What happens in Stapleton

Design Trend 2012: Make a Bold Statement with Wallpaper

2012-02-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

We have seen a trend towards wallpaper in the last year. There are so many great textures and patterns to create a bold statement.

Source: House Beautiful

This fireplace in San Francisco is covered in Ralph Lauren Black Yacare Crocodile Wallpaper. We are looking at this product for a new home in Lakewood...love the texture!

Other fun Wallpaper Ideas ...

Source: interiorgrafis.com

Source: WeeDecor.com

Not ready for a big commitment. We saw this product at ICFF in NYC last Spring. A great temporary wallpaper product in amazing bold patterns. The also have a super cute "TOTs" collection, love these Elephants! Visit http://www.tempaperdesigns.com/ for all their great designs. Q+E gets great discounting on this product.

Happy Designing!

Kama Weinberger, ASID, IIDA, CIDC

NCIDQ #13079

Party Week! Deals on kid's parties

2012-02-20T04:38:00.000-08:00

It's Celebration Week over at Plum District!

Grab one of these awesome kid birthday parties! Plus use the promo code denver25 for an extra 25% off!

Party Safari - hands-on reptile show
Summer birthday party at Pirate's Cove water park
Spellbinding Princess Character Visit from Stapleton owned Wands and Wishes Occasions
Birthday Party at the Denver Firefighters Museum
Cupcake Decorating Birthday Party for up to 12 Kids

The Princess parties from Wands and Wishes Occasions are amazing... the Princess sings, dances and completely entrances your little ones! Limited number available for this deal!

And they have boy-themed parties coming soon!

Stapleton expanding north, leaving South Stapleton and Eastbridge behind

2012-02-19T08:30:00.000-08:00

As Stapleton neighborhood prepares to expand north, residents want south projects finished - The Denver Post

Check out the Sunday Business section of The Denver Post.

I learned more about Stapleton development while waiting in line yesterday at Shiny Happy Car Wash than I did from this article. The manager there told me:

The hole they just started digging next to the car wash at Havana and MLK is a dentist office, owned by a Stapleton resident.
Also coming: a bank and a gas station.
As for the grocery store anchor Forest City is waiting on, we all know that Kroger (King Soopers) has the first right of refusal. A FOR SALE sign just went up - perhaps in hopes that someone, anyone will make an offer and get Kroger to either go ahead or give it up?

I also hear anecdotes and rumors from neighbors like this:

Forest City is no longer waiting on the grocery store anchor tenant. If they can get 50% of the leases signed, they'll break ground.
They're looking for restaurants and shops.
Smaller grocery stores are interested, but can't get around the King Soopers lease.
Remediation is finally complete on the Havana "boot" - and what about that school that was planned for Eastbridge, now that DPS is going to build another elementary school for 2013?
There is no money for the green space planned for Eastbridge (after they killed all the prairie dogs).

Here's what John Lehigh, the CEO of Forest City, had to say about Eastbridge development:

"Lehigh said development of the Eastbridge retail center at Martin Luther King Boulevard and Havana Street has been delayed by the inability to secure a grocery store as the anchor tenant.

"I've talked to every grocer for five years, and they're not ready to come," he said, adding, however, that the project and other south-side retail development "might take off this year."

Lehigh said that in addition to slow-moving retail, Forest City has been disappointed in the pace of office development, single-family affordable housing and the performance of some retailers at the Northfield mall north of I-70.

Much of the sluggish pacing, he said, results from years of a recessionary economy that eroded demand for commercial space and dried up credit for apartment development."

We all bought our homes based on Forest City's plans. We assume those plans will come to fruition. We assume that the marketing promise of a walkable neighborhood with plenty of shops and restaurants and local businesses is true. We all assume that someone is looking out for our - the resident's - best interests.

So who is that somebody?

It's not SUN. The SUN board governs what's already here.

It's not the Stapleton Foundation, or the Stapleton Development Committee.

It's the Citizens Advisory Board. They give input on what's coming. (Honestly, I didn't know this until just this week when our friends at StapletonConnect.com explained it to me.)

So my question is this: is it time to shout really loud? If we want Trader Joe's or Sunflower or Sprouts, can we reach out to them? We have neighbors with connections, can this grassroots effort get off the ground?

How I discovered coconut oil is flammable

2012-02-16T19:18:00.000-08:00

I made the perfect chicken parm.

I kept hearing all the great things about cooking with coconut oil: better at high heat, full of good fats and brain nutrients, touted by athletes, and apparently can cure Alzheimer's and diabetes. (Yes, google it.) So imagine what it could do for us normal folks!

It was amazing to cook my chicken parmesan in: it came out PERFECTLY crispy, not an iota of mush. And the chicken was not dry but perfectly juicy. I love this stuff, I said.

Emboldened, the next night I decided to make The Pioneer Woman's onion rings. I mean, frying things is an art, and one I have never mastered, and coconut oil was showing promise.

So I put a few dollops of coconut oil - which is a solid, like Crisco - in a pan and let 'er heat up. For good measure, I added a splash of olive oil for extra flavor.

Then I took a bunch of buttermilk soaked onion slices, dragged them through the flour, put them in the pan, and...

WHOOSH!

A really huge scary fire flared up in the pan. I screamed, my kids screamed, and the fire burned for a bit, then flickered out. It left a nice blackened char on my wall.

And that's how I discovered that coconut oil is flammable.

P.S. The onion rings turned out divine, so I guess the little fire was worth it. If you try this at home, use a dutch oven.

Deal of the Week: Time to get those air ducts cleaned out!

2012-02-16T18:57:00.000-08:00

We see them all the time too—discount value coupons and online offers from air duct cleaners promising amazingly low rates ($59!) for “whole house” cleaning.

Then more often than not, when the crew shows up, they wave a vacuum hose in the duct or won’t even touch the job for that price unless you agree to a lot of add-ons. Watch out for this classic bait and switch!

The U.S. EPA suggests that $450 to $1,000 is a reasonable fee for professional and effective air duct cleaning for a full house. You get what you pay for.

Jake’s uses powerful but gentle equipment to completely clean your system without using abrasive brushes that can cause damage. What sets us apart from most is our video inspection before and after the cleaning. You have a right to see for yourself that the job was done right.

Ask the $59 guys if they do that!

Jake’s is family owned and operated.

Stapleton Moms get 25% off when you mention this ad - and you always get a free estimate!

Jake’s Carpet Cleaning and Restoration. 303-309-9797.

Preview of the New Stapleton Library

2012-02-16T13:19:00.000-08:00

We are all so excited to finally have our own library in Stapleton! I had the privilege to take a tour and love what is in store for us when they open in August.

The library was designed by OZ Architecture in Denver and will have LEED Certification.

The library features areas for Adults, Children and Tweens. Also featured are private areas that can be reserved for studying, meetings and community events.

The space is a open and bright, with lots of natural light and high exposed ceilings. All the mechanical systems are run through access flooring, allowing for the high ceilings

and unobstructed views through out the space.

The checking in and out of books will be fully automated.

The adult non-fiction area features a wonderful fireplace, an amazing focal point you can see from the front of the library. A great place to cozy up with a new book.

The covered front patio will provide benches and rocking chairs for the public to enjoy on a sunny day.

Thank you to Hillary at OZ Architecture and Women in Design for the opportunity to tour the new Stapleton Library.

Happy Reading,

Kama

Deal Alert! Keystone River Run condos 50% off!

2012-02-13T10:48:00.000-08:00

Ski+Snow Deals has a great deal on Keystone lodging! (We're talking $160 per night during spring break!)

In this limited-time deal, enjoy 50% OFF regular rates at River Run Condominiums. This package is customizable with various lift ticket options available at checkout.

Your accommodations are located in the heart of the River Run Village, just minutes from the River Run Gondola and Summit Express High-Speed Quad. The deluxe condo units are decorated with mountain-inspired furnishings and equipped with a complete kitchen and spacious living room.

Keystone’s 135 trails sprawl over two villages – River Run and Mountain House Villages – and three massive mountains.

Kidtopia! Keystone's the place for kid-friendly skiing

2012-02-12T15:18:00.000-08:00

When I asked for kid-friendly ski recommendations, Stapleton Moms overwhelmingly said, "Go to Keystone!" You were right. Here's why.

1. Ski School is fun and kids learn a lot. My 5 year old progressed quickly at Keystone's Ski & Ride School. With several base locations to choose from, it's flexible and convenient. We were at River Run, so he got to ride the gondola up to ski school - which went a long way in the "I'm doing it!"confidence category.

2. If you're serious about learning, Keystone Kroozers is the most cost effective way to go. A single day of Ski School will run you $147, plus $12 for the lift ticket, plus $25 if you rent through the school. Keystone Kroozers is a 3-week program: 3 Saturdays in a row, with the same instructor and the same group of kids. You get a discounted price of $295. But make sure you sign up in plenty of time - there's a $100 late fee when booked within 14 days of sessions - and you need a lift ticket, too.

3. Lessons aren't just for kids. My husband and I hadn't been on skis in 7 years. We needed a refresher course! On a Thursday, we got an instructor all to ourselves. With 19 years experience, she quickly assessed our skill levels and what we could improve on. More importantly, she could speak to my husband in his language, and me in mine. My husband could follow verbal instructions: "Trust your right leg to make that turn, use your inside toe to turn." (Huh?) For me, she figured out I needed to watch and imitate her, and learn it by doing. If it's been a while, a refresher lesson is well worth the money.

4. The snow fort is a huge hit with kids! Especially the little ones! We put out 2 year old in daycare the first day, but that can get pricey ($100+). On the second day, my husband skied while I took the little one up the River Run gondola (entertainment in itself - plus it's discounted if you don't have ski gear) to the snow fort, where he slid, climbed, ran and laughed until his fingers froze. We warmed up in the lodge with hot cocoa, then did it again! Plus, Kidtopia has plenty of activities during the day: crafts and face painting, a parade with Riperoo, cookies & hot cocoa...

5. Good lodging deals. There's plenty of affordable slope side lodging in Keystone. Got your kids in Camp Keystone (Kroozers or Explorers)? Stay at Mountain House. Want to be near the shops & restaurants in the village? Stay at River Run or Keystone Lodge. Most have pools, kitchens and other kid friendly amenities. Get over to Keystone's site to see if you can grab a lodging + lift ticket deal!

6. The Sleigh Ride Dinner will transport you to another world. We loved every minute of it. I can't recommend it highly enough.

7. Tubing. Good for 5 and above (My 5 year old found it a little scary - but he went twice!) Get ready to laugh till it hurts. Sorry, kids under 48" can't go.

Upcoming Kidtopia Dates:
February 17-20
March 10-14
March 17-21

Deal Alert: U-Shampooch Goodies + Bath

2012-02-12T15:14:00.000-08:00

Meet Maggie.

This is her new favorite toy: an indestructible frisbee we found at U-Shampooch. She stashes her frisbee in the dining room all day. When she wants to go out, she picks it up and brings it to me.

Plum District has a deal you cannot pass up: $13 gets you a $10 credit at the boutique (Maggie highly recommends the frisbee) AND a self serve bath! Show your dog some love for Valentine's Day, too!

Try Naked, Post Review, Win a Pizza Party!

2012-02-10T11:16:00.000-08:00

**UPDATE: CONTEST EXTENDED TO 2.29.12!**

HAVE YOU TRIED IT? POST YOUR REVIEW!

Win a Naked Pizza Party!

Simply post a review about our delicious pizza on our Denver Naked Pizza facebook page and/or Yelp between Jan 30-Feb 6th!
Be sure to add “STAPLETON MOM” on your review of the entry.
1 WINNER...
will get a Pizza Party* courtesy of Naked Pizza Denver!
>> Party includes 5 free large pizzas, 2 salads & an order of our cheesy breadstixx
>> 2 Adult T-shirts
>> 2 Kids T-shirts
>> + Fun Naked Swag!
*PICK-UP ONLY (Stapleton area deliveries for $100+ orders)

(303) 355-2443 2207 East Colfax Avenue Denver, CO 80206

Check out the menu here!

Valentine's Day -- Put a Little Love into Your Interior Decor

2012-02-10T08:00:00.001-08:00

This time of year we are seeing red and pink everywhere. Why not put a little love into your Interior Decor with punches of Red and Pink!

Don't be afraid. As many of these photos show it is a splash of color on the walls or accent pieces.

Source: Barbara Gilbert Interiors

Source: House Beautiful

Source: Red River Interiors

Source: Elle Decor

Source: HomeKlondike.com

Happy Valentines Day Everyone
Happy Designing!

Kama Weinberger, ASID, IIDA, CIDC

NCIDQ #13079

Deal of the Week: Valentine's Ideas from Amore Fiori

2012-02-07T22:06:00.000-08:00

We love roses on Valentine's Day - but there are lots of other flowers to choose from, so we asked Michelle at Amore Fiori for some Valentine's Day ideas!

TULIPS
"Tulips are a great example of a unique flower for Valentine’s Day. In season from December through April, Tulips are available in many colors including pink, red, yellow, white, and purple. Tulips have a a very beautiful, delicate scent and are gorgeous alone or even mixed in with a variety of tulips."

LILIES
"Lilies feature a striking shape and are available in a hue of warm burgundys, pinks and whites and are a fresh take on traditional valentine’s flowers. Due to their showy appearance, mixing Oriental lilies with additional flowers could prove to be a bit tricky, Roses in coordinating hues would definitely add to the overall appeal of the lily flowers. "

Order your Valentine's Day flowers from Amore Fiori in the Stapleton Town Center by February 10th and get FREE delivery! Call 303-333-3848!

TOKYO MILK BATH & BODY PRODUCTS
"Tokyo Milk is a wonderful bath and body line – lip balm, candles, hand lotion, perfume. Buy any 3 products and get 20% off!"

And Amore Fiori donates 10% of your purchase to any Stapleton school - be sure to tell them yours!

Don't forget... You can use the handy buttons below to share this with a friend or give your sweetheart a hint...

3 perfect hours: the quintessential dinner sleigh ride

2012-02-05T21:11:00.000-08:00

This weekend, we went on a Dinner Sleigh Ride in Keystone.

It was a magical experience.

I don't know about you, but growing up in Colorado sometimes meant not experiencing the western things that fell into the touristy bucket - like the Sand Dunes or Buffalo Bill's grave or cowboy dinners around the chuck wagon.

So this was my first ever dinner sleigh ride.

It was a journey to get there: two bus rides just to get to the sleigh - a huge, festive red sleigh big enough for 24 plus the driver, Cowboy Buck, pulled by two massive draft horses. Like, the Budweiser horses. They stand 9 feet tall and weigh 2,000 pounds each, and they were born to pull heavy loads.

We snuggled under thick blankets and slid through a silent white meadow, a former lettuce farm. The tracks of a herd of elk spotted the snow, and a lone coyote howled somewhere in the hills. The moon was full and lit up the meadow like daylight. It was magical. By the time we arrived at the old farm homestead, we were already transported to another time.

The dining hall was warm and cozy. A cowgirl with a guitar sang to us. A pot of hearty beef and barley soup was waiting, with warm buttermilk biscuits and hot cocoa - and a shot of peppermint schnapps to warm up the adults.

My boys ate like they hadn't been fed all day.

Yes, there was a full steak dinner served, and apple pie a la mode, but it's that beef and barley cowboy soup I'm still thinking about.

Tomorrow, I'm going to make this recipe from my new favorite cookbook: Sunday Soups. Suzie the Foodie, I'll let you know how it turns out!

Deal Alert: Superbowl Party-Pack from Rocky Mountain Chili Bowl

2012-02-03T05:24:00.000-08:00

Don't bring boring old chips & spinach dip - everybody loves the person who brings green chili to the Superbowl party!

Colorado has a love affair - no, an obsession - with green chili, and some of the best is just around the corner.

Pick up this awesome deal from our friends at Rocky Mountain Chili Bowl and be the hit of the party!

Denver Preschoolers are ready for kindergarten

2012-01-31T21:07:00.000-08:00

By Eileen Piper, CEO of the Denver Preschool Program

There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about the education of my children. As the CEO of the Denver Preschool Program and as a parent myself, I’m constantly considering how to best educate and support my children so that they become well-rounded and successful adults.

In my position at the Denver Preschool Program, I have the advantage of learning preschool’s benefits on a deep level and am happy to report to other parents that preschool is an investment worth making. I’ve seen it in my own children, and we see it in many of the students who enroll in the Denver Preschool Program.

For those who aren’t familiar, the Denver Preschool Program is the result of a ballot initiative that passed in 2006. The program sets aside .12 percent of Denver sales tax revenue to fund tuition credits to help families pay for preschool and quality improvement grants to help providers improve their programs. All Denver children are eligible to participate in the year before kindergarten, and today nearly 70 percent of the city’s 4-year-olds are participating, making us one of the highest enrolled preschool programs in the country.

After only five years as a program, we’ve helped pay for more than 20,000 kids to go to preschool and are already seeing positive results from the program.

We just released our annual evaluation report, which revealed that Denver Preschool Program students made significant progress during their preschool year—progress that is above and beyond what is considered typical.

The vast majority of Denver Preschool Program children leave the program ready for kindergarten, both academically and emotionally. And we know that those kids who are ready for kindergarten are more likely to be successful in school and later in life.

We also learned from our evaluation report just how important preschool quality is to parents. Parents surveyed revealed that quality was a more important factor in selecting a preschool than cost. That may be why more than 90 percent of DPP students are enrolled in the highest quality preschools.

Many parents begin considering where to send their child to preschool at this time of year. As you think about that decision, I encourage you to consider the school’s quality rating. You can learn more about these quality ratings – as well as further information about the Denver Preschool Program’s various preschool partners – by visiting our website at www.DenverPreschoolProgram.org.

In considering your child’s future, remember that preschool is an investment in a bright future for your child. To learn more about enrolling in the Denver Preschool Program, visit our website or contact us at 303-595-4DPP or info@dpp.org.

Things I've learned while resuming pre-kid activities

2012-01-29T18:21:00.000-08:00

In my quest to return to some of the activities I enjoyed in my pre- kids life, I've learned a few things.

1. Fashions have changed in the past 6 years. Ok, truth be told, my ski jacket is about a decade old by now, as you can see. My Jamba Juice bike shirt looks like it could fit a 12 year old, and the bike shorts? Well, let's just hope the material wasn't worn so thin back in the day.

2. Technology has leaped and bounded so much that our equipment should be hung on lodge walls or made into fences. We might as well strap 2x4's to our feet than head for the slopes with our skis. And my road bike looks like it belongs in the era of a Schwinn 10-speed. When I brought it into Cycleton for a tune-up, the mechanic looked at me doubtfully. "We'll try blowing out the gear shifter, then call you to see if the rest is worth it." (Or something like that.)

3. We might as well start fresh. I'm signing up for a ski lesson, a "refresher," if you will, at Keystone. I don't even know how to ski on the new skis. Weight forward or back? Hips squared? Yeah, I need a refresher.

Neighborhood consignment shop: thumbs up! Take the survey!

2012-01-29T08:53:00.000-08:00

We love to see new businesses blossoming (if they can afford the Forest City rents!) and here's a great idea: an upscale consignment shop!

Think about that Juicy Couture jacket in your closet with the tags still on it. Or the pristine, perfect condition Baby Gap wardrobe your 2 year old has outgrown. Your once loved fashions can be a treasure for someone else and make you some extra money!

Think it's a good idea? Something you'd use or not? They want to know - so go take this short survey - I just did and it took 60 seconds! Link: http://bit.ly/ya2kRH

(We heard a rumor that Forest City is ditching the grocery store in the Eastbridge Town Center in favor of smaller shops... we hope you'll open here!)

Deal Alert: Go and have fun in the big snow

2012-01-27T14:23:00.000-08:00

It's finally snowing in the high country! Vail is reporting nearly 5 feet this week!

We're always looking for lodging deals, so take advantage of this one:

Stay anytime at The Inn & Suites at Riverwalk in Edwards - just minutes from Beaver Creek & Vail - with this special 20% discount just for Stapleton Moms! Any stay, any time!

The Inn & Suites at Riverwalk is located just 1 mile from Arrowhead, 2.5 miles from the base of Beaver Creek and 12 miles from Vail!

The Inn & Suites at Riverwalk, situated on the banks of the Eagle River, offers charming high-mountain ambiance with comfortable guest rooms and lavish 1 and 2 Bedroom suites with River or Mountain views. Located in Edwards’ premier pedestrian village of Riverwalk, they're within steps of some of the Valley’s best restaurants, bars, and a wide variety of specialty shops. The community includes luxurious salons & spas, a four-screen first-run movie theatre, an artisan village market, banks, and a yoga studio - all just outside the front door.

Family friendly:

Year-round heated pool
Kids under 16 stay FREE!

Guests can book two ways:

ONLINE:

Go to: www.innandsuitesatriverwalk.com

Click on Group Reservations
Enter the Group ID: STAPLE
Enter the Password: MOMS

All available room types will populate the booking field, with the discounted rates displayed, and guests can choose their preferred room type.

By Phone:

Call our friendly reservations staff at 888-926-0606
Reference the Group Name STAPLE

The agents will quote the discounted rates and can book the reservations.

Design Ideas: 3 Ways To Use Metallics

2012-01-27T08:00:00.000-08:00

Want to add a bit of glitz to your home while still keeping it classy? Metallics are excellent way to add both shimmer and elegance.

While metallics are typically found in vases, containers, and other accessories, you might want to check out these three unusual ways to use metallics.

1. Tableware. Metallic tableware brings instant glamour to even the most casual family dinner. For a more eclectic effect, layer different sheens and patterns.

Photo: Elle Decor

2. Curtains. Choose fabrics with a very subtle metallic sheen to add shimmer without overwhelming your room. Solid, neutral colors in simple shapes usually work best for this.

Photo: westelm.com

3. Produce Displays. Spray paint pumpkins, apples, pears, or other produce in rich metallic colors. The result is a fresh, dramatic take on typical centerpiece arrangements.

Photo: aholidayhaven.com

Happy Designing!

Kama Weinberger, ASID, IIDA, CIDC

NCIDQ #13079

A doctor for the whole family

2012-01-23T20:25:00.000-08:00

Imagine this scenario: your toddler brings home a nasty bug, and of course passes it on to you. You take him to the pediatrician. It's strep throat. They write a prescription for antibiotics for your little one, but they can't culture you or write you a prescription. You'll have to make a second appointment at your doctor for yourself.

Wouldn't it be great if you had a doctor who could take care of all of you in one trip?

Hey, this is Stapleton: ask and you shall receive.

Say hello to Exempla Stapleton Family & Occupational Medicine - where Dr. Walsh, Dr. Artist and Dr. Buisker offer these services:

Same Day Appointments

Primary Care and Preventive Medicine

Occupational Medicine

Pediatrics and Newborn Care

Women's Health Care

Management of Acute and Chronic Illnesses

School and Sports Physicals

Musculoskeletal Problems

Minor Procedures

X-ray on-site

“Exempla is proud to be a member of the Stapleton community because it is so unique,” said Exempla Practice Manager Jane Gustafson. “We offer medical services and extended hours geared specifically for busy families."

Hours of operation:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Wednesday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday 8:30 am to 12:30 pm

2803 Roslyn (Behind the King Soopers)Denver, Colorado 80238

Office: 303.403.6300

Winter care for Colorado plants

2012-01-22T19:04:00.000-08:00

Guest post by Sarah Christian, ASLA Landscape Architect, Urban Gardens, Inc.

WHY WATER?

Unlike some parts of the country, Colorado can experience periods of especially harsh fall and winter conditions characterized by dry air, low precipitation, little soil moisture, and fluctuating temperatures. When we experience extended dry periods, there is not enough soil moisture which puts the root system of trees, shrubs, perennials and lawns at risk if not given supplemental water. Plants that are affected may appear normal in the spring but die when temperatures rise in the late spring or summer because their resources have been depleted. Lack of winter water may also make plants susceptible to insect and disease problems.

WHEN TO WATER?

Monitor soil conditions closely from November through March and water during dry periods when there has been no snow cover for two weeks. You need to water when air and soil temperatures are above 40 degrees F, the soil is not frozen and there is no snow on the ground. You should also water mid-day so the water can soak into the ground before freezing nighttime temperatures occur. Don’t forget to disconnect the hose when you are finished watering.

WHAT TO WATER?

Newly planted trees or plants, transplanted plants, evergreens and broadleaf evergreens that loose moisture through their needles/leaves, and shallow rooted trees are especially vulnerable. Lawns, especially newly established ones, can also suffer winter damage and will need occasional supplemental watering to avoid susceptibility to winter grass mites and desiccation. Even established plants should be watered in times of winter drought but can go longer between watering than the categories mentioned above.

HOW MUCH TO WATER?

Most trees, especially when they are establishing their root systems during the first five years after planting, should get ten gallons per inch of trunk diameter. Smaller shrubs (under 3’ tall) should receive five gallons and larger shrubs (over 6’ tall) should receive 18 gallons of water.

WHERE TO WATER?

Water trees to a depth of 12” using a deep root watering device and apply water to all areas beneath the tree and its dripline. Shrubs should also be watered around the base and within the dripline. For newly planted perennials, check the soil conditions 2-3” deep and water around the root ball if the ground appears dry.

WHAT ELSE TO DO?

Winter mulching is another helpful practice to combine with watering. Plants in exposed areas, generally warmer south and west exposures, are subject to freeze-thaw conditions which open cracks in the soil that expose roots to cold and drying.

SOURCES:

Colorado State Extension Fact Sheet 7.211 – Fall & Winter Watering http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/Garden/07211.html

Planttalk Colorado™ – Script 1706 – Winter Watering http://www.ext.colostate.edu/ptlk/1706.html

Originally published on Urban Gardens, Inc. by Sarah Christian, ASLA Landscape Architect

It's something in the water

2012-01-22T13:04:00.000-08:00

There's a baby boom going on! I have several friends who've just had babies, or are about to soon! There is nothing funner than shopping for those teeny tiny newborn baby things... onesies, gowns, hats and tiny socks.

If you go into Naturally Loved, not only will you find a fresh selection of adorable things, but you'll see Aly has been drinking the water, too. In fact, she's holding a contest: guess what day she's going to have her baby, along with the sex, and you could win $25 in Naturally Loved bucks!

Check out all the classes they've got going on, too: from guitar to infant massage, from prenatal yoga to sign language.

Why you should get LASIK

2012-01-21T06:01:00.000-08:00

Why did I wait so long to get LASIK? If I had known how amazing it would be, and how easy the procedure is, I would have done it years ago!

Bye-bye contacts, bye-bye dizzy glasses!

I am a true believer in the marvels of modern medicine! (Yeah, I know.... it's been around a long time but when you can see... amazing!)

What was your vision?

Awful. 20/400. I could see about 3 feet in front of me. Glasses just made me dizzy because I had no peripheral vision.

So why did you wait?

The first time I was told I was a good candidate, I was pregnant. Pregnancy can temporarily change the shape of your eye, or even alter your vision slightly, so I was advised to wait two years after I was done nursing.

What was the procedure like?

A little bit like being abducted by aliens. "Watch the green flashing light..." It was quick, totally painless, a little bit of pressure. Even the things to hold your eyes open weren't as bad as I thought. Did I mention quick? Ten minutes, and the whole thing was done. And I stood up and I COULD SEE!!!

How much did it cost?

A lot. Like, in the neighborhood of $1,500- $2,000 per eye, depending on where you go. But you can finance it for 24 months, and use pre-tax dollars through your FLEX spending plan, if you have one. And I opted for the lifetime guarantee, in case 10 years from now I need an adjustment. And I chose the place with the newest laser. This is, without a doubt, the best investment I could have made!

Where did you go?

I got a couple of opinions, and went to 20/20 LASIK Institute. They have the newest and greatest laser. It was an awesome experience, from beginning to end. The evaluation to see whether you're a candidate is free. They take a lot of time answering all your questions and concerns. The day of surgery, they go over everything again, you meet with the surgeon, they make you comfortable, give you good drugs and then get 'er done.

How's your recovery?

On the way home, I asked for a strawberry shake, then fell asleep. I slept for 4 hours, got up and had my shake, relaxed all day with a few catnaps, had to force myself to say off the computer, slept till 5 am and woke up feeling great! My eyes are occasionally slightly itchy. I'm just putting the eye drops in. I'll be able to drive myself to the followup appointment today!

Thanks Megan, Dr. Danzo, Dr. Chang, Dr. Bircham, and the entire staff!

Trader Joe's coming to Colorado!

2012-01-19T20:14:00.000-08:00

OK, to Boulder, but Denver won't be far behind! This could be bigger than IKEA! What - you hadn't heard? Get over to Facebook and like us for all that breaking news!

Little Me's InsideWalk Sale

2012-01-17T20:19:00.000-08:00

The coolest little store for your little ones is having a sale!

Visit Little Me's in Cherry Creek North!

What happens in Stapleton

Design Trend 2012: Make a Bold Statement with Wallpaper

Party Week! Deals on kid's parties

Cupcake Decorating Birthday Party for up to 12 Kids

Stapleton expanding north, leaving South Stapleton and Eastbridge behind

How I discovered coconut oil is flammable

Deal of the Week: Time to get those air ducts cleaned out!

Preview of the New Stapleton Library

Deal Alert! Keystone River Run condos 50% off!

Kidtopia! Keystone's the place for kid-friendly skiing

Deal Alert: U-Shampooch Goodies + Bath

Try Naked, Post Review, Win a Pizza Party!

Valentine's Day -- Put a Little Love into Your Interior Decor

Deal of the Week: Valentine's Ideas from Amore Fiori

3 perfect hours: the quintessential dinner sleigh ride

Deal Alert: Superbowl Party-Pack from Rocky Mountain Chili Bowl

Denver Preschoolers are ready for kindergarten

Things I've learned while resuming pre-kid activities

Neighborhood consignment shop: thumbs up! Take the survey!

Deal Alert: Go and have fun in the big snow

Design Ideas: 3 Ways To Use Metallics

A doctor for the whole family

Winter care for Colorado plants

It's something in the water

Why you should get LASIK

Trader Joe's coming to Colorado!

Little Me's InsideWalk Sale