Photo by: timmyjohn1

Here are the top outdoor activities to do in and around the City of Denver:

Skiing/Snowboarding

Colorado is known for its Rocky Mountain slopes. With top notch skiing and snowboarding within an hour’s drive of the city, this is a must to try for anyone who enjoys getting outside. One of the closest Resorts is Echo Mountain, which is located just 35 miles from downtown Denver. For those who are new to the area, or visiting from the lowlands, it is often recommended that you make a stop over in Denver to acclimate to the altitude before climbing even higher above 8,000 feet to the resorts. In addition to Echo Mountain, there are a number of resort options to cater to your outdoor interests. They are:

• Eldora – Very close to Denver, offering Skiing and other snow fun.
• Loveland – It’s been around for over 70 years and has been offering great skiing every since it opened.
• Arapahoe Basin – The first resort to open in North America this year.

Mountain Biking

The many snow enthusiasts have to have something to do in the summer time in Denver. Mountain bike trails all around the countryside offer this summertime distraction. One great bike trail is the Green Mountain Bike Trail, a 7 mile looped trail that is located in the Pikes Peak Area. It’s a little bit of a drive from Denver, but completely worth it. For closer trails within the city, contact your local Denver bike shop for insider trails and tips.

Explore the Rocky Mountains

The Rocky Mountains located about 75 miles northwest of downtown Denver offers a myriad of top outdoor activities throughout its 416 square miles of serene mountain territory. On the list of things to do; backpacking and camping in the backcountry, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, hiking and fishing just to name a few. The Rocky Mountain National Park website is available online from the National Park Service.

Always be safe when enjoying the great outdoors and remember you can always enjoy the great outdoors in the great City of Denver, Colorado.

Photo By: Georgio

Incidences of skin cancer have been on the rise in the past few years despite the best effort of doctors and experts to warn about the dangers of the sun. With many people deliberately exposing themselves to UV rays in tanning beds, vanity has too often been giving way to sun safety.

Reduce the Risk, Protect Your Skin
Being at a high altitude means an increased risk of UV exposure, don’t become another skin cancer statistic. Ways to reduce sun exposure and practice sun safety:

• Limit your outdoor activities between the hours of 10am and 4pm when the sun is the strongest. If you are outside, try to avoid prolonged direct exposure.
• Wear long sleeved and covering clothing in the sun whenever possible. Tightly woven, lightweight fabrics are recommended to prevent UV rays from penetrating.
• Wear sunscreen products. Doctors recommend always wearing at least SPF 15 sunscreen at all times. A higher SPF of 30 and also frequently recommended for increased protection. Sun protection only lasts for a couple hours and needs to be reapplied, especially when you have been swimming or sweating.

Photo By: Max Thinks Sees

Sun exposure and skin damage can happen when you least expect it, even in the mostly moderate Denver weather. Consider these regular activities that can lead to unexpected exposure.

• Out and about on a cloudy day. UV rays can penetrate cloud cover and you can still suffer sunburns on days.
• Sitting in your car in traffic under the bright sun.
• Shopping at an outdoor mall or out on walking errands outdoors.
• Skiing or snowboarding without sunscreen. UV rays reflect off snow and water thereby increasing your exposure.
• Other outdoor activities such as running, cycling, hiking without sun protection.

The key to sun safety is remembering to be safe in the first place. Keep a bottle of sunscreen handy in your car and in your apartment and apply whenever you go out.

Photo by: Jesse Yardley

In the spirit of being a gracious host, follow these do’s and don’ts of entertaining friends and family who are visiting:

DO…

…set out the basic bathroom supplies for the houseguest when they come over to stay. This means laying out a clean towel and washcloth along with a clean bar of soap and shampoo if necessary. The cost and time investment to you is minimal, but your houseguest will appreciate the effort very much.

…let your guest know where they are sleeping. It can be very annoying to the guest to be left in the dark as to where they can stay the night.

…inform your houseguest of where they can store their things if it is not where they will be sleeping. It can be a nuisance though to have a house guests travel bag and clothing strewn about the living room. Let them know they can put their stuff in a corner or a closet, etc.

…plan out a number of activities for the time they are going to be staying. Show them the sites and sounds of the city.

…recommend a number of activities for your guests to enjoy in your absence. Leave them with a key so they can come and go as they please when you are out at work or running errands.

DON’T

…go out with other friends and leave them at home. It’s only polite you at least offer to take them with you when you go out.

…ask them to do menial tasks. They are your visiting guests; treat them as such.

…Keep them awake if they are sleeping in a common space. Too often houseguests who are staying on the couch have to wait until the rest of the apartment has gone to sleep before they can get some rest. If your guest is getting tired and would like to sleep, give them a quiet place to do so.

Following just a few of these basic visiting and entertaining tips will help to avoid those unpleasant and unnecessary houseguest quarrels.

Many factors can contribute to the demise of the festive event. Maybe we are tired from cooking, cleaning or traveling. Maybe we have placed too much pressure on ourselves to make everything perfect. Perhaps reuniting with family has brought back unpleasant feelings from years ago, the way things used to be.

If you just want to go home for Christmas without getting in a family fight, try these 5 strategies:

1. Be a good listener – If a family member starts spouting off about something you don’t agree with, bite your tongue. A good neutral reply is, “That’s an interesting perspective.” By being passive, you will not get into a heated debate. If the person is verbally abusing you though, set boundaries. Let them know immediately that those kind of comments make you feel bad and you will not put up them.

2. Keep visits short – If you are staying with somebody you commonly argue with, it’s good not to overstay your welcome. As the hours or days pass, old patterns of behavior tend to resurface.

3. Keep the conversation positive – Don’t stir up old topics that you know are sore spots. If you are normally the recipient of teasing or complaints, ask family members questions about their own lives. This will keep them talking and distract them from picking on you. Try to keep the conversation positive and don’t make any waves.

4. Give the bragger his spotlight – If you have a family member who loves to talk about how great he is, give him a few minutes to talk and politely listen. Tell him his accomplishments sound great, then interject good news or achievements in your life, too. Remember, the person who brags the most usually has a low self-esteem.

5. Have an escape plan – If you’re nervous about confrontations, before you arrive, tell the family you won’t be able to stay long. If you are enjoying yourself you can always extend your visit. Have your own car so you can leave whenever you want to.

In addition to these strategies, keep alcohol consumption to a minimum. Drinking causes many people to become more outspoken or even boisterous.

Winter Park – If you’re an expert skier and are looking for a challenge, then this resort is for you. Always be on the look out for lift ticket, lodging and ski school discounts on their website.

Keystone – This resort maintains a balance between runs for beginners and intermediates to experts. If you’re an avid skier, check out their season pass for $579 that’s good at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly, and Arapahoe Basin.

Copper Mountain – If you want to get away from the crowds, this mountain is the place to go to lay first tracks. Check out free programs the resort offers like “Kids in the Kitchen,” “Copper Free Ride,” and “En Fuego.”

Aspen Skiing Co. – The company has runs on four different mountains for all levels of skiers, and it’s located in Denver. If you don’t have your own gear, don’t worry, they offer deals on rentals.

Steamboat – For the lightest snow you’ll ever ski on, head to Steamboat Springs. Make it a vacation and check out specials like the “Early Rewards Package,” “Snowsaver Package,” and the “Winter Escape Package.”

Photo by: dfb

About Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is hardly something most people prepare for, but it still affects scores of unsuspecting newcomers to Denver each year. There is a reason Denver is known as the mile high city for a reason, it sits at a staggering 5,280 feet above sea level. At that height, the air pressure is lower making respiration more difficult for some.

Symptoms of altitude sickness:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Diarrhea, Upset Stomach
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

Physical Adjustments to Higher Elevations

Being aware of your elevation and following some common high altitude tips is the best way to reduce the risk of suffering from altitude sickness. The number one way to reduce the risk of sickness is to refrain from any hard physical activity upon arriving to the higher altitude. This allows your body to adjust to the altitude and the air before you begin to push yourself physically once again.

It is also recommended that when climbing to new heights, it is good to take it as slow as possible. This may not always be possible if you are flying into Denver but for those who are moving to Denver by car may want to consider stopping periodically during the trip at different altitudes to lesson the shock of adjustment.

Photo by: Caren

Cooking at High Altitudes

Interestingly enough, it’s not just the body that needs to adjust to the high altitude, its many other things as well, including cooking. Here a few beginner high altitude cooking tips to help adjust to the new elevation.

• Water boils at a slightly lower temperature, so watch the stove, it may be done before you think!
• Also, water burns off quick meaning that it’s easier to cook foods crisp on the outside but soft on the inside. Watch out for this when you are adjusting!
• Watch for sugary syrups that will concentrate faster than they usually do at ground level.
• Read instructions on food items to see if there are specific instructions for cooking at higher altitudes.

You don’t need to be afraid of the adjustments that come with high altitudes, just be aware that a few things will be different and act accordingly.

Photo by: jamelah e.

Products for Organizing Shoes

Shoe Chest – This shoe storage solution provides much needed organization for large shoe wardrobes, cleverly hiding them away behind doors. It’s an attractive and functional way to manage all of your shoes.

Underbed Organizer – This can also fit comfortably at the bottom of your closet. With its see-through cover, protection against dust and moisture, your shoes will be easily accessible and tidy.

Revolving Shoe Tree – This tiered shoe tree requires very little floor space but holds several pairs of shoes. They are easily accessible on its spinning base so you can tuck it away in the corner of a closet.

Shoebby Shoe Boxes – These shoe boxes are innovative because they’re clear, stackable drawers for shoes. They allow you to find shoes easily because you can see them without opening the box.

Photo by: library_chic

Do-It-Yourself Shoe Organizer: Curtained Shoeshelf

Try this clever DIY shoe storage solution if you are a little handy. For this project you’ll need a bookshelf and a lightweight curtain panel, be it used, new, or a thrift store treasure. Repurposing is the name of the game!

The basic design uses the curtains to cover the front of the bookcase and neatly tucking your shoes away on the shelves. Here are a couple of ways to install the curtains on your bookshelf:

Use Twist and Fit Hardware – This makes installation extremely simple. No Screws, nails, or tools are needed because the decorative rod extends as it’s twisted to fit the opening, in this case of your bookshelf.

Use a Tension Rod and Curtain Rings – You can hang the curtains by clipping decorative rings to the top hem and sliding the them over a tension rod suspended at the top of the bookcase.

Traditional, Lightweight Rod and Mounting Hardware – There are many varieties of mounting hardware and lightweight rods for curtains, so choose whatever is easiest for you to install. You’ll want to have a screwdriver on hand, electric if you like, to attach the hardware to the top corners of the bookcase.

2 Funky Alternatives For Shoe Storage Organizers

1. Footprints Shoe Rack
2. Coat Rack Shoe Rack

Over-building and over-population of major metropolitan areas are leading to extreme commutes for many Americans. Here’s a look at the top 10 most congested cities according to Forbes.com.

Photo by: lynac

1. Washington DC
2. Atlanta, GA
3. Los Angeles, CA
4. San Francisco, CA
5. Houston, TX
6. New York, NY
7. Riverside-San Bernardino, CA
8. Chicago, IL
9. Dallas, TX
10. Boston, MA

Employees with long commutes spend more time away from family and less time doing the things they love. Traffic congestion can have other negative effects on drivers, too.

• Higher blood pressure
• Higher stress level
• Sick more often and miss more work
• Lower thresholds for frustration at work
• More headaches
• More chest pains
• More negative moods at home.
• Neck and back problems

So find a job as close to your Denver apartment as you can, and look for a company with flexible start times so you may be able to go to work earlier or later than the majority of commuters and skirt any big traffic jam.

Maybe you love baking just for the sake of baking… or maybe you are having house guests and want to impress them with your domestic prowess… or perhaps there’s a bake sale at a school or church near your Denver apartment. Whatever the reason… grab your oven mitts and get ready to bake the perfect pie!

Photo by: Bradstreet

Select a Recipe

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of pie recipe listings on the internet. The first step is to choose the recipe you find most appealing. You might go with an every day recipe, or choose from a variety of holiday recipes such as pumpkin pie or sweet potato pie.

Photo by: Bethany L. King

Keep Sticky Dough off the Rolling Pin

Lightly dust the entire surface of the rolling pin to prevent dough from sticking. You might repeat this step if the dough starts looking like it’s going to stick. Other options are to use a stockinet-covered rolling pin or a pastry cloth. If the dough is too soft, refrigerate for about one hour.

Get a Good Pie Plate for Baking

You need to have the right plate to get the yummiest, flakiest crust. A heat-resistant glass pie plate works the best. Alternatively, you may go with an aluminum pan with a dull finish if you like your pie crust browned. Do not use a shiny metal pan or you may get a soggy crust. Check the pan size recommended in your recipe.

Photo by: Julian Bleecker

Making Your Pie Crust Look Good

It’s time to make your pie crust look like Martha Stewart herself created it. There are all kinds of decorative pie crust techniques: the pinched edge, the scalloped edge, the forked edge, the pressed rope edge and more. All you need for most methods are your hands and some simple silverware.

To prevent burnt crust, cover the edge of the pie with a 2 to 3-inch wide strip of aluminum foil, mold lightly around edge of pie and bake as directed. Remove aluminum foil 15 minutes before end of baking time to allow edge to brown.

2 Ways to Keep Your Pie Shell from Puffing Up

• Use a fork to poke tiny indentations all over the entire piece of dough.
• Line dough with lightweight aluminum foil, fill with dried beans or pie weights. Remove liner and beans/weights a few minutes before the end of the baking period.

Now that you’ve mastered the crust, you’re well on your way to baking the perfect pie!

Photo by: rainspoo

There are a lot of great things about moving to a new apartment with new surroundings to discover and new people to meet. However, one of the most depressing things about a new apartment is the bare, white walls. Your apartment manager may discourage painting the walls, but there are other ways to spruce up that white space, and one of the best ways is hanging some window treatments and curtains.

Curtains may be the solution to breaking up the boredom, but with so many curtain styles out there, making a decision about what will look best in your Denver apartment can be a challenge. Here’s a list of curtain designs and how they can add some color or flair to your space.

Tab Top Panels – These are usually meant to hang at the edges of a window and can be drawn closed to keep the light out. They come in different lengths that reach the edge of the window sill or the floor. You can also get thermal panel curtains that help keep out the draft.

Photo by: Stitch/Experiment 626

Sheers – These can be used like panel curtains to add a little color or body to a window. Or, they can be used to cover the window working like blinds but allowing more light to come through.

Valance – This type of curtain only covers the top part of a window and is usually used to cover the exposed portions of a curtain rod between to panel curtains. These also work well on windows over the kitchen sink because they are high and less likely to get wet.

Hourglass Curtain – Hourglass curtains work well on doors with windows. Instead of putting up blinds, this type of curtain fits on a rod at the top and bottom and is cinched in the middle by a tie or bow to create an hourglass shape.

Swag Valance – This is different from a regular valance in the fact that it doesn’t have pockets. This is more scarf-like and is draped or wrapped around the curtain rod. These are also good for hiding exposed portions of the curtain rod while adding a more dramatic feel.

Cafe Curtains – These unique window treatments are hung halfway up the window and offer more privacy for windows without blinds. They are usually hung in the kitchen but could be hung in other rooms to create a different feel.

Now that you know the varieties of curtains you’ll come across in the store, don’t forget to measure your windows and take a sample piece of fabric or pillow to match your decor with the color of the curtains before you buy them. Also, if you’re feeling a little adventurous, you can try and make your own.