed on Sundays. From what I understand, the current owners purchased JaJa earlier this year (2015) and they are now open the full weekend.

The cute bungalow had a few tables inside and beautiful patio seating outside. For myself and my companion, we elected to sit outside for our visit to the partially full restaurant. The meal started with a bread basket of delicious flaky croissants and a drink order of a diet Coke and a Bloody Mary. We waited and waited... and waited. Service was SLOW... I'm not sure if the issue was that we were outside, they were short staffed, or if I just have a quicker expectation of how long drinks and food should take to be turned around. My bloody mary took 15-20 mins to get to the table and food came about 40 mins later. The flavor was great on the bloody and I liked the pickled pepper, but it should be noted that it is a relatively small bloody - looked to be around 8 oz.



The entree was served 45+ minutes after ordering (also note, the restaurant was not full). I ordered a ham and brie omelette which came with a side of bacon, baguette, and pan fried potatoes. Again the flavor was good and I enjoyed the omelette, but Denver has some pretty stiff competition when it comes to brunch. For the wait, it wasn't any better than many of the other omelettes that I have had in Denver. The omelette was comparatively small (see photo) and some of my potatoes were oxidized, which is probably fine to eat but didn't look too appetizing. 



I would possibly consider giving this restaurant a second chance since the flavor was good and I enjoyed the quiet outside table, but I really have a hard time with the amount of time that it took to turn out a pretty simple dish. To further compound the experience. The waitress, while friendly, didn't offer any explanation of the length of time, didn't offer more bread while we waited, and let our drinks run out without refilling (including the water). That being said, I can forgive many things, such as small portion sizes and oxidized potatoes, when exceptional service is provided. Obviously many people have liked this restaurant and maybe have different menu recommendations that would improve the overall experience. If you do have another opinion or suggestions for others visiting, please share in the comments below.   

Friday, September 4, 2015

Drive Smarter Colorado


A More Comfortable and Safer Way to Drive 

Earlier this month, Denver drivers who attended the Car-Fit program, learned how they could improve the comfort of their drive and improve safety during travels. The AAA created program was hosted by the Colorado Department of Transportation. The program's goal is to improve safety through teaching drivers how to better fit their cars through the adjustment of mirrors, seat-belts, seat location, and steering wheel. If you missed the last event the next one will be coming around 10/17/15. 


October 17, 2015, 9 AM- 12 Noon
Reservation Phone Number:720-849-1738  
2015 Senior Law Day, Denver Mart - 
451 E. 58th Ave
Denver, CO

  
http://www.drivesmartcolorado.com/ 

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

5 iPod Deals and Gadgets You Didn't Know You Needed

While researching for a portable speaker for my iPod on Groupon, I stumbled across a really good collection of  iPods, accessories, speakers, and chargers. There are a ton of great deals to be found and here are 5 that really jumped out to me as good deals worth buying.

Apple iPod Touch 8GB - 64GB $119.99-$299.99

Check this out - with this deal, you can purchase 3rd -5th generation NEW iPods for significantly less than current retails. Granted, with some hunting, you could also find refurbished models for half the cost ... but twice the risk. 

 

Apple iPod Touch; 8GB–64GB and 2nd–5th Generation Models from $119.99–$299.99


$39.99 for Gator Sound Waterproof Shower Speaker 

The Gator has received 4/5 rating, which is pretty good for this type of product. Users report that it is easy to set up and has great clear sound. 


Gator Sound Waterproof Bluetooth Shower Speaker/Speakerphone

$12.99 for Portable Battery with a Carabiner

Personally I think that these Battery packs are kind of cute. There are several colors that you can select from and it fits on your key chain. 



iHome Power Clip 2,600mAh or 5,200 mAh Portable Battery with Carabiner

$149.99 for iPod/ iPhone Dock with Internet Radio 

You might be wondering why I included the Revo dock in my list since it is a higher price point. Here is why - in addition to playing any downloaded content and your i- whatever, you can stream 11,000+ internet radio stations. Check out the full specs on the link below.  



Revo Internet/FM Radio Player and iPod/iPhone Dock

$6.98 for Cute iPhone Case 















GMYLE 2 in 1 Case - PU Leather Detachable Hard Back & Wallet Case Cover For iPod touch 5th Generation

Sunday, July 12, 2015

The Denver Zoo Welcomes New - LEGO Animals!

The Denver Zoo is about to get some new guests - 

An award winning traveling Lego exhibit that will include 35+ life sized (in some cases, larger than) Lego sculptures, will be visiting the Denver Zoo. “Nature Connects, Art with LEGO® Bricks,” by Sean Kenney will be on display from August 7th to November 1st.

Be prepared to see a 400lb bee and a hummingbird with an 8' wingspan. As this exhibit will overlap Halloween, you can be sure to also see some Lego bats and spiders too.

Also to add more interest the Denver Zoo is also running a contest through August 31st, to see how many Legos were used to make Leo the Lion. Prizes vary depending on whether you are a Zoo Member or not.

Zoo Members can win:
  • Renewal of your Zoo membership for another year, for free OR give it as a gift to someone else
  • Four behind-the-scenes tours of his or her choice.
  • Four Glow Lights packages to this year’s Zoo Lights, Presented by Your Neighborhood Toyota Stores
Non-Zoo Members can win:
  • A behind-the-scenes tour of Benson Predator Ridge
Enter online (http://www.denverzoo.org/events) or at the zoo. 




  • Leo the LEGO® Lion Contest 
  • Guess how many LEGO® bricks were used to make Leo, a lion sculpture at the Zoo! 
  • The person with the closest guess, without going over, wins. To see what the prizes are, 
  • visit Denver Zoo's website: http://denverzoo.org/events/leo-lion-contest. 
  • The contest is running until August 31.




Monday, May 18, 2015

Dear Denver, I love you, but you're bringing me down...

The relationship that I have with my city is as varied as tumultuous thunder, a silent snow, and the warm sun as my toes pull at grass in the park. On any given day, I meet new people and experience growing subcultures in food, art, music, and even sports.

As a person dedicated to experiencing the city and its branches, I have yet to discover or even fully understand the seduction of Denver. Sounds weird to say out loud, but it's important to understand that what our city is right now, it will never be again. There is a constant and rapid evolution that has swarmed the 303. Landmarks are torn down; new structures are built. Original Elitch Gardens is all but gone, while the Cyclone and Chipmunk at Lakeside are held together with paint. Urban legends are created and ghost stories are told in our old houses and diagonal streets.

In the last decade Denver grew by over 100,000 people and now it's estimated that it will grow by another 40k per year. I am native to Colorado and I am happy to share my 300 days of sunshine, mixed with snow. As the city continues to balloon, it daily becomes more expensive to stay. It's somewhat ironic that the artists, musicians, and performers that have made Denver the creative mecca that I know and love, are financially being pushed out of the city that they helped to create. Rent in desirable areas has doubled, painfully so, for most. 

The bright stars in this, though, are the creative entrepreneurs that saw gold and started digging. I don't mean this in the greedy sense, but as one once in a desert and having now discovered a well.

I understand that this kind of change is happening all over the United States. I'm not concerned with the changing tapestry of Denver in that I know new things are being created. I am excited for what is yet to come. I may be temporarily be saddened, but like summer gives way to fall, I know that spring is just around the corner.

In the meantime, Denver is still the place where you can see a good show by a band you have never heard of and have the most amazing night. It's still the place where the DJs will have a conversation with you about landscaping, pizza, and zombies. It's still the place where artists are king for at least one day a month. And it's still a place where you can find great food and green chili and beer are acceptable at almost any meal. 

I still love you Denver.

Saturday, April 18, 2015

R2-D2 in Love and Get You Dr Who Fix

Artoo in Love 

Spring is in the air and with that young love ... or maybe I should say robot love. I came across a super cute video of R2-D2 in love, or so he thinks. Check it out.



Dr Who - ville

The last Dr. Who episode had ended on Netflix ... or Hulu (can't seem to keep straight what I watch on what). Awaiting for new episodes, I have become nostalgic for Whovian items, and Dr Who in general. The BBC site actually has quite a few items that are pretty neat - such as Dalek and Tardis Salt-n-Pepper shakers ... I think I need those in my life ;) 
























Your One-Stop Shop for Doctor Who!


Cool New Furniture Modos with a Kickstarter 

One of my favorite things about the internet, is that information and new ideas can travel fast! The beauty of this is that when someone comes up with a great idea, the word is able to get out there. Modos is one of those products/ companies. Modos is like Legos for adults. It's a tool free system of boards and connectors that you can use to make stools, end tables, shelving, desks - really whatever you want to come up with. Watch the video below for more info. 



Thursday, April 9, 2015

Jumpstreet Trampoline Park 50% off

2 hours of Trampoline Fun 50% off at Jump Street  

I love Jump Street and no, I am not 12. I just happen to enjoy a very large room that is filled with wall-to-wall trampolines; and by wall-to-wall, I mean that they are also go up the walls. The trampolines are all installed next to each other, so that you could jump from one trampoline to another. Personally, I think that it's a blast and a great work-out (you're having so much fun, that you don't even realize how many calories that you are burning).  Today's Groupon is offering passes for 2, or 4 people for half off (more with the 4 person pass).



Two Hours of All-Access Jump Pass for Two or Four People at Jumpstreet (Up to 52% Off)

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

5 Mangos for $5 - 3/25/15- 3/31/15

5 Mangos for $5 at Whole Foods 

Mangos are in season right now... which is making me mango mad (in the good way). Whole Foods is offering 5 Ataulfo (champagne) Mangos for $5 this week - March 25-31st. To get your imagination going here are a few links for some yummy mango goodness.

Mango and Green Tea Smoothie
Easy Mango Smoothie with Green Tea! #smoothie #greentea

Mango and Avocado Salad


Mexican Mango Cake





Thursday, March 12, 2015

Internet Grab Bag ... aka, A Few of my Favorite Finds Today - 20% off Puma, QT Diplo, Dinosaurs, and Brass Knuckles

Every now and then I encourage a good distraction. Today I have found a few. Consider this post a somewhat random gift of entertaining links.

Deals

https://soundcloud.com/puddingclub/qt-hey-qt-diplo-remix-rip 




DIY - 

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-make-diy-drawer-pulls-apartment-therapy-tutorials-216669 
 

I'm super inspired by this post from Apartment Therapy, that converts figurines into drawer pulls...How cool is that?! A whole world of new possibilities just opened up..

Just Because 

...who doesn't need brass knuckle coffee mug.

 

Visit BBC.com/Shop

Monday, March 2, 2015

Free Coffee or Queso for 303 Day, Central Bistro and Bar, and Elitch Gardens Season Pass


Where did February go? This is a rhetorical question that I don't have an answer to. Already we are into the second day of March and I am sure that June is right around the corner. That being said, I took a quick look and found some great deals for now and some that you are sure to enjoy come summer.

Freebie - 303 Day at Illegal Pete's 

303 Day is a celebration of Denver and all things Colorado. Tomorrow celebrate by wearing your favorite Colorado gear to Illegal Pete's and you will be rewarded with free coffee at breakfast and free chips and queso during lunch or dinner.  Furthermore New Belgium taps will be $3.03 all day long. If you visit any of the 7 locations in the evening, you will also be treated to live comedy and music performances. 

 


Central Bistro and Bar - $29 for $50 to spend on Cocktails and Food

I've been a big fan of Matt Selby's food ever since Vesta Dipping Grill .... 10 years ago! Since leaving Vesta, Steuben's, Ace - Matt has started a new(ish) restaurant in the LoHi neighborhood.  

The menu features what I call dressed up casual food - Mac n' Cheese... but for adults, chicken wings ... Confit, and KALE caesar salad. You can see my point. While, I poke fun at the elevated menu, in all actuality, I have really enjoyed every meal that I have had at Central. 

Right on the heels of Restaurant week, you can essentially get the same deal via LivingSocial $29 for $50 worth of food and drink. 

Mussels and  Frites 
OK, So I took this funny photo the last time that I was at Central Bistro and Bar - I would love to hear your captions on this photo in the comments below for these two HOT LADIES. 

Elitch Gardens Season Pass with Meal Pass

Any Coloradan who plans to go to Elitches even once, is better off buying a season pass over the gate fees. Technically it pays for itself in two visits. Personally I buy a pass for the lazy river in the water park. Sometimes it's just nice to relax and float down the river. 

Right now Groupon has a really good deal, where you can get both the season pass and a meal plan for $144.95 or $79.99 for just the pass.  

2015 Season Pass with Season Pass Meal Plan and one single-use Rapid Ride Pass