Highlands Ranch, CO December 2019

HighlandsRanchLifestylePubs.com DECEMBER 2019

THE BEST OF HIGHLANDS RANCH AND LONE TREE

Winter Weddings

GIFT GUIDE

PUNCH BOWL RECIPES

SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE

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11/18/19

LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2019 PUBLISHERS

Joan Dameron | Joan.Dameron@LifestylePubs.com Jeni Fleck | Jeni.Fleck@LifestylePubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Jennifer Starbuck | Jennifer.Starbuck@LifestylePubs.com AD DESIGNER

Through the Eyes of a Child AS THE SAYING GOES, TIME FLIES WHEN YOU’RE HAVING FUN. And time sure has flown by this year as we can’t believe we’ve put together the fifth issue of Highlands Ranch Lifestyle after relaunching in August! It seems like just yesterday we were talking about resolutions and renewal for 2019 and yet, here we are, almost time to do it again.

While December can be a hectic month with so much to do, viewing the holidays through the eyes of a child in your life can be enlightening and uplifting. The twinkling lights seem more

Kaylee Mitchell LAYOUT DESIGNER

Emily Stout COPY EDITOR

Hayley Hyer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Roger Ballad, Charlotte Jay, Elise Seagren, Jennifer Starbuck CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Roger Ballard, Elle Blom

magical, the snowflakes sparkle like stars, and decorations seem larger than life. Wide-eyed wonder and awe are around every corner. All five senses are on perpetual overload this time of year if we just slow down a little bit to savor the sights, sounds, smells, delectable tasty treats, and warm textures that surround us. Baking and decorating cookies, enjoying s'mores by a toasty fire, and playing in the snow can be just the break kids and kids at heart need.

Celebrate the festivities and revel in old and new traditions. When we lived in Arizona prior to moving to Colorado, we could often enjoy Christmas brunch or dinner alfresco, with saguaros bedecked in lights and donning Santa hats as our poolside companions. Sometimes

CORPORATE TEAM

we celebrated with grandparents on the farm in Iowa or in Boerne, Texas, and although

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

the weather was quite different, the joy of the season was always the same.

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

With the holiday season upon us, we hope you make the time to take it all in. Whether

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

the snow falls or your travels take you to warmer climes, enjoy your time with family

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

and friends. Bask in the magic of the winter season, reflect on past memories you hold closely in your hearts and keep the new ones you create in the present for as long as you can. Share the memories and traditions with the children in your lives—this is what they will remember long after the last gift is opened.

EDITORIAL MANAGER Nicolette Martin AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

We are grateful for each one of you! Happy holidays and merry Christmas, Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree!

With love and gratitude from our family to yours,

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON

Jeni Fleck, Publisher

Joan Dameron, Publisher

SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Lindsay Sooby and Garrett Carney

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSICA CHRISTIE PHOTOGRAPHY 4

Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | December 2019

Proverbs 3:5-6

HighlandsRanchLifestylePubs.com

Highlands Ranch Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Highlands Ranch areas’ most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Highlands Ranch Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2019

FEATURES 12 Building Up Nations South Denver Group Helps Rwandans Build Self-Sustaining Businesses, Schools

16 Bunkbeds for a Cause Volunteers with Sleep in Heavenly Peace Build Beds and Deliver to Children in Need

24 A Very Winter Wedding Off-Season Planning Can Make For Magical Wintry Wonderland For Big Day

24 28

28 A Punch for Every Party Get Out the Punch Bowl For Easy Cocktails for a Crowd

12

16

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

12

Giving Back

16

Inspired By

28 Culinary Creations 30 Water & Woods 32 Lifestyle Calendar 34 Financial Buzz

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GOOD TIMES

Fall for a Cure Fall for a Cure, organized by Megan Bugle of Highlands Ranch, was held Oct. 18 at Cielo at Castle Pines. More than 150 people helped raise over $13,000 for the nonprofit organization NF2 BioSolutions and gene therapy research. NF2 is a disorder that allows tumors to grow throughout the neurological system. PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAITLYN PARKER OF KP PHOTOGRAPHY

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Clay Lacy Flight Ramp In September, Wings Over the Rockies unveiled the “Clay Lacy Field of Dreams Flight Ramp” at Boeing Blue Sky Aviation Gallery at Exploration of Flight. The ramp was named after generous donor Clay Lacy, who has piloted aircraft for more than 55,000 hours. The ramp will accommodate additional flight activities at the aviation gallery near Centennial Airport.

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1. Ribbon cutting. Pictured is John Barry, Wings’ President and CEO; Clay Lacy; and Charlie Johnson, Wings’ Chairman of the Board. | 2. Wings Over the Rockies President & CEO, Maj Gen John L. Barry, USAF (Ret), explains flight ramp improvements to Clay Lacy. | 3. FAA Administrator Steve Dickson presents Clay Lacy with an award. | 4. Emcee Joe Clark interviews aviation icon Clay Lacy.

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Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | December 2019

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Hide in Plain Sight Gala The Hide in Plain Sight Gala was held on Nov. 1 to raise money for the nonprofit organization that supports PHOTOGRAPHY BY SWEETIN PHOTOGRAPHY

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1. Hide in Plain Sight student scholar | 2. Benefit guest and Auctioneer Jim Berz | 3. From left, Mel Miles, Jeni Fleck, Joe Roos and Joan Dameron | 4. Hide In Plain Sight Event Coordinator and Director of Operation, Tamara Fennell pictured with benefit guests and Hide In Plain Sight student scholars | 5. Hide in Plain Sight student scholars | 6. DJ and Event Emcee Tasos Hernandez | 7. Hide In Plain Sight Program Director, Polli Ring December 2019 | Highlands Ranch Lifestyle

9

AROUND TOWN

SPREADING WINGS GALA Colorado nonprofit Wings Over the Rockies is pleased to announce Captain “Sully” Sullenberger as the recipient of its 2019 Spreading Wings Award

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and will present the award at its Spreading Wings Gala on Dec. 5.

After logging more than 20,000 hours of flight time, Sullenberger became internationally renowned on Jan. 15, 2009, when he and his crew safely guided US Airways Flight 1549 to an emergency water landing in New York City’s frigid Hudson River. The Airbus A320’s two engines had lost thrust following a bird strike. Sullenberger and his crew received international acclaim for their actions that day, including the passage of a Congressional resolution recognizing their bravery. Sullenberger was ranked second in TIME's "Top 100 Most Influential Heroes and Icons of

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2009” and was awarded the French Legion of Honour.

The Spreading Wings Gala will take place at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum in Denver at 6:30 p.m., Dec. 5. To learn more and purchase tickets visit WingsMuseum.org/Gala.

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We are always accepting submissions for announcements you’d like to see included in our Around Town section. Submissions are accepted via the Contact Us tab at HighlandsRanchLifestylePubs.com.

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Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | December 2019

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December 2019 | Highlands Ranch Lifestyle

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GIVING BACK Sitting atop a hill, the central part of the city of Kigali, Rwanda

“LIFE IS NOT ABOUT HOW MUCH MONEY YOU MAKE AND THE STUFF YOU HAVE. IT IS ABOUT THE IMPACT YOU CAN HAVE ON OTHERS’ LIVES AND THE OPPORTUNITIES YOU CAN CREATE FOR THEM.” –ANDREW CLOUGH

B U I L D I N G U P N AT I O N S SOUTH DENVER GROUP HELPS RWANDANS BUILD SELF-SUSTAINING BUSINESSES, SCHOOLS ARTICLE ROGER BALLARD | PHOTOGRAPHY ROGER BALLARD PHOTOGRAPHY

Workers making bricks to rebuild a church building that was blown down in wind storm

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Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | December 2019

Elementary school in Nyagatare, Rwanda. The schools are crowded. Students are in need of more facilities. Currently, three to four students share a desk.

FINALLY. After about 24 hours of travel, we landed in Kigali, Rwanda. It is dark outside. As we exit the plane, the warm, humid air and the smell of jet fuel mixed with diesel hit me. As we walked across the tarmac toward the terminal, many police and military personnel with stoic faces watch our every move. We make our way through customs, gather our baggage and make our way out of the airport. As soon as we walk out the airport doors, we are met by our “welcoming committee.�

There are smiles and hugs for all of us from the people that have been expecting our arrival!

What does it take to change a nation? To give people a tangible hope that the future can actually be better? It takes vision. It takes a plan. It starts with the people who are in need of work. It partners with a government that is motivated to make life better for its people. That is what our group of business leaders from Colorado went to do: start putting that plan into action.

Rwanda was torn apart 25 years ago by a horrific genocide. During the 100 days of the genocide, more than 1 million people lost their lives. As a result, today there is a noticeable absence of older people. Rwanda is a nation of youth trying to find their way in the world. Despite living in one of the top three fastest growing economies in all of Africa, many Rwandans are trying to find their way in the country. Many people are hungry, need work and need to be trained in specialized skills.

As we drove through the growing capital city of Kigali, we saw everything from skyscrapers to slums. There are many people working, and there are also many people who are waiting for work. There were a few areas that were obviously centers for business and government. But as you go out from those areas, the wealth quickly disappears and you see people in poverty who are working to meet their basic needs each day.

Andrew Clough and Steve Gerber own successful roofing businesses in Colorado. They have a vision to change the nations, and they are starting in Rwanda.

CONTINUED >

December 2019 | Highlands Ranch Lifestyle

13

GIVING BACK

(CON TI N U ED)

Two construction workers helping to build low-income housing

Brick makers in Gashora, Rwanda.

These bricks are more durable than the mud bricks people usually use to build their homes.

“Life is not about how much money you make and the stuff you have. It is about the impact you can have on other’s lives and the opportunities you can create for them,” Andrew says.

Andrew and Steve want to make it possible for the young adults in Rwanda to be able to get business training, have job opportunities and expand their vision for what is possible for their future.

They started Kingdom Building International. KBI’s goal is to build business for heaven’s gain.

So, instead of handing out food or clothing, the way these business owners have decided to influence the change of this nation is by creating jobs, building affordable housing, teaching the people about business, aiding in the building of school facilities and sharing with the people that Jesus cares about them. The goal is to bring tangible benefits along with the message of hope that only Jesus can give.

“We know how to do business. We’ve built successful businesses here in Colorado. We don’t need to make money in Rwanda, but we want to provide opportunity and help them learn how to support themselves,” Andrew says.

The vision is to use the business savvy they’ve learned in the United States and start businesses in Rwanda. Though these businesses will turn a profit, all of the profits will be reinvested back into new projects in Rwanda. KBI is already employing people and will soon be providing jobs as they start more projects.

In Nyagatare Province, we met with Bishop Mary. She operates many private schools.

We bumped our way down long dirt roads—even getting our van stuck in the mud once—to

A carpenter working on the interior design of a low-income housing project

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Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | December 2019

Andrew and Steve talking with Pastor Alpha about using land near his childhood home for agriculture projects

Boy who lives in government housing. He and his family will benefit from agricultural projects planned near his home.

Fertile ground outside Huye, Rwanda

arrive at the schools. As we exited the van, the sounds of a beating drum and children singing filled the air. The excitement in the air was palpable. We walked into the large room, and it became difficult to talk because the beautiful singing was so loud. It was so energizing to be there and see the excitement of these children to learn.

“It is easier to raise up children than it is to repair man,” Bishop Mary says.

Her goal is to provide quality education to as many children as possible. Not only that, but she wants to provide them the tools to be successful in life. Many parents opt to send their children to private schools. The challenge has become building facilities. The tuition the parents can afford to pay is enough to pay for teachers, materials and maintaining facilities, but building new facilities is quite challenging.

While in Rwanda, we traveled around most of the country as we looked at business opportunities. The result? Kingdom Building International will be starting projects this year to build housing, start some agricultural projects and put plans in place to build a school facility. The nation is hungry for growth, and the business leaders of Rwanda are eager to be part of building up their nation. Who knows what may come of all this. Perhaps others will catch this vision and we will see an explosion of growth across the world because business leaders decide to use their gifts and resources for more than their own gain.

To find out more about the programs being started, or to get involved with a project, visit Kingdom Building International’s sister company’s website, FloodGates.Life.

December 2019 | Highlands Ranch Lifestyle

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INSPIRED BY

ARTICLE JENNIFER STARBUCK PHOTOGRAPHY ROGER BALLARD PHOTOGRAPHY

Bunkbeds for a Cause VOLUNTEERS WITH SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE BUILD BEDS AND DELIVER TO CHILDREN IN NEED

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Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | December 2019

From left, Richard Stang, Darci Freeman and Jim Freeman.

ON A BUSINESS TRIP TO IDAHO IN 2018, JIM FREEMAN OF HIGHLANDS RANCH PARTICIPATED IN A CUSTOMER’S COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY. It was an assembly-line gathering to build basic twin-size beds made from donated lumber, hardware and other building supplies.

Jim was struck by the simplicity of the project, no need for prior experience, and the dramatic end result—delivering beds to children who were otherwise sleeping on the floor. The build day was a project by the Idaho-based non-profit organization Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

When Jim returned home to Highlands Ranch, he immediately started the Denver chapter of the organization and has been hosting bed build days and delivering beds since.

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE? The concept is so straightforward: “We make beds for kids that are sleeping on the floor.” I knew I had most of the equipment and tools needed to build beds and having worked around construction off and on over the years was comfortable with the build process. The next weekend I looked up Sleep in Heavenly Peace and volunteered. Finding out that there wasn’t a chapter in Denver, SHP reached out to me and asked if I would consider starting the Denver Chapter. I thought about

HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Sleep

in

Heavenly

Peace-

Denver is always looking for civic groups, community organizations, clubs, teams, churches, and social groups to partner with on build days or delivery days. If you’re interested in learning more about how your group can partner with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, please contact Jim Freeman at Jim.Freeman@shpbeds.org or visit us at SHPBeds.org and fill out the Contact Us request.

it for a few days, and when I talked to my wife about feeling like I needed to do more and give back to the community, she just laughed and said that she wondered when I’d find something to fill the void that was created after I stopped coaching football after both boys finished youth sports.

WHAT HAS IT MEANT TO YOU TO BE ABLE TO GET INVOLVED IN SHP? I was sure that building beds was something I’d enjoy, and, honestly, it is a fun way to spend a Saturday morning. What I didn’t expect was the emotional impact when we started delivering beds and meeting the kids we’re helping. It is so much more rewarding than I ever expected— that has really been the best part of the experience. I’ve taken lots of volunteers on deliveries this year, and I always make it a point to tell even the biggest, toughest volunteers to stick a Kleenex in their pocket, just in case. It’s really touching when you see the reactions, get big hugs, put a huge smile on a kiddo’s face and it’s moved most of us to tears at one time or another.

HOW CAN PEOPLE GET INVOLVED IN SHP? We are an all-volunteer organization. We really have three main opportunities for people to volunteer: 1) Build Day—Watch our Facebook page for announcements and events about SHP Build Days. Come spend a few hours to a whole weekend with us making bunk beds. You do not need any building experience whatsoever. We train and supervise on the spot, and use everyone from adults to children to build and assemble beds.

2) Delivery Days—We organize monthly delivery days or once we’ve trained volunteers, they can go out into the community and set up beds anytime.

3) Organize a fundraiser or bedding drive. We deliver every bed with brand new bedding (twin size sheet set, comforter, and pillow).

December 2019 | Highlands Ranch Lifestyle

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Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | December 2019

G I F T S

1. Guided fly fishing package, Minturn Anglers, 8353 Willow St. D, Lone Tree

F O R

1.

2. Tio y Tia, The Gambler hat, $195, TioYTia.com 3. Spa package, Colorado Plastic Surgery, 761 Southpark Dr., Littleton 80120 4. Spinster Sisters bath soaps and essential oils.

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5. Etkie x Ranchlands Ella Large Cuff Regular, $275, RanchlandsMercantile.com

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Her

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CONTINUED >

December 2019 | Highlands Ranch Lifestyle

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GIFT GIVING GUIDE (CON TI N U ED)

G I F T S

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Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | December 2019

F O R

Him

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1. Bone Crusher handmade notebooks; $120200, RanchlandsMercantile.com

5.

2. Scott Sector fly rod, $985, Minturn Anglers, 8353 Willow St. D, Lone Tree 3. Pendleton men's washable Whisperwool Robe, $279, Pendleton-USA.com 4. Dorset Double Old Fashioned glasses, $79.95 for a set of four, Williams-Sonoma.com 5. Stranahan's Diamond Peak Colorado Whiskey, $74.99, Davidsons Beer, Wine & Spirits CONTINUED >

December 2019 | Highlands Ranch Lifestyle

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GIFT GIVING GUIDE (CON TI N U ED)

G I F T S

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Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | December 2019

F O R

Kids

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4.

1. What If... keepsake book by local author Lauren Grube, WhatIfChildrensBook.com 2. Baby bonnets by Petit Dots, $35, ShopPetitDots.com 3. Inchworm Alley playsuit, InchwormAlley.com 4. Faux-Fur Bean Bag Chair, Pottery Barn Teen, $139 5. Black Stripe play tent, Crate&Kids, $159

December 2019 | Highlands Ranch Lifestyle

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ARTICLE ELISE SEAGREN PHOTOGRAPHY JESSICA CHRISTIE PHOTOGRAPHY

A VERY WINTER WEDDING

PART OF LIVING IN THE GORGEOUS STATE OF COLORADO MEANS WE EXPERIENCE ALL FOUR SEASONS AND ALL THE DISTINCTIVE QUALITIES THAT COME ALONG WITH EACH ONE. In the world of Colorado weddings, summer and fall are the dominant seasons. With warm days, crisp evenings and enchanting foliage that changes colors with each month, it’s easy to see why so many couples seek out a select few months for their wedding celebrations. However, for those willing to take on a bit of adventure, the winter months bear magical qualities of their own that are too often overlooked.

Having had a winter wedding myself, all of these worries felt very real at one time. Both my husband and I have lived in Colorado since we were children, so the mountains are where we feel most at home.

Because we wanted to have an intimate wedding, we chose to get married in Whistler, B.C., in December!

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Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | December 2019

Planner and Designer: Revel + Bloom Website: RevelAndBloom.com Instagram: @RevelAndBloom Photography: Jessica Christie Photography Website: JessicaNChristie.com Instagram: @Jessica_christie Venue Gorrono Ranch Website: TellurideSkiResort.com Florist: 3 Leaf Floral Website: 3LeafFloral.com Instagram: @3LeafFloral Gown: Simone Carvalli Website: SimoneCarvalli.com Bridal Salon: The Bridal Collection Website: TheBridalCollection.com Instagram: @TheBridalCollection

CONTINUED >

December 2019 | Highlands Ranch Lifestyle

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A VERY WINTER WEDDING

(CON TI N U ED)

Besides my own, I have had the pleasure of planning and designing many winter weddings in Colorado that have further solidified my love for them. Lindsay and Garrett, whose wedding photos are featured here, chose to get married in March in Telluride. They had family members traveling to Telluride from the Front Range, Kansas and Texas, and the bride had hoped to give her guests a magical, snowy experience.

That’s exactly what they got. With a beast of a blizzard whipping around them, the wedding guests were transported to Gorrono Ranch in the middle of a ski slope via snow sleigh. The bride and groom themselves arrived at their venue on a snowcat.

Not only did these transportation methods add an experiential element to the day, but it also allowed guests to avoid driving in the winter conditions. Because of the snow and wind, we made a last-minute choice to hold their ceremony indoors.

The main tip of choosing a venue for your winter wedding is ensuring that there is a

26

Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | December 2019

backup ceremony space in case of adverse weather. Lindsay and Garrett chose a venue that had a stunning outdoor deck and equally romantic fireplace inside, so the change was easy to make. Upon arrival, guests were greeted with hot chocolate and boozy cider and the shivering from the outdoor weather melted away.

There is something undeniably intimate about being together in a cozy lodge with a blizzard surrounding you. Perhaps your winter wedding will be a perfect sunny day, like my own, but you can be sure that as long as you are enthusiastic about your Plan B, whatever the day brings won’t disappoint.

On a practical note, the winter months can be advantageous for your budget. Because it is a slower season, most venues price differently for peak season and off-season months, which could translate to substantial discounts on your dream venue. There is also a higher likelihood of being able to assemble your dream vendor team during the off-season since schedules are often more open and flexible.

For couples looking for a shorter engagement, setting their sights on a winter wedding means less stress of finding venues and vendors who are available. Most of the couples we have the privilege of working with are traveling to Colorado from other states and countries. To make the most of the lengths their guests have gone to be there, it is common to have a multi-event weekend with different events and celebrations each day.

Rather than having the wedding day alone, which often means guests coming in the day before or even the day of, guests will likely arrive more than a day before the wedding. By planning your wedding weekend schedule this way you build in a bit of wiggle room if the weather takes a bad turn. Guests will be able to arrive with time to spare and get settled in and enjoy whichever winter paradise you’ve selected.

Mountain towns like Vail, Aspen, and Telluride may see fewer weddings during the winter months, but there is no shortage of excitement and electric energy since you will be there during the ski season. During peak season of summer and fall, mountain towns are highly desirable for weddings, which means a high probability of seeing other wedding groups throughout the weekend, which can make your celebration feel less private or special.

There is no better feeling than being the only newlyweds around in your winter wonderland! Inherently, living in Colorado means the winter months can bring beautiful bluebird days and then a blizzard the next. It can feel like a risky game of weather roulette, however, depending on how you frame the unpredictability in your mind and with your guests, you can end up with a truly breathtaking celebration unlike any you or your guests have experienced before.

December 2019 | Highlands Ranch Lifestyle

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CULINARY CREATIONS

A PUNCH FOR EVERY PARTY RECIPES COURTESY OF DAVIDSONS BEER, WINE & SPIRITS | PHOTOGRAPHY ELLE PHOTOGRAPHY 28

Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | December 2019

CHRISTMAS CHAMPAGNE PUNCH

WINTER SANGRIA

PUMPKIN PATCH

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

+ 12 ounces fruit punch

+ 1/4 cup agave nectar

+ 9 ounces Peach St. This or That,

(frozen concentrate)

(or another sweetener of your choice)

Davidsons Barrel Pick

+ 2/3 cup orange juice

+ 1/4 cup Grand Marnier

+ 4 ounces Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur

+ 2 tablespoons lemon juice

+ 1/4 cup brandy

+ 3 tablespoons pumpkin puree + 2 ounces fall spice syrup*

+ 2 cups water

+ 1 orange, sliced

+ 24 ounces ginger ale

+ 1 lime, sliced

+ 6 ounces apple juice

+ 1 (750 milliliters) bottle Champagne

+ 1 pear or apple, sliced

+ 6 ounces pineapple juice

+ Garnish: Fresh cranberries, rosemary,

+ 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

+ 6 ounces lemon juice

seasonal fruits, or citrus slices

+ 2 sticks of cinnamon

+ 5 thin sliced lemon wheel

+ 1 bottle of red wine

+ 3 thin sliced pineapple wheel

+ 3/4 cup ginger ale

*Fall Spice Syrup + 5 pieces star anise

INSTRUCTIONS

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a punch bowl, combine the partially

1. To a large pitcher add agave nectar,

thawed fruit punch, orange and lemon

Grand Marnier, brandy, orange, lime, pear,

juices, and water to create the fruit juice

pomegranate seeds, cinnamon sticks. Stir

base. Stir well and store in the refrigerator

to combine.

until you're ready to serve.

2. Pour in the bottle of red wine.

3. Just before serving the punch, add

3. Cover and place in the refrigerator for

the ginger ale and Champagne. Add the

1-2 hours. (the longer it sits the better it

garnishes to the bowl.

will taste)

4. For a mocktail, use Leitz Sparkling Riesling Alcohol-Free instead of Champagne.

4. Right before you are about to serve, add the ginger ale to the sangria mixture.

5. Pour over ice or serve chilled.

+ 2 teaspoons cardamom + 1 teaspoon nutmeg + 5 chopped diced ginger + 1 whole orange twist + 3 cinnamon sticks + 3 cloves + 2 cups of water + 2 cups of fine sugar

INSTRUCTIONS 1. To make syrup, use a small saucepan over medium heat and lightly toast cardamom seeds. Combine with star anise, nutmeg, diced ginger, cinnamon stick, cloves, orange, water and sugar. Stir until sugar has completely dissolved. Let it cool for 30 minutes, and strain.

2. Mix all cocktail ingredients together and add ice. Serve in mugs and top with foamed milk.

For Ladies Brunch

For Post-Caroling

For Christmas Eve December 2019 | Highlands Ranch Lifestyle

29

WATER & WOODS

WINTER \IN BLOOM BRIGHTEN UP YOUR AESTHETIC THIS SEASON WITH THIS BEAUTIFUL FLORAL ARRANGEMENT FROM KRISTEN CAISSIE, CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER OF MOON CANYON DESIGN CO.

PHOTOGRAPHY NICKI SEBASTIAN FOR JENNI KAYNE

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Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | December 2019

FORSYTHIA Named after William Forsyth, a Scottish botanist, Forsythia is an early spring flowering shrub often found in gardens and parks. Forsythia are well-known for their resilience and tenacity as much as the bright, cheery yellow of the branches’ blooms.

RANUNCULUS Also known as the buttercup, these spring bloomers are coveted for their delicate layers of petals, resembling ruffled tissue or crepe. In a wide range of vivid shades, ranunculus can bloom from late winter to early summer.

TWEEDIA This delicate perennial is coveted for its light fragrance and pale blue star-shaped petals. Found commonly in vines and trellises, tweedias are prime for an arrangement as they cut well and last long.

LADY SLIPPER Characterized by the slipper-shaped pouch (or labellum) that sits between the petals, these orchids range in color from white and yellow to a deep pink and purple. The lady slipper might take four to sixteen years to produce a bloom, but it’s worth the wait—in comparison to other, more temperamental orchids, this type can be considered fairly low-maintenance.

NARCISSUS Daffodils are instantly recognizable by their six petals surrounding a trumpet-like corona, most often in variances of white, yellow, or both. The ubiquity of the daffodil dates back to ancient times, both medicinally and botanically. They have been said to get their name because the image of languid daffodils along a stream evoke the image of Narcissus gazing into his reflection.

KRISTEN CAISSIE, CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER OF MOON CANYON DESIGN CO., created this beautiful flower arrangement as part of Jenni Kayne’s floral encyclopedia. This lush arrangement is comprised of early spring blooms arranged in a ceramic vase. The wabi-sabi aesthetic of the handmade vessel adds to the arrangement’s playful proportions.

Earthy yellows, rich greens, and a touch of blue tell a color story that’s unexpected, yet warm and welcoming. Perfectly undone early spring blooms (Kristen’s favorite to design with) emphasize the meeting place of winter and spring.

December 2019 | Highlands Ranch Lifestyle

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DECEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

NOV 26-JAN 1 LIGHT THE WORLD

transform into the wonderland of The Nutcracker. Visit with Santa and enjoy live performances of favorite Nutcracker vignettes, music and enter-

14 PLAY STREET MUSEUM

1512 Larimer St.

tainment, and make-and-take gifts,

Giving to charity is as easy as buying a

plus a menu of light dinner bites, hot

Highlands Ranch

candy bar. Books, tiger worm toilets, a

cocoa concoctions and other bever-

Join us for our gingerbread party!

night in a shelter, counseling, piglets and

ages. Tickets: $25 adults, $20 kids 3-12.

Kids will have a blast decorating their

more can be purchased for a donation

Visit DCL.org for more info.

houses with icing, candy, cereals, pretzels and sprinkles! Children can also

from vending machines. Located in Writer Square, just off the 16th Street pedestrian mall between Lawrence and Larimer Streets. 9 a.m.-11 p.m., daily.

7-8 A VERY CHERRY CHRISTMAS

9370 S. Colorado Blvd. Suite A-2,

9

decorate a gingerbread cookie to enjoy!

POLAR EXPRESS CELEBRATION

orating. We promise it's just as fun, if

We've found it best to use paper mache houses so they don't break while dec-

9292 S. Ridgeline Blvd.

not more! Reservations required; $25/

Celebrate the holidays with a special

child. Call

reading of The Polar Express, plus crafts,

HighlandsRanch.PlayStreetMuseum.com.

(303) 357-3024 or visit

games and refreshments. Fun for all

Lone Tree Arts Center,

ages. The event is free, but registration

10075 Commons St., Lone Tree

is required at 303.791.7323 or DCL.org.

This December join the Lone Tree

18-22

13

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

CLASSICS AND COCKTAILS

A spectacular performance of fami-

Southridge Recreation Center, 4800

ly-friendly dancers, singers, holiday

7

McArthur Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch

songs, and more. A new 2019 storyline

Southridge Rec Center is bringing

to the performance. To put you in

A STORYBOOK HOLIDAY: THE NUTCRACKER

the classics back to the big screen.

the holiday spirit, a performance by

Spice up your Netflix night to enjoy a

the Denver Dolls, Brother of Brass,

film from the Golden Age of Cinema.

and a gospel choir, Home for the

10055 Library Way

Must be 21 and older to attend. Cash

Holidays. LoneTreeArtsCenter.org

Celebrate the holiday season! Douglas

bar and doors open at 1:30 p.m.

County Libraries in Lone Tree will

HRCAOnline.org

Symphony Orchestra and Cherry Creek Chorale for a special holiday musical performance. Find tickets and times online. LoneTreeArtsCenter.org

Lone Tree Arts Center,

10075 Commons St, Lone Tree

HELPING YOU FIND WHAT MOVES YOU ERIC SCHAUPETER 720-933-3201

BROKER ASSOCIATE

ESCHAUPETER@REMAX.NET

RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS

1745 SHEA CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 100 HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO 80129

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Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | December 2019

• Family-owned, Veteran-owned • Sulfite free wine •Huge Selection of over 85+ wines to choose from • Live Music on Friday Nights

FAMILY, FRIENDS AND MERLOT.

Regardless of your taste in wine, your neighborhood winemakers are here to welcome you into their family room.

8130 South University Blvd, Centennial, CO

(720) 489-9463

water2wine.com/denver-centennial/home

MAY YOUR HOLIDAYS BE

HAPPY & HEALTHY!

Is your heart in shape for the holidays?

Our Level II Trauma Center and emergency room offers 24/7 chest pain experts as an Accredited Chest Pain Center. We’re here to care for you when you need us most.

lovevibefoods.com

To learn more and find your closest ER, visit centura.org/ER

7700 S Broadway, Littleton, CO 80122 Centura Health does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, na�onal origin, disability, age, sex, religion, creed, ancestry, sexual orienta�on, and marital status in admission, treatment, or par�cipa�on in its programs, services and ac�vi�es, or in employment. For further informa�on about this policy contact Centura Health’s Office of the General Counsel at 1-303673-8166 (TTY: 711). Copyright © Centura Health, 2018. ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, �ene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüís�ca. Llame al 1-303-738-7781 (TTY: 711). CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn. Gọi số 1-303-738-7781 (TTY: 711).

December 2019 | Highlands Ranch Lifestyle

33

FINANCIAL BUZZ

1

HOW CAN YOU REDUCE ANNUAL INCOME TAXES AND SAVE FOR RETIREMENT? Employees: make contributions

to your 401(k) plan with pretax dollars.

You can also reduce current-year taxes by making tax-deductible contributions to an

Charlotte Jay is a financial advisor

IRA if you qualify.

located at 7901 SouthPark Plaza Ste 102

Self-employed: use a SEP (Simplified

Littleton. She offers securities and advi-

Employee Pension), or SIMPLE (Savings

sory services as an Investment Adviser

Incentive Match Plan for Employees) plan to

Representative of C ommonwealth

shelter income.

Financial Network, Member FINRA/SIPC,

Reduce Annual Income Taxes 2 and Save for Retirement

a Registered Investment Adviser. She can be reached at 303.260.7494 or at CJay@JayFinancialGroup.com © 2018 Commonwealth Financial Network

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED MAKING A CHARITABLE DONATION? Depending on your specific tax picture, charitable donations could

provide a good source of income tax deductions. One tax-saving strategy is to donate a portion of your required minimum distributions or a portion of your income to a charity of your choice.

ARTICLE CHARLOTTE JAY

4

IMPORTANT DATES April + Prior-year IRA contribution: The deadline for contributions to tradi-

tional IRAs and Roth IRAs for the prior year is April 15. + Federal gift tax return: The deadline for gifts made between January 1 and December

3

31 of the previous year is April 15.

DO YOU HAVE CHILDREN

December

OR GRANDCHILDREN?

Reporting a loss on the sale of stock: A

There are two types of 529 plans:

trade to sell a long or short position must

state savings plans and prepaid

be executed by the close of the last trading

tuition plans.

The earnings on the contributions are tax-deferred. Distributions from the 529 plan are tax-free, as long as they’re used to pay for qualified higher education expenses. In 2017 plans were expanded to include K-12 tuition.

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Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | December 2019

date of the current year.

529 plan contribution deadlines for Colorado are Dec. 31.

THE L AN DMAR K DEN V ER TECH CENTER

LUXURY LIVING

in Denver’s business hubs THE COLO R ADAN UNION S TATION

The best in condominium living is now right in the heart of Denver’s two business centers. The Landmark and The Coloradan make it convenient to be everywhere you need to be.

Schedule a tour of available residences today. Give us a call or send us an email for more information.

Joy Van Gilder, Broker Associate

Kara Wetherill, Broker Associate

(303) 908-5325 MOBILE jvangilder@sliferdenver.com

(720) 507-0790 MOBILE kwetherill@sliferdenver.com

Available residences include homes listed by Slifer Smith & Frampton — Denver and other real estate companies.

visitthelandmark.com sliferdenver.com