Restaurant Tour Feels Like Living on Cloud 9

Do you have someone that is very difficult to find just the right gift? Have a special occasion to commemorate? Looking for something totally out of the ordinary? The new trend is to give experience gifts. But just where do you find the right experience? Look no further than Cloud9Living.com.

Cloud9Living has a unique array of experience gifts that will fit nearly every personality from white water rafting to spa days. I recently was able to celebrate my sister's birthday on the Top Restaurant Tour. It was a simple and easy process. When she decided which experience she wanted to try, I booked it online. The communication was simple and easy. We could choose from several different dates. We selected a Saturday.

Once we decided on the day, we received email notification of where to meet (the last stop). We were in a group of six people - there was an older couple, a younger couple, my sister and I plus a guide. 

Me & my sister at Beatrice & Woodsley's

Our meal at B&W's

Once we arrived, the group was escorted onto a white chartered van, where we were whisked away to Beatrice & Woodsley's on South Broadway. I had never heard of the restaurant and was a little nervous about what to expect. When we arrived, we were escorted into the restaurant where it was literally open just for us. When we sat down, we were presented with a nice wine and a special offer of buffalo steak, corn pancake, with a coffee sauce as well as cappuccino creme brulee. The manager told us the story of Beatrice & Woodsley (they were in love his family made oak barrels for her family's wine making...they lived happily ever after in a cabin. Which the atmosphere is meant to emulate).

Our meal at Strings

The next restaurant was Strings. Strings is iconic in Denver as the place to go for special occasions. Strings is known for being a really hip place for vising politicians and stars. The owner, Tammy introduced herself and told us a bit about the photos and decor, how they are uniquely her. They served a lamb shank, grits, roasted beets and brussels - along with another amazing wine.








The final restaurant was 2nd Home inside the JW Marriott in Cherry Creek. I'm not certain that they knew they were the third and final stop on the tour. But they definitely went all out with portions. We were served four different courses: pan-seared scallop with sweet potatoes (served with a sweet citrus champagne); fresh salad with beets and fresh goat-cheese that was amazingly creamy (served with beet infused vodka and chambord); bison stroganoff (amazingly tasty and full of great creamy flavors); and finished with a pan cookie with ice cream.

While I really don't mean to compare such different restaurants (and I've already made plans to return to Beatrice & Woodsley's for brunch with some girlfriends). I would say that I loved the atmosphere at B&W's the most and the food at 2nd Home.  I never would have tried these restaurants without this tour.

Honestly, the experience was fun and definitely memorable. I am excited for the next opportunity I have to book another Cloud9Living experience.  This time since my sister will not be the one making the decisions - I may try to stock car race or be a fighter pilot! I can understand why the company is called Cloud9Living. I really felt like we were living on Cloud Nine. Plus, you can sign up now for the 9 Days of Christmas Sweepstakes and try to win your special someone a great Christmas Present. Gift certificates are available for as little as $50.00.

Cheater's Dinner

My mom always figured out a way to put these amazing dinners on the table. Dinner time was sacred - it was a time that we all sat down together to discuss the day that we had. To connect with each other and to ensure that we were being a bit healthy. My mom always made sure that each meal was well-rounded with the appropriate protein, starch and vegetable. 

I have found that either I am or my life is a bit more frenetic than my mom's (although I really can't figure out how - because my mom worked full time as well). Anyway, I find these really great ways to make what I've termed "cheater's dinners." 

Recently we found Progresso Frozen sauces and pastas at our nearby Albertson's store. (That said - YES I do regularly shop in the frozen food aisles - and YES, you can get healthy meals there.)  The same company that brings you amazIng soups now does frozen Specialty Sauces and Pasta. The Progresso Meal Starters come in yummy flavors that I could never really make on my own. Stuff like white wine sauce and marsala. They are delicious and make it appear to my kids that I too am making great dinners for them.

The other thing we love to do at our house is "buy a party".  Buying a party consists of buying the items that would be put out at a party. Crackers, cheese, vegetable tray, olives, and meats. My kids love this as we create our own party (along with music and dancing) - which has become a fun Friday night tradition at our house. I have recently discovered Private Selection offering at our local King Soopers. They are these really gourmet sounding stuff at a way lower cost. I recently got stuffed olives (jalapeno and blue cheese). Water crackers, buffalo cheddar cheese and yummy Marabita sauce (it's a tasty spaghetti sauce) that we used for our meatballs. Plus, I got all this stuff for free from BzzAgent. If you are looking for a way to get some free food to try every once in a while. Try it. 

Small Steps Means Big Rewards

My kids have a piggy bank. I throw my change in it. I usually believe that the extra 15 cents won’t really add up to much. But after saving those pennies (nickels, dimes, quarters…) my daughter has saved over $100 and is intending to buy herself an American Girl Doll. 

 

Just like pennies, small choices like cutting a 100 calories from your diet each day or burning 100 calories can add up to a lot when it comes to keeping yourself and your family healthy.

I loved the Rally Man’s ideas on simple ways to cut 100 calories by making simple food choices and substitutes. But, eating is only part of the equation to really LIVING WELL. The other piece is to make movement a part of your life every day. There are many simple and quick ways to burn a hundred calories and have fun doing it at the same time!

I came up with a list of a few ways you can burn 100 calories:

•         Play tag with your kids for about 30 minutes
•        Dance for about 25 minutes
•        Take a 30 minute bike ride
•       Walk for about 20 minutes
•       Shoot some hoops for about 20 minutes
•       Go rock climbing for just 10 minutes
•      Jump Rope for about 10 minutes 
•       Run a 10 minute mile

I often hear that people don’t have TIME to work-out, but it can be just as effective to do something for a short time like 10 minutes several times as day as it does to block a full hour to go to the gym. Just like Rally Man suggests or pennies saved  – you don’t have to make GIANT changes to your life. Take it one “step” at a time. 

Timing Didn't Work Out

Isn't it kind of the story of my life - timing just won't work out. I believe I've stated before that I like to try to schedule everything into my day/week and the more the better. I like to try to take advantage of the fact that I am going one place or another and try to do the most that I can. 

This week I will travel to Vail for my job. (The job with the hotels - HelmsBriscoe) to show a client a couple different hotels there. I have to work the next day at 2 p.m. making a few short runs at Vail easily do-able. I will even have a hotel room for the night (which is really awesome!). It will take me a couple hours to get down the hill...so I can get some quick runs in no problem. Oh WAIT! Vail does not open until FRIDAY! 

Guess I will have to wait for another day. The irony on it is that I am going to my job at VAIL - but I am working for Vail Corp in AURORA (metro Denver) so that I could get a free pass and make it ok to go on a short little couple runs kind of day...like this one!

Not Leading Someone Else's Life

I have been told on occasion that some people might be jealous a bit of the life that I lead. I am able to go to many events. My kids are well behaved. They do well in school and play sports....and being that I am divorced, I get every other weekend OFF of being a parent without having to feel bad about that. I can go out to clubs, go hiking or snowboarding - whatever my flight of fancy is. 

I am only now figuring out how to be ok with my life too! I have been trying for so long to try to meld my life into what someone else thinks is textbook - or even trying to make me textbook. It will never work for me. I don't live that life. I am not happy with rules that someone else tries to impose on my life. I don't need them. I thought for a long long time that I did need to live my life like someone else. But now, I am coming to realize. That I am not that person. 

I do get to do cool things. I DO them. I don't let life pass me by - MY life. The one I am meant to live. The one that makes me happy. 

I struggle to find the things and people in my life that will add to my life and not require me to give up a piece of myself for them. I am still trying to figure out how my dreams really look. Who is there with me? Will I ever learn that or will I get to continue trying on different things until I find the right fit?

Cirque Du Soleil Interview

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Claudine Rivard, Company Manager at Cirque’s show Quidam. Now showing at the 1st Bank Center in Broomfield, it will be at the 1st Bank Center through Sunday, November 12. Tickets are still available. $35 for Adults, $28 for children, Family four-packs start at $110. The show will then travel to Loveland – Nov 14-18, 2012.

The show can be a bit dark in places – but overall it is light and fun with more kids elements than many other Cirque shows. My daughter was confused by trying to follow the storyline. But, both of my kids were awed and amazed at the fantastic physical artistry and amazed and what the people could do. They loved the fact that when we saw them practice – they were just real people – but they look VERY different with makeup and costumes on.

Gretchen (G): What do the performers to right before the show?
Claudine (C): They warm up on the blue carpet right behind the stage. When they are not on stage some of them read or knit.

G: What do they eat?
C: We set up our own catering. We try to accommodate the different tastes. They like steak and shrimp (made lots of ways). Our chef travels with us.

G: How many people are on tour?
C: There are 95 staff members – of which 52 are artists. They represent over 19 countries. We proudly display each country’s flag back stage.

G: What was your career path?
C: I was a Psychologist by trade and studies. When I was looking for a job a friend of mine told me about Cirque. You have to like what you do. I love what I do and have been with Cirque for over 10 years.

G: Do many of the performers have young families at home?
C: Life on the road can be really difficult. They work for 10 weeks and then get 2 weeks off. 10 on. Two off. Many of them go home to visit families during their weeks off – but not many of them have kids on the touring shows. The Cirque shows that stay in one location like the one’s in Vegas are the ones that have families. Only two on this show have kids.

G: (After showing me the amazing costume room – where there are up to 4 changes for each character and backups of each of those costumes – which includes shoes…) Wow, with that many costumes on tour with you – what is it like to do laundry?
C: We do 8 loads of laundry – washing AND ironing each costume for each show. When there are two shows in one day that is 16 loads! We bring our own washers and dryers along on the tour.

G: So their costumes are laundered and pressed for them – what about make-up?
C: Each of the artist does their own make-up. Usually they learn how to do it themselves in just a few times. It takes them at least an  hour to put on their make-up.
Thanks for coming. Enjoy the show!

 

Email me if you know of any great Denver deals!

You can also follow me on Twitter (GeeWhy93).  If I find a great deal during the week, I’ll tweet it out.

Thankful For My Dad

Several days ago I concocted a whole different way of celebrating Thanksgiving during the whole month of November by showing those near me and even the community I live in and the world that I am thankful just for the many blessings that I have in my life. Each day I am doing somethign simple to show those around me that they are appreciated. A little appreciation and acknowledgement go a long way.

Today, I called my dad. I had no other reason to call him other than to say, "thanks for being such a great dad." I think I confused him by the whole thing.

My dad is the kind of guy who really would put his life in front of mine. He is a very social guy and likes to be around people. I am happy to say that I got that trait from him. He would put his family first - his sisters, brothers, wife, kids, in-laws, neices & nephews. My dad's family is very close to one another in that they always go to everyone's birthday parties, baby showers and in the fall - all of the boys and their kids (and now grand kids) all meet up at the University of Colorado football games. 

I'm pretty sure that my dad would have wanted a boy. But instead he got two girls (me and my sister). He taught me from an early age that just the fact that I am a girl should NEVER stop me from being what I want to be in life. He was my early pre-cursor to not really understanding that "glass ceiling" concept. Because I never believed that I should be held down. (He also taught me how to shoot a .22, and fish, and jeep, and to love and play sports - and love that I live in Colorado).

He showed me that education is the way in life. His quote was always, "They can take all kinds of things away from you but they can never take away what you know." I'm still not certain who they are. But in life - I have had some difficulties and my dad has always made me smile, stick out my chin and believe better days are on the way. He showed me that life can be hard work. He has an amazing work ethic working for the same company for 30+ years. (NO ONE does that anymore).

I don't know that a blog entry or a call could even come close to how Thankful I am that my dad is MINE.

Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Cooks up Kids Cooking Classes

As if there is not already enough to do in Beaver Creek in the winter. Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa is stepping up a notch with teen and kids cooking classes.

The team from the hotel  announced and sampled the new offering at the Hyatt in Downtown Denver last week. A gathering of writers and their children were treated to a Halloween and fall themed menu in which the kids were the chefs. They were instructed by Executive Chef Christian Apetz. The menu was well thought out with the kids in mind - as desserts and yummy sweet drinks were made before the main entrees.

Dalton and Peyton pose with Robert Purdy, General Manager at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek

The menu included: Candy Corn Drinks (the flavors and colors made it look just like a candy corn, orange slice on the bottom, orange drink and whip cream and candy corn on top), Granola - which the kids got to mix and choose which nuts and fruits they put in,  Root Beer floats served with home-made ice cream and dry ice so they smoked and foamed over, S'mores Hot Choclate with the rims served with chocolate and graham cracker crumbles and a torched marshmallow (they make their own marshmallows at the kitchen of the hotel), flat-bread pizza, corn breaded shrimp and tater tots with an amazing dipping sauce.

Making granola

Beaver Creek ski area opens on November 21st, be sure to pan the family friendly vacation at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa. The hotel is located at the base of the ski area with true ski-in ski-out access. The culinary team at 8100 Mountainside Bar & Grill located in the hotel will offer the weekly complimentary cooking classes which will include themes like gourmet pizza making, sushi rolling, mocktails, and lessons on how to make barista style coffees at home.

Make your reservations now!

Thankful for my kids

 As my month of showing thanks continues. Tonight it is all about my kids. I wrote them each a little note about how special they are and how they really make my life better each day. 

I will celebrate them with a Dance Party Friday. Dance Party Friday is a night all about them. It starts with a trip to the store where the kids get to pick out their own dinners. Some times we have what I call party foods (apps and munchies) sometimes they pick out their own TV dinners! Then we turn on the music and dance in the living room. Each kiddo gets to pick their own song to dance to. We take turns so that through the night we all get to pick something. This lets us laugh, engage in conversation with each other, keeps me in touch with what they are listening to....and it keeps them off the couch and from watching tv all night long. :)

A New November Tradition

For the past several years, I have chosen to celebrate Thanksgiving all month long with a simple post - a statement of what or who I am thankful for. I hoped at the end of the month that those people who have been a blessing in my life really knew that they meant something to me. I also hoped that I could view the world from a better happier place (perhaps I was taking a page from the Oprah Gratitude Journal idea). 

While the exercise was good, this year I decided to step it up. I have decided to really show people what they mean in my life and I hope to be a catalyst for people doing nice things for one another through the entire year rather than just a month. 

Today, I had plans to visit with a friend I had not seen in a very long time for a happy hour get-together. My friend Rick used to work with me YEARS ago. I recently got back in touch with him. He has a friend who also had some questions about another of my previous jobs (to say that I switch jobs often is like saying is the sky really blue). I was happy to lend my thoughts and experience. I was glad to make time for an old friend. I thought it would be a great way to start the month. 

I also thought that this would be the end of my "do goodness" today. But then, I received a call from my cousin this morning. He needed some immediate help with his 3 month old son due to some complications with my cousin. I was pleased to be able to help. All I did was go up to the house feed the baby and put him down to sleep. Clean slightly and then head home. I didn't feel like I was all that helpful - but did what I could.

I guess I could say that this was an even better start to the month - blessed to be a blessing.