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Summer is for Exploring

With the amount of time each of us spends online these days — whether in front of a desktop screen or the pocket-sized computer we hold in our hand at all times — it feels that true adventure is slipping away.

It takes real effort and intention to plug into the here and now, the physical world. Each July, our Explore issue highlights travel and adventure. And this year, more than ever, we hope it inspires you to be intentional with your time, to find the joy in curiosity, to engage in the world around you. Granted, we're so blessed in Douglas County to be able to step outside our doors and be minutes from epic hiking, biking, water sports, you name the activity.

And this month, there's the 108th Douglas County Fair & Rodeo to explore from July 24-Aug. 2. What's not to love about this annual tradition? It's as summer as fireworks and popsicles. With concerts, arts and crafts exhibits, mutton bustin, rodeo queens, cowboys, cowgirls, longhorns, and more, your family will be entertained and experience the heart of Western and ag culture. Even if you're more city girl than country, this is the place to be in Douglas County this July.

Contributor Kristin Kelly takes you on a journey with Ginger, a vintage Silver Streak camper trailer that has been so much more than just a mobile bed.

Writer Lindsey McKissick of the Highlands Ranch Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund shares her hard-earned experience in growing an adventure-loving family. Kids don't stop the fun, they make it possible.

There's so much to see and do this July. Here's to happy trails — and maybe even a blue ribbon or two at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo. Happy exploring, Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree!

PUBLISHER

Jennifer Starbuck | jennifer.starbuck@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Angela Grissom | angela.grissom@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Angie Jehu | angie.jehu@citylifestyle.com

INTERN

Riley Frye | riley.frye@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kristin Kelly, Christine DeHerrera, Angela Grissom, Angie Jehu

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Angela Grissom

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

inside the issue

Your doctor should be part of your wellness — not just your sick days.

Highlands Ranch families invest in their health — the workouts, the nutrition, the annual labs. But most still have a doctor they see once a year for seven minutes. At Ascend, your membership gives you unlimited access to a doctor who knows your health goals, texts you back same day, and partners with your wellness year-round. Preventive care, same-day sick visits, women’s health, in-house labs, and procedures — all included. One flat monthly fee. No insurance games.

• $130/mo per adult

• $240/mo per couple

• $325/mo per family of four

• *Unlimited calls, texts, emails, in-office visits and procedures

ACCEPTING NEW MEMBERS

Registration fees waived with guaranteed lifetime pricing.

— Available for a limited time only.

1-7: Highlands Ranch City Lifestyle’s monthly morning networking event, Biz Buzz, was hosted on June 5 at the new offices of The Oddo Group, A Division of Luminate Bank, in Highlands Ranch.

8-10: The City of Lone Tree officially broke ground on Phase One of High Note Park. Located on the east side of Interstate 25 near RidgeGate Parkway, this 80-acre development will become the largest park in Lone Tree once completed. Pictured: Lone Tree City Council, Lone Tree City Manager, and funding partners for the project — Douglas County, Denver South, South Suburban Parks & Recreation District, Great Outdoors Colorado. 11-14: NYT Bestselling Author Jack Carr visited the Douglas County School District Legacy Campus on May 16 for a conversation with Ross Kaminsky of KOA 850 AM.

PROVIDED BY CITY OF LONE TREE

HUTCH TIBBETTS, DOUGLAS COUNTY LIBRARIES

The Bob K Memorial Foundation raised over $16,000 for the nonprofit Wings of Hope for Pancreatic Cancer Research at the first Bob Lob Pickleball Tournament on May 30, held at the Southpark Pickleball Complex. The Highlands Ranch-based nonprofit Bob K Memorial Foundation honors Bob Kummer, who died of pancreatic cancer in May 2023. bobkmemorialfoundation.my.canva.site 15: Board members of The Bob K Memorial Foundation with the winners of the competitive division. 16: Board members and family members. 17: Maureen Shul with Wings of Hope and Kellee Ellis with The Bob K Memorial Foundation. 18: This tournament had all ages, genders, and some really awesome matching outfits! 19: Winners of the Amateur league, Ashlynn and Cody Mazurek. 20: Competitive 1st Place — Jake Singleton, Vince Parenti. Competitive 2nd Place — Amy Seneshen, Allison MacKinnon

22-24: Pitmaster and G-Que Barbeque founder, Jason Ganahl, signed copies of his new cookbook, G-Que BBQ: A Mile Above the Rest, June 6 at the Lone Tree restaurant. In his new book, Ganahl, a Lone Tree resident, shares recipes, techniques, and mindset that helped turn a backyard passion into one of America’s Top 75 Fast Casual brands. gquebbq.com

• Slow drains: buildup, partial blockage, or venting issues.

• Running toilets: faulty ﬂappers, ﬁll valves, or leaks.

• No hot water: water heater failure, thermostat issues, or gas/electrical problems.

• Disposal won’t turn on: Tripped reset button, power issue, faulty switch, or motor failure.

• Dripping faucets: worn cartridges, washers, or valves.

ROUNDUP OF

Old Blinking Light Celebrates Grand Reopening

Old Blinking Light is proud to announce its grand reopening in Highlands Ranch under new ownership and management, featuring a stunning remodel, refreshed patio, and the same chef-driven food guests know and love. “We’re excited to welcome back our loyal longtime customers while inviting new guests to experience OBL,” says Jen Sanchez, general manager. Enjoy Monday half-off pizzas and select wines, Taco Tuesday specials, weekend prime rib, oysters, chef features, and handcrafted cocktails. Plus, keep a lookout for fun new events. oldblinkinglight.com

HRCA Presents 2026 Community Scholarships to Local Students

The Highlands Ranch Community Association recently announced the recipients of its 2026 Community Scholarship Fund awards. The 2026 scholarship cycle marked the largest applicant pool in the program’s history, with more than 160 students applying and 33 scholarships awarded. Funding comes primarily from HRCA’s annual signature event, the Highlands Ranch Beer Festival, held each spring at Civic Green Park. To learn more or to donate go to hrcaonline.org and search for Community Scholarship Fund.

BackPack Society Free Summer Food Program

Backpack Society’s Summer Food Program returns this summer through July 31 with new pickup locations for school-aged children. Kids struggling with food insecurity will receive a bag of shelf-stable, easyto-prepare food containing six meals and snacks. Highlands Ranch pickup locations include Eastridge and Westridge Recreation Centers and Backpack Society. For more details and a complete list of pickup locations across Douglas and Arapahoe counties, visit www.backpacksociety. org/summer-food-program

Photography Provided by OBL

Photography Provided by HRCA

Mauzie's Fine Jewelry Announces Newest Collection of Customizable Pendants

Mauzie's newest line of pendants, Rooted in Love, is inspired by the strength of family connections. Each pendant features a branch-inspired design handcrafted in 18k gold and adorned with bezel-set colored diamonds. Uniquely customized to represent the people who matter most, whether that's children, grandchildren, partners, parents, or lifelong friends, the branch-like design symbolizes the roots that keep us grounded, while the colored diamonds add a personal touch and meaningful story to each piece. www.mauzies.com

Highlands Ranch resident to compete on Food Network's 100 Cooks

Highlands Ranch resident and Mexican cookbook author and content creator, Yvette MarquezSharpnack, will appear as contestant #6 on Food Network’s new competition series 100 Cooks. Hosted by Terry Crews and judged by Alex Guarnaschelli and Nick DiGiovanni, the seven-week competition features 100 home cooks from across the country competing in culinary challenges for a chance to win $250,000. New episodes air Sundays on Food Network and stream the next day on HBO Max through July 19. Follow @muybuenocooking on Instagram for updates.

Morgan Adams Foundation Business Partnership Program

In honor of September Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, companies across Colorado are helping to raise awareness and funding for pediatric cancer research by donating a portion of their proceeds to The Morgan Adams Foundation. Your business can choose your participation level. The Morgan Adams Foundation will provide all materials and feature your company in all promotional elements! For more information, email kat@morganadamsfoundation.org.

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Photography Provided by Mauzie’s

Photography by Food Network

FLOORS DOORS STORAGE

TOTAL GARAGE FINISHING

GARAGE KINGS DENVER

Locally Owned & Operated

Derek Keller, Highlands Ranch Resident

E X C E P T I O N A L H O M E S .

E X C E P T I O N A L S E R V I C E .

G a r r e t t a n d R a c h e l R u s s e l l

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g a r r e t t . r u s s e l l @ c o m p a s s . c o m

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Meet Your Neighbor: Debbie Mills

Douglas County Fair & Rodeo Fair Board Director, Debbie Mills Leads With Style and Grace

Recognized as Committee Woman of the Year by The Women’s Professional Rodeo Association, Debbie Mills is the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo Fair Board Director.

DEBBIE, STARTING IN THE MIDDLE, CAN YOU SHARE ABOUT TRAVELING TO RODEOS WITH YOUR GIRLS WHEN THEY WERE YOUNGER?

They did youth rodeo in high school, primarily National Little Britches Rodeo, while online schooling. So, we would leave on Wednesdays and go to Utah, Kansas, Wyoming, all over Colorado, every weekend, year-round. You know, you can do it as much as you want to. And it’s great because of the relationships they built. They still keep in touch with kids from when they were kids. Traveling like that gives you an opportunity to meet people that you would never normally get a chance to meet. It is really like a family.

DID YOU GROW UP FAMILIAR WITH THE RODEO?

No. My parents got me a pony when we moved to Colorado. I hated moving when I was in fifth grade. (It was a hard transition,) and that pony was so mean. It dragged me around and kicked

ARTICLE BY CASSANDRA GREEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY ABBY WATKINS

me, and I never told my mom. She would just drop us off. Those were the days when you just kind of got dropped off, and you just survived until it was dark and you had to come in.

So, when our girls started riding, we wanted to make sure they knew what they were doing and make sure they were safe. It’s like anything: the more you get into something, the more specialized your equipment gets, the more you know.

WHAT MADE IT A PASSION FOR YOU?

Every little girl loves a horse, right? So, it was just knowing that I had one. Not everybody gets that opportunity. We lived a mile from where we kept the horses, so I used to ride my bike to go feed them. It was my friend’s property, so we took turns taking care of things. I mean, that’s the thing about animals, 4-H and horses: they have to be your priority. You can’t say “Oh, I’m gonna go out with my friends.” You have to take care of your horses.

When our girls went to college, they had seven horses at the time. It makes you realize it’s a lifetime sport.

HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN WITH THE DOUGLAS COUNTY FAIR & RODEO?

20 years this year! It’s amazing that it’s gone that fast, and it’s changed tremendously [over] the last 20 years. Because we are a fair and rodeo, you can go ride carnival rides, check out the animal barns and vendors. You can do [activities] along the midway. There are food vendors. There’s a lot to do! I think the average stay is about two and a half hours. You get a little bit of everything.

CAN YOU SHARE ABOUT YOUR DISTINCT STYLE?

My motto is turquoise goes with everything. I love turquoise. I always wear it. I also love vintage. To me, it’s something you can do year-round and no matter where you go.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A PART OF THE DOUGLAS COUNTY FAIR & RODEO FOR YOU?

I love it! I can remember when we used to meet in the back room at Village Inn on Free Pie Wednesday. You know, we’d have these meetings, and at the end of the fair, all the directors back when it was a private association would pull out their checkbooks and write checks for what wasn’t covered. It has grown so much!

For me, it’s exciting to see the changes and the things we’ve been able to do. We’ve been able to appreciate the heritage, but bring new things in and keep people involved in it.

We’ve been around since 1918, and there’s a lot of history there. Agriculture will never go away. If you eat, you’re part of agriculture. It’s important to keep people involved.

Purchase tickets to the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo at douglascountyfairandrodeo.com

Connected Care Every Step of the Way

BEAUTIFUL SIMPLICITY: FARM-TO-TABLE BRUNCH AT THE FAIR & RODEO

ARTICLE BY CHRISTINE DEHERRERA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGELA MARIE CREATIVE

Creating AweInspiring Dishes From Locally Grown Ingredients

Editor’s Note: The Douglas County Fair & Rodeo marks its 108th year July 24th through August 2nd celebrating Douglas County’s Western and ag roots. This year’s fair and rodeo features premier acts such as Trace Adkins and AWOLNATION, ProRodeo events, food and arts open class competitions, and more. Find tickets and more information douglascountyfairandrodeo.com

County fairs have long been social events that included sharing a meal and making friendships that last for years. This tradition hasn’t disappeared; it’s evolved. The Farm-To-Table Brunch at the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo brings together neighbors and local agricultural producers to enjoy an outdoor dining experience under a soaring blue sky. Executive Chef Brandon Cant of Coast2Coast Culinary has years of experience cooking good food for people he cares about, and his menus reflect that. In his second year as chef of the brunch, he offers interactive stations that bring producers and diners together for the ultimate summer meal.

Simple ingredients are the cornerstone of the menu and guide Chef Brandon’s philosophy. “For me, a sense of wonder comes from allowing food to shine. There’s beauty in simplicity, and that’s why I don’t overcomplicate my food. How can we take vegetables and make it its own station? Or eggs? Or potatoes? How can we take those things and make them awe-inspiring? That was the fun part for me. Take something simple and make it beautiful.”

A perfect example of beautiful simplicity is the fried egg station. “You can do a thousand different things with eggs,” Chef Brandon explains, “but being able to top it with a little chimichurri or miso butter and chives, that one topping or garnishment takes it to another level.”

The bread-and-butter tasting flight features naturally leavened sourdough loaves from CastleDough, an artisan bakery owned by Coy Pfleger. “One of our main grains, Yecora Rojo, is grown in the San Luis Valley and milled in Boulder,” Pfleger says. “Knowing where our ingredients come from also helps us share the story behind the bread and the people who make it possible.”

Pfleger developed a passion for baking from his mother. His deep interest in the craft of working with fermented grains grew out of breadmaking for his family. Demand quickly grew for his loaves, made using traditional methods, clean ingredients, and local grains.

“My goal truly was never just to sell baked goods; it was to connect people with quality food, local agriculture, and community,” he explains. A brick-and-mortar store opens in Castle Rock later this year.

Like all the producers featured at this year’s brunch, Pfleger connected with Chef Brandon over a shared passion for quality food and community.

“People are realizing how disconnected, and often unhealthy, our modern food system has become,” Chef Brandon says. “[When people] have the opportunity to meet the growers and producers behind their food, they gain a deeper appreciation for the care, transparency, and quality that goes into what they’re feeding their families. It also helps strengthen our local economy and reminds people that there are incredible local options available right here.”

This is the point. Celebrating the rich history of agriculture in Douglas County and Colorado while enjoying summer with friends new and old is what the Farm-To-Table Brunch is about. Chef Brandon says, “Being outdoors and feeling connected to the food. People and gathering and mingling. It’s just a great time.”

“My style of cooking is doing things that are well-known to people, easily recognizable to people, but executing it on a high level. Cooking food most people know really well.”

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Overlooking the Collegiate Peaks in

VINTAGE, REIMAGINED

From Denver to Palm Springs, a Restored Trailer Sparks a Journey Filled With Challenges, Nostalgia and Unexpected Connection

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTIN KELLY

It’s 4 a.m. in Palm Springs, Calif., and I’m wide awake inside our 19-foot vintage Silver Streak trailer, listening to the rain pelt the aluminum siding and the wind ravage the turquoise-and-white awning.

Colorado

On the Arkansas River

Just hours earlier, we’d finished the 18-hour, 800mile trip from Denver.

“We’d better take the awning down,” I said to my husband, Michael, knowing he’d be irritated, but also knowing that the dumb thing would probably blow away. We’d be out 400 bucks, plus we needed it for the exact reason we’d made this trip: the Palm Springs Modernism Week Vintage Trailer Show.

So we took it down in the pouring rain, in the mud, and in the middle of the night. Anyone who travels in a trailer (vintage or otherwise) knows there are things you don’t want to deal with: high winds, torrential downpours, bad campgrounds. However, vintage trailers come with their own unique set of problems.

They leak; the awnings collapse under rain; the axles fail. And anyone who says there’s no water damage on a vintage trailer is a liar.

We bought the trailer in 2023; Michael towed it all the way back from Idaho. It had been used as a fishing trailer, so it was in rough shape. But we knew this one

was a diamond in the rough. Silver Streaks this size (19 feet) and in this model (the “Jet”) are fairly rare. We’ve only seen a few in the vintage trailer community. Although often mistaken for an Airstream, and closely related, they are separate brands with unique construction methods.

After tearing out most of the insides, it quickly became clear that we were in way over our heads. We hired a professional to do the big stuff: plumbing, electrical, the frame, and the new lime-green Marmoleum flooring. More than a year later (and way more money than we ever imagined), we got her back. Like boats, many vintage trailers are “she’s” and often have names. We named ours Ginger after her red Silver Streak emblems.

Michael handled the finish work, rebuilding the cabinets, adding a wraparound bench, installing a new hot-water heater and lights, and polishing the trailer for the first time in 63 years (it took five full days). We kept the best and most-loved parts: the original pink tub, pink sinks, and pink glitter countertops.

Ginger's kitchen

“Somewhere along the way, Ginger became more than a project. She’s a magnet for stories, connections, and shared nostalgia.”

I planned the color scheme around all the pink and the green floors; many vintage trailers can be dark inside with dark wood, so we were aiming for a light and bright interior. I got lucky with some fabric for the curtains with the colors I was hoping for: pink, turquoise, and lime green.

As Ginger started to take shape, we knew she was special and, like car collectors, we wanted to show her off. Our first stop was the Antiques at the Spanish Peaks Vintage Trailer Rally in La Veta, Colo., where we showed our trailer with about 15 other owners. The vintage trailer community in Colorado is a

tight-knit group (one place to look is Colorado Tin Canners). Some restore their trailers; some don’t. But all love them just the same.

Our big trip was for this year’s Modernism Show in February in Palm Springs. We spent months preparing for the trip. Staging a trailer is a vital part of showing it. Unlike showing a vintage car, trailers come with an astounding assortment of miscellany. People arrive with truckfuls of stuff: outdoor rattan furniture sets, Mid-Mod fireplace units, rugs, bar carts (Tiki is hugely popular with this crowd), luggage, and the list goes on.

In fact, one of the awards at many vintage trailer shows is for staging. We spent a great deal of time thinking about staging not just the inside of our trailer, but the outside as well. We had the awning (that we saved from the storm – yay!), webbed lawn chairs, a vintage 7-Up cooler, and a bar cart ready for martinis.

An 800-mile road trip from Denver in February wasn’t ideal. A snowstorm forced us to shorten our trip from four nights to two, including Albuquerque and Seligman, Ariz., with a quick stop at the Road Kill Café and OK Saloon on Historic Route 66.

The Modernism Vintage Trailer show takes place over a weekend in February every year. This year, 52 trailers were on display, and nearly 2,400 people toured them. At a poolside awards ceremony the first night, four awards were announced. We were thrilled to win the People’s Choice award, voted on by more than 1,800 people.

On the way back, we spent some time in Kingman, where we visited the Arizona Route 66 museum and Mr. D’z Route 66 Diner, and Holbrook, where we visited the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert National Park. We also had to snap a pic of Ginger at the famous “Standin’ on the Corner” park in Winslow, Ariz., and made one last stop in Santa Fe, N.M.

Somewhere along the way, Ginger became more than a project. She is a magnet for waves and honks from fellow vintage lovers, and for conversations with strangers who want to tell us about the trailer their grandparents once had or the one they wished they still did.

Many, many times along the way, we wondered what we had gotten ourselves into. Standing poolside a day later, holding the People’s Choice award, it felt obvious: this wasn’t just about fixing something old. It was about bringing it back to life and discovering, along the way, just how many people were drawn to it.

During restoration

The original Ginger

Ginger staged in Palm Springs

Michelle & Sean Meade, Owners

Growing Up Wild

Trekking Gets Even Better With Kids: Trips and Tricks from a Trail-Worn Mama

I’ve never been more adventurous than after my kids joined the crew.

Before children, my husband Lyle and I chased the usual Colorado pursuits: camping trips, long mountain bike rides, and weekends built around getting outside. But I never would have imagined taking two preschoolers on an 84-mile, six-night DIY river trip through a remote canyon in Utah’s dinosaur country. Yet there we were: Floating from beach to beach, riding with rollercoaster arms through wave trains, and sleeping tucked in together under some of the darkest skies in the country. That trip wasn’t the beginning. Like most outdoor families, we started with baby steps. There were one-nighter

ARTICLE AND

PHOTOGRAPHY

local camping trips, “baby on board” paddleboard days, and short hikes in close-to-home places like the Backcountry Wilderness Area. One small adventure led to another. Campgrounds became river camps. Day hikes became weekend trips. Weekend trips became weeklong wilderness expeditions.

Along the way, we learned that our kids don’t end adventure, they redefine it. A short trail becomes a wildlife safari. A riverside campsite becomes canvas for rock and stick art. The push towards a summit or mileage count is replaced by your kid taking their first turn oaring the raft or handing over a magnificent rock they knew was meant for you.

BY LINDSEY R. MCKISSICK

Now, 13 years later, our daughters Gwynn and Kate help choose destinations, plan itineraries, and occasionally push us toward bigger adventures. We’ve spent the last decade raising our favorite adventure partners, and these are the nine kid-approved lessons that helped get us there.

DITCH THE PERFECT PLAN

Expectation is a fast track to disappointment when adventuring with kids and in life. Your favorite campsite is occupied, a magical spot down the road is waiting for you. A fire ban means no campfire deluxe dinner, a backpacking mac & cheese meal with hot water will be gourmet if you’re hungry. Wet weather, find waterfalls. Abandon the schedule when the trip inevitably takes a different turn. Flexibility is a superpower.

STUDY UP

Kids buy into the details. In a canyon, know local dino facts. Near historic sites, get the stories. Under a big, dark sky … point out the constellations. Pro tip: Download a night sky constellation app that works sans Internet before you lose service.

SNACKS & S’MORES

Pack more snacks than seems remotely necessary, then add one more bag because hungry kids (and parents) can bring an adventure to a halt. Prep protein pick-me-ups, apples (because they don’t squish), carrots and ranch, and, if you have room in the cooler, as much fresh fruit as you can pack. Gummy worms are a guaranteed day treat win and won’t melt. Evening s’mores are a delicacy, an art, and a bribe. When there are miles to get on mountains or rivers, this melty treat is the treasure at the end of a long day. Bonus tip: Hot cocoa in the tent will get little humans moving on chilly mornings.

ANALOG ENTERTAINMENT

A deck of cards, scavenger hunt, or iSpy can rescue when exhaustion or weather shows up. There’s also no shame in an in-tent movie night on a long camping trip. If you have older kids, learn a riddle or two that will keep their brains busy for days.

LEVEL UP

Confidence is built in pebbles. Let them jump off the rocks, climb the trees, choose the campsite. The best time to dig into your adventure wisdom kit is if an “I’m bored” gets whispered in earshot.

CONTINUED >

GEAR PILE

Bring along the walkie-talkies, kid headlamps, and sand toys. Paper maps, or laminated maps on the water, give junior trip captains the opportunity to chart the course and have a better understanding of “Are we there yet?”. Pro Move: The bag is never too full for your kid’s favorite comfort item either.

BUILD YOUR CREW

Give every family member a job, from tent duty to dinner prep, to turn setup into a team sport instead of a parental solo act. The jobs should be age appropriate and build each season. Dish washing duty is a great option for even the youngest crew members.

“Along the way, we learned that our kids don’t end adventure, they redefine it. A short trail becomes a wildlife safari. A riverside campsite becomes canvas for rock and stick art.”

EMBRACE SIDE QUESTS

Leave room for wildlife sightings, creek hopping, and unplanned detours because kids rarely remember the itinerary, only the discoveries. Carve out time to indulge your kid’s interests any time you can. Treat your budding geologist to a gem hunt. Skim the schedule for a National Park ranger chat. Bring some travel-sized watercolors for creative downtime in stunning surroundings.

BUBBLE UP, BUBBLE DOWN

End each trip by sharing a highlight and a challenge to create a simple family ritual that celebrates wins and improves the next outing. (Hat tip to Lone Tree Mayor Marissa Harmon for introducing us to this.)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lindsey R. McKissick is an outdoor enthusiast, writer, and Colorado mom who has spent the past 13 years raising two adventure-loving daughters alongside her husband. From local trails and National Park trips to multi-day river expeditions through the desert Southwest, she’s always on an adventure or planning the next one. When she’s not exploring the outdoors, she’s working for nature as the principal officer of the Highlands Ranch Backcountry Wilderness Area Fund.

DESIGN THAT MOVES

ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE

The 10% Target Mindset

Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT

Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.

He calls days later.

That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.

The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.

The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.

“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”

FEATURING JEN COHEN

Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.

1 2

MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS

The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.

STACK THE DECK

Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.

DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE

No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.

SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP

Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.

NEVER MISS A MONDAY

The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.

Unforgettable FamilyVacation

Trade schedules and screen time for sunsets and family time. Highlands Ranch Travel invites you to set sail with Nor wegian Cruise Line and discover exciting destinations, endless activities, and unforgettable moments designed for every generation.

Kids Sail Free offers on select sailings* Award-winning youth and teen programs

Thrilling water parks, slides, and activities

Flexible dining with no set schedules

Worldclass Onboard Entertainment Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and beyond!

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

JULY 18TH

Cranelli's Bingo Karaoke Brunch

Cranelli's Celebrates Lasinda's Birthday | 11:30 AM

Join Cranelli's Italian Restaurant in Lone Tree for owner Lasinda Crane’s Birthday Bash Karaoke Bingo on July 18. Sing your hearts out with a theme inspired by her favorite sitcom, “Three’s Company.” Call to reserve your spot. Doors open 10:45 a.m., bingo at 11:30 a.m. No cost to play, just grab some food and drinks and get ready for shenanigans.

JULY 24TH

Trace Adkins Concert

Douglas County Fairgrounds and Events Center | 7:30 PM

Legendary country artist Trace Adkins will kick off the 2026 Fair & Rodeo. This event promises an exciting evening filled with Adkins’ signature blend of country music, storytelling and entertainment that has garnered him a devoted fanbase. With a career spanning over two decades, Trace Adkins is set to deliver an impressive live performance that showcases his rough yet soulful voice.

JULY 24TH-AUGUST 2ND

Douglas County Fair & Rodeo

Douglas County Fairgrounds, 500 Fairgrounds Drive, Castle Rock, CO 80104

This long-standing local tradition has something for everyone, including PRCA rodeo events, live concerts, carnival rides, 4-H exhibits, mutton bustin’, delicious fair food, and family-friendly entertainment all week long. It’s one of the biggest and most beloved summer events in Douglas County, bringing the community together for classic Colorado fun. Visit douglascountyfairandrodeo.com for more information and specific events.

JULY 26TH

Grand Opening of The Right Step's New Home

6359 Airport Rd, Sedalia, CO 80135 | 1:00 PM

The Right Step Inc. invites the community to celebrate the grand opening of its new home at Of Horse You Can! Village from 1-3 p.m. July 26, 2026. This special event will officially welcome the public to the nonprofit's new facility while showcasing the life-changing impact of equine-assisted programs for youth and adults throughout the community. therightstepinc.org

Smarter Strength Training Starts Here.

JULY 30TH-AUGUST 2ND

ProRodeo Performances

Douglas County Fairgrounds and Events Center

Get ready for heart-pounding excitement at the award winning Douglas County Fair & Rodeo’s thrilling rodeo events! From bull riding to barrel racing, the rodeo promises non-stop action and entertainment for the whole family. Don’t miss your chance to witness the professional rodeo stars in action!

AUGUST 1ST

Colorado 150 Celebration

Highlands Ranch Town Center | 1:00 PM

This one-day festival brings together music, food, and culture from across our state. Enjoy live performances that capture Colorado’s spirit across the generations—from bluegrass and 90s jam bands, Latin-inspired rhythms, and vibrant jazz sounds. With Colorado-themed vendors, local eats, and craft beverages from some of the state’s favorite breweries and distilleries, this is one birthday party not to miss!

As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, I’m grateful for the opportunity to help my clients achieve one of the greatest parts of the American dream: homeownership.

Wishing you a safe and memorable 4th of July filled with family, friends, fireworks, and the comforts of home.

Let’s find your dream home this year.