Highlands Ranch, CO April 2020

HighlandsRanchLifestylePubs.com APRIL 2020

THE BEST OF HIGHLANDS RANCH AND LONE TREE

WE DON'T WASTE

MEATLESS MONDAYS

HOMEGROWN CONSERVATIONIST

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3

LIFESTYLE LETTER

APRIL 2020 PUBLISHER

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

Celebrate Earth Day Your Way DO YOU SMELL THAT, HIGHLANDS RANCH AND LONE TREE? It's the fresh, spring scent after a cleansing rain. Ah, April. What a wonderful month to reconnect with the Earth and spend some time outside. The days are longer, the sky is bright, and you can almost see the tulips and daffodils grow.

While you are out, take a moment to appreciate the gifts our planet gives us each

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

Kaylee Mitchell LAYOUT DESIGNER

Emily Stout CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jennifer Starbuck, Jeni Fleck CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Elle Blom

day. How can you show your thanks? Maybe you can help clean up trails later this month (see Homegrown Conservationist). And the food recover nonprofit We Don’t Waste is showing thanks every day by feeding those in need with food that would have been thrown away.

Take on your outdoor adventures in style. Yes, sporty, fast and eco-friendly do co-exist in the just-released electric MINI Cooper. Get the inside scoop in the Drivers Notebook.

This April issue is filled with stories and ideas to get you in the Earth Day spirit. Take

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Lise LeBlanc's lead and learn to compost for a healthy, natural garden. If you are

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

wanting more plants in your diet, check out Meatless Mondays for some great tips.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Here at Highlands Ranch/Lone Tree Lifestyle, we are also celebrating one of our publishers, Jeni Fleck, on her Earth Day birthday!

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

When this issue went to print, our communities hadn’t been turned upside down. As you work from home, homeschool, or work on the front lines in hospitals or clinics, we want you to know we are here for you. The residents and business owners of Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree are strong and resilient. Together we will thrive as we get to the other side of this storm, not just survive.

Thank you Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree. We are here because of each of you.

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA

Sending Love and Strength,

IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

Jeni Fleck, Publisher

Joan Dameron, Publisher

HighlandsRanchLifestylePubs.com ON THE COVER Photograph by Jenae Lopez Photography 4

Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | April 2020

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO Proverbs 3:5-6 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.

INSIDE THE ISSUE APRIL 2020

FEATURES 14 Composting For A Healthy Garden Instead of Tossing Food Scraps and Yard Waste, Turn Them Into A Gardener's Dream

22 We Don't Waste Food Recovery Nonprofit Works to Feed the Community By Saving Food-Service Industry Waste From Landfill

26 Meatless Mondays Add a Vegetarian Meal to Your Weeknight Rotation For An Easy Nutrition Boost

26 14

30 Plug In To The New MINI MINI Electric Hardtop Proves How Fun Sustainable Driving Can Be

30

22

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

12

Around Town

14 DIY 22 Giving Back 26 Culinary Creations 30 Driver’s Notebook 32 Healthy Lifestyle

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GOOD TIMES 1.

Spenga Grand Opening About 150 people helped Spenga-Highlands Ranch workout studio celebrate its grand opening in February. The new studio focuses on workouts that incorporate cycling, strength and yoga. For more information, go to Spenga.com/Locations/HighlandsRanch.

1. Spenga instructors, from left, Aimee Stauth, Michelle Hettinger, Annette Bilstein, Jessica Beal, Molly Kinsey, Stephanie Mola 8

Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | April 2020

Support Local.

Let’s Take Care of Each Other.

Our small businesses need us more than ever.

Our Partners American Vein & Vascular Institute

Jay Financial Group, Inc.

Angela M. Osborn, DDS, PC

Jenae Lopez Photography

Avera Salon

Joy Van Gilder, Slifer Smith & Frampton

Better Manners Dog Training

Kingdom Countertops & Cabinetry

Colorado Precision Dentistry and Orthodontics

Littleton Adventist Hospital

Curate: A Local Mercantile (formerly Unlisted Market)

O'phir Financial

Elite Landscape & Outdoor Living

Osteostrong Centennial

Elle Photography

Peace of Mind Accounting

Four Elements Landscape & Outdoor Living

Twiss Dental

Fox Hill Development, Inc.

Vibe Superfood Bar

HOTWORX in Highlands Ranch Town Center

Water 2 Wine

Code Ninja

GOOD TIMES 1.

2.

3.

Make-A-Wish Wish Weeks During February Wish Weeks benefitting Make-A-Wish® Colorado, Ponderosa High School celebrated 11-year-old Carson who has leukemia and wishes to visit the Bahamas. Mountain Vista High School, raised $208,000 to become the top fundraising school in the country and featured 10-year-old Je’Moni whose wish is to see a musical he wrote be produced.

4.

5.

6.

1. Wish kid Je'Moni joins Mountain Vista students in a Wish Week cheer | 2. Wish kid Carson gets a hug from the Highlands Ranch mascot | 3. Wish kid Carson celebrates Wish Week at Highlands Ranch High School | 4. Highlands Ranch High School student leadership celebrates wish kid Carson during Wish Week | 5. Mountain Vista student government students and wish kid Je'Moni celebrate the $208,000 raised during Wish Week | 6. Je'Moni joins the Mountain Vista theater students who performed in a musical he wrote

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Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | April 2020

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AROUND TOWN

SLIFER-DENVER RECOGNIZED Slifer Smith & Frampton—Denver was honored as one of Denver’s top real estate brokerages at the Denver Metro Association of Realtors’ Annual Excellence Awards on March 5.

which was originally scheduled for April 25-May 3 in Denver, but has been postponed in response to COVID-19.

Behnaz, who is a fine artist who focuses on vibrant doodles, fruit and florals, will be collaborat-

Slifer-Denver was proudly recognized as the No.

ing with fashion designer Keti Mckenna. Olive, who

1 Top Office for both sales production and number

is a graphic and mural artist, will be collaborating

of transactions in 2019 for brokerages with 11-35

with fashion designer Amy Lisojo.

agents, representing nearly $317 million in sales volume and 444 transactions.

For more information about the rescheduled Denver Fashion Week events, go to EventBrite.com.

DMAR presents awards every year in recognition of brokers, teams, and brokerages who go above and beyond and have established exceptionally high standards for excellence in the industry.

This recognition coincides with the opening of Slifer’s second office in the base of The Coloradan and the celebration of their 20th year in local business in Downtown Denver. SliferDenver.com

AVERA HAIR EXTENSION CERTIFIED Avera Salon in Lone Tree recently qualified as a hair extension certified salon by Bello Haven Hair Extensions.

Avera stylists were trained and certified in all hand-tied weft extensions, tape-ins and machine wefts. Avera owner Jennifer Lucero says extensions are great for filling in fine hair, adding length and volume. For more information or appointments, visit AveraSalon.com.

ARTISTS AT FASHION WEEK Highlands Ranch fine artist Behnaz Ahmadian

We are always accepting submissions for announce-

and Lone Tree muralist Olive Moya will be fea-

ments you’d like to see included in our Around Town

tued in the upcoming Denver Fashion Week,

section. Submissions are accepted via the Contact Us tab at HighlandsRanchLifestylePubs.com.

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Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | April 2020

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13

DIY

COMPOSTING FOR A HEALTHY GARDEN ARTICLE JENNIFER STARBUCK PHOTOGRAPHY ELLE BLOM

INSTEAD OF TOSSING FOOD SCRAPS AND YARD WASTE, TURN THEM INTO A GARDENER'S DREAM

LISE LEBLANC OF HIGHLANDS RANCH STARTED GARDENING MORE THAN 20 YEARS AGO AS A WAY TO TEACH HER KIDS HOW TO EAT HEALTHY. While she was at it, she started tossing her kitchen scraps and yard waste into a compost heap to help her garden grow.

Now, she says, composting has become a way of life.

“Now it is impossible to throw away any food items that can be composted. Composting foods and garden debris helps you embrace the natural cycle of life and decay,” she says.

14

Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | April 2020

LISE SUGGESTS THESE WAYS TO GET STARTED:

+ + +

Buy a small bucket with a lid that has a carbon filter to keep under the sink to collect your kitchen scraps.

Put a couple drops of essential oil in the bottom of the bucket to keep the small pesky fruit flies at bay.

Simply take the food-scrap bucket out once or twice a week to the compost bin to empty it and give it a quick rinse and throw that water into the compost bin.

COMPOST THINGS LIKE: CONTINUED >

April 2020 | Highlands Ranch Lifestyle

15

DIY (CONTINUED)

16

Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | April 2020

6 TIPS FOR COMPOSTING : 1.

Pitch in all food scraps other than dairy or meat. Include grass clippings with no chemicals and garden debris that is weed-free.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Layer with brown material like leaves saved from the fall clean up, torn up egg cartons, shredded newspaper.

Keep it moist like a sponge — but not too much water.

Add some good, living soil from your garden to get a good start.

Turning the compost is optional, but it will speed up the process.

Do not use until it is “finished.” If you start in the summer/fall, it can be ready the following spring. It should look dark and crumbly and smell earthy.

April 2020 | Highlands Ranch Lifestyle

17

HOMEGROWN CONSERVATIONIST

ARTICLE JENNIFER STARBUCK PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY MARK GIEBEL

MARK GIEBEL, MANAGER OF BACKCOUNTRY WILDERNESS AREA, SAYS HIS LOVE FOR THE OUTDOORS INFORMS HIS WORK IN RECREATION AND CONSERVATION

18

Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | April 2020

“I GREW UP OUTSIDE, PLAYING IN THE FIELDS. I DEFINITELY GAINED AN APPRECIATION FOR THE OUTDOORS.”

MARK GIEBEL GREW UP ROAMING AND HUNTING

centers supervisor, where he caught wind of a large swath of pro-

IN THE WILD SPACES IN DOUGLAS COUNTY IN THE

tected open space in Highlands Ranch just waiting for funding.

ONLY NEIGHBORHOOD JUST SOUTH OF COUNTY

That piqued his interest. With his biology degree with an emphasis

LINE, ACRES GREEN, LONG BEFORE THE DAYS OF

on ecology he eventually landed the role of director for what is now

HIGHLANDS RANCH AND LONE TREE DEVELOPMENT.

Backcountry Wilderness.

“I grew up outside, playing in the fields,” Mark says. “I definitely gained an appreciation for the outdoors.”

That wildness caught hold and never let go, says Mark,

“I called it my dream job when I got it in 2006,” Mark says. “I had my eye on it since 1999. It’s a perfect fit for me, growing up here, working outdoors, working for wildlife conservation.”

who is the director of the Highlands Ranch Community

Backcountry Wilderness — larger than Cherry Creek State Park

Association’s Backcountry Wilderness Area, an 8,200-acre

and Chatfield State Park combined — was a concept created by

protected open space in Douglas County.

Douglas County officials and housing developers when planning the

Mark has spent his entire 27-year career at HRCA. He

Highlands Ranch community in the late 1970s and early ’80s.

began at HRCA as a lifeguard and then manager of pools

To allow for higher-density neighborhoods that would

during summers home from college at Trinity University

reduce infrastructure costs, officials approved an Open Space

in San Antonio, Texas. He eventually became recreation

Conservation Agreement that set aside the space for Backcountry, CONTINUED >

April 2020 | Highlands Ranch Lifestyle

19

HOMEGROWN CONSERVATIONIST (CONTINUED)

“WE HAVE RECREATION AND EDUCATION, BUT WE HAVE SET ASIDE A BIG CHUNK FOR CONSERVATION. WE WANT TO EDUCATE OUR COMMUNITY.”

20

Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | April 2020

which is one third of the 24,000 acre Highlands Ranch land.

Today, Backcountry offers recreational and educational opportunities that include 14 miles of single-track trails, three archery ranges, horse programs and nature education and volunteer opportunities for adults and children.

In addition, there are areas within Backcountry

that

are

protected

from

uncontrolled human access to allow for wildlife conservation.

“You can have federal and state laws, but the local rules you have in place are really important too,” Mark says. “We don’t allow dogs because they have a big impact on wildlife. And we have seasonal closures. We close Wildcat Mountain trail, for instance, in the winter for elk wintering. And that’s when our golden eagle pair begins their courtship.”

Building open space should be much more than just building paths for people to walk on, Mark says, which is why Backcountry is such a great example to other communities that are struggling with an explosion in population.

“We have to protect it from being loved to death. Every open space on the Front Range is dealing with overuse issues,” Mark says.

“We have recreation and education, but we have set aside a big chunk for conservation.

We want to educate our community. We might add trails in the future but they would have to be in the right spot” to protect wildlife habitat.

“I feel really fortunate to do what I do, especially growing up here and seeing everything develop around us,” Mark says. “I want to help conserve this amazing wildlife habitat and resource for the community.”

Helping Self-Employed and Small Businesses Let It Go & Get It Done

BACKCOUNTRY’S THE BIG HELP! The Big Help! is the biggest volunteer event of the year for Backcountry Wilderness Area. On Apil 25, help clean up trails and facilities as an individual or group.

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(970) 381-7909 | www.PeaceOfMindAcc.com April 2020 | Highlands Ranch Lifestyle

21

GIVING BACK

FOOD RECOVERY NONPROFIT WORKS TO FEED THE COMMUNITY

BY SAVING FOOD-SERVICE INDUSTRY WASTE FROM LANDFILL

We Don't

Waste IN LATE 2008, ARLAN PREBLUD OF DENVER DECIDED TO RETIRE FROM HIS 40-YEAR CAREER AS AN ATTORNEY. But he knew he wanted to keep working and was drawn to his experience volunteering with nonprofits that served the homeless.

Arlan set out to find a solution. He asked his friends in

He had served many Thanksgiving and Christmas meals to

the restaurant industry what they did with all their left-

the needy and helped those nonprofits with fundraising, and

over food at the end of the day, and they all told him the

he knew those organizations were having a hard time feeding

same thing: They had to throw it in the trash.

their clients.

He spent a few months tinkering with his idea for a new nonprofit and devising a business plan. “My kids finally told me, ‘Dad, quit trying to make it perfect and just do it.’ ,” Arlan says.

So he simply got in his old Volvo station wagon and started picking up food from restaurants, caterers and others in food service and began making deliveries to food banks.

And We Don’t Waste was born.

We Don’t Waste is a food recovery nonprofit that provides fresh, healthful food to community organizations in the Denver metro area that are already feeding the needy.

ARTICLE JENNIFER STARBUCK | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF WE DON'T WASTE AND LONE TREE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

22

Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | April 2020

Lone Tree Elementary cafeteria shows signs for students to save We Don't Waste recoverable food.

Arlan Preblud, founder and executive director of We Don't Waste

“When I first started, I had no idea what it would grow to be,” Arlan says. “I was just focused on keeping it running.”

Arlan outgrew his old Volvo and expanded to a used Econoline van with 100,000 miles. And now, after 11 years in operation, We Don’t Waste has four refrigerator trucks and an 11,500-squarefoot distribution center in Denver — 1,000 square feet of which is cooler space.

“There’s not much we can’t take now,” Arlan says.

We Don’t Waste has over 160 food donors and delivers to 70 community-based agencies, who then deliver to their own programs.

“We touch more than 200 agencies,” Arlan says.

Most of the work of We Don’t Waste centers in Denver’s innercity food deserts, urban areas devoid of walkable supermarkets that provide fresh fruits, vegetables and other whole foods.

However, Arlan says We Don’t Waste is currently expanding its reach to suburban agencies as the level of need reaches the those areas.

“One of the problems we find is there are pockets of those people who are unfortunate enough to not have enough food, but they’re in the shadows,” Arlan says of south Denver communities such as Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree and Parker. “So we’ve made efforts to partner with schools to provide food to students and families.”

One in 11 Coloradans struggle with hunger, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. And, nearly one in seven children don’t know when or where they will get their next meal, according to the Colorado Children’s Campaign.

CONTINUED >

April 2020 | Highlands Ranch Lifestyle

23

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

24

Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | April 2020

“FOOD INSECURITY IS ALL AROUND US. E A C H A N D E V E R Y O N E O F U S I S O N LY O N E M I S S T E P, O N E A C C I D E N T, O N E U N F O R T U N AT E S I T U AT I O N T H AT L E A D S T O H O M E L E S S N E S S A N D I N S E C U R I T Y.”

“Those same kids are not just living in inner cities. They

+ Set up free fresh-food markets, set up like farmer’s markets.

live throughout the state of Colorado,” Arlan says. “It’s dif-

+ Partnered with the Denver Police Department to pro-

ficult to carry on effectively when your belly is aching for

vide bags of nonperishable food for officers to hand out as

food, and it’s even more difficult when you’re a youngster.”

they see a need while on duty.

Kay Tucker, the innovation and magnet specialist for

+ Created a mobile food market.

Lone Tree Elementary School, says the school reached

+ Started working with the University of Colorado-

out to We Don’t Waste almost four years ago after edu-

Colorado Springs, by request, to provide food for students

cators realized how much was being wasted every day

who are experiencing food insecurity.

at lunchtime.

We Don’t Waste now makes stops at the school to

+ Works with schools to provide weekend bags to students to have food during nonschool days.

pick up packaged food and drinks. The partnership

“Food insecurity is all around us. Each and every one

has been a rich learning experience for everyone at the

of us is only one misstep, one accident, one unfortunate

school, Kay says.

situation that leads to homelessness and insecurity,” Arlan

The school also regularly holds canned food drives to augment their weekly offering.

says. “You don’t have to look far to find people who are food insecure.”

“It’s a great learning process from a civic-minded level, as well as learning about the science behind saving food from the landfill,” Kay says. “They’re really into the fact that this food can go to people who need it.”

We Don’t Waste does not charge to pick up unused food or to deliver food to community agencies working

HOW TO HELP

directly with the hungry. We Don’t Waste has recently added services as more agencies have requested help in meeting the needs of their communities.

In addition to We Don’t Waste’s original mission of recovering and redistributing food to nonprofit agencies, they also have recently:

We Don’t Waste does not charge to recover food or to deliver to agencies, so money contributions are vital, says Arlan Preblud, founder and executive director.

To volunteer or donate food or money to We Don’t Waste, go to https://www.wedontwaste.org/. Or call 720-443-6113.

April 2020 | Highlands Ranch Lifestyle

25

CULINARY CREATIONS

Meatless Mondays

, ow ttner Bue y n itta

ner of Bliss

Ro o tK

Br

itc he

n

ADDING A VEGETARIAN MEAL TO YOUR WEEKNIGHT ROTATION CAN BE A DELICIOUS AND EASY WAY TO BOOST YOUR WEEKLY NUTRITION

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BRITTANY BUETTNER

CREATING A MEATLESS MONDAY RITUAL CAN BE A WONDERFUL WAY TO CONSUME MORE PLANTS. Not only does eating this way have the potential to make you feel better but also gives an excuse to invite your veg friends over for dinner.

Cooking brings people together, and when you find a person or group to explore with, it makes it much more exciting and rewarding.

I create and inspire through healthful, satiating, and downright tasty food. My type of plant-based cooking doesn’t involve judgment or commands. Perfection is not the goal but delicious food is. Do what you can with what you have, and keep learning. There are so many ways to be plant-based. One will work for you.

Sustainable and healthy living isn’t going to look the same for everyone. Strive to be perfectly imperfect by eating more plants, even if it is just once a week. I hope you enjoy the recipes that I have created for you. My only request is that you share it alongside a loved one, or friend.

— Brittany Buettner is the owner of Bliss Root Kitchen, a plant-based personal chef business.

Brittany was raised in Highlands Ranch and attended Mountain Vista High School. “It is an honor to create two recipes for Highlands Ranch Lifestyle magazine, as it has brought me back to my hometown,” she says.

Email Brittany at blissrootkitchen@gmail.com or connect on socials @BlissRootKitchen.

26

Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | April 2020

Spicy Peanut Noodle Stir Fry with Crispy Tofu Serves 4-6 CRISPY TOFU + 1 14 oz block of vacuum-packed, extra firm tofu, cut into one-inch cubes + 3 T Soy Sauce/Tamari + 1⁄4 C. Nutritional Yeast + 1⁄2 t. Onion Powder + 1⁄2 t. Garlic Powder + 2 T. Avocado/Canola oil (any high temp cooking oil) DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

2. Pat block of tofu with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Cut tofu into 1” cubes.

Place cubes, along with the rest of the ingredients into a large bowl. Stir to coat cubes evenly.

3. Evenly spread tofu onto parchment or silicone lined baking tray.

4. Roast for 35-40 min, turning tofu half way through, until dark golden brown and crispy.

SPICY PEANUT SAUCE + 3 Green Onions, diced + 1 T. Ginger, minced + 2 garlic cloves, minced + 1 ⁄3 C. Peanut Butter + 2-3 T. Chili Sauce (or 1 t. Dried Chili Flakes) + 2 T. Soy Sauce/Tamari + 1 T. Rice Wine Vinegar + 1 t. Sesame oil 1 1 ⁄ 2 C. Water 1 ⁄ 2 t. Salt DIRECTIONS 1. While tofu is roasting, make the sauce. Saute garlic, green onions, and ginger in sesame oil on medium-high heat for about a minute. Watch so the garlic does not burn.

2. Add the remaining ingredients. Stir with whisk to combine.

3. Bring to a soft boil, then simmer for about 5-7 min until thickened slightly. The longer it simmers, the thicker it will get. It will also get thicker as it cools. Adjust according to your preference.

4. Once the sauce is at desired consistency, remove from heat.

CONTINUED >

April 2020 | Highlands Ranch Lifestyle

27

CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)

Spicy Peanut Noodle Stir Fry with Crispy Tofu (continued) PASTA + 1 lb. pasta of your choice, cook according to directions on the box * I prefer linguine.

DIRECTIONS 1. While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the directions on the box. Don’t forget to salt the water! You want it to be al dente so when we combine it with the other ingredients, it doesn’t fall apart.

STIR FRY VEGETABLES + 2 C. Broccoli, cut into bite size pieces + 2 C. Red Cabbage, cut into small ribbons + 1 C. Snow or Sugar Peas + 1 ⁄ 2 C. Shredded Carrots + 1 T. Avocado/Canola oil Pinch of Salt + Optional Garnishes: Fresh cilantro and lime wedges DIRECTIONS 1. Heat a wok (or heavy bottom pan) on medium-high heat.

You want the wok to be very hot before you add the oil so everything cooks quickly.

2. Once hot, add the oil, and start stir frying the vegetables; starting with the broccoli. Cook for about 1 minute.

3. Add the red cabbage. Cook for about 30 seconds.

4. Add the snow peas. Cook for about 30 seconds. You want all the vegetables to still be bright in color and crisp (not dull and soft).

5. Add the shredded carrots at the end, just before turning the heat off.

6. Add a pinch of salt.

ASSEMBLING THE DISH 1. Once all components are done cooking, place pasta in a bowl of choice. Top with stir-fried vegetables, spicy peanut sauce, and then crispy tofu. Optional (but recommended) garnishes are fresh cilantro and lime wedge.

2. ENJOY! 28

Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | April 2020

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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).

April 2020 | Highlands Ranch Lifestyle

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DRIVER’S NOTEBOOK

PLUG IN TO THE NEW MINI MINI ELECTRIC HARDTOP PROVES HOW FUN SUSTAINABLE DRIVING CAN BE

ARTICLE JENI FLECK PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SCHOMP MINI

THE CULMINATION OF THE MOVIE “THE ITALIAN JOB” IN 2003

than any of their current models. The Signature entry-level model is fully

WAS AN EPIC SCENE THAT INCLUDED CHARLIZE THERON

equipped with AC and DC charging, keyless entry and heated front seats.

SPEEDING THROUGH THE TUNNELS OF L.A. IN A RED MINI

But that’s not all — there is no lack of luxury in this basic package

COOPER. I decided right then, I, too, would be behind the wheel of

which also includes a 6.5” display with Apple CarPlay™, rearview

a MINI Cooper someday.

camera, and active driver assist. Upgraded models include additions

Thirteen years later, you better believe I was doing my best to keep my MINI under the speed limit, and, yes, it was red with black racing stripes just like Stella’s.

such as a panoramic moonroof to enjoy those beautiful Colorado days and upgraded touchscreen with navigation.

And don’t worry, MINI did not disappoint in the handling and drive

Whether you’ve always lusted after the unique body of the British

experience of its first EV. The MINI Electric goes from 0-60 in a mere

icon, or you are just looking for an affordable way to enter the electric

6.9 seconds with 181 HP (which is even faster than you could speed

vehicle market and go a little more green, now is your time to shine.

through tunnels in 2003).

Last month, MINI released its first-ever EV and it is one of the more affordable luxury electric vehicles on the market.

Staying true to their look, the all-electric MINI has the same body as the legendary 2-door hardtop and boasts more premium standard features 30

Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | April 2020

Plus, with over 900 EV charging stations across the state, you’ll get the iconic MINI drive just a little more electrified. Whether you are going green or making your fellow road warriors green with envy, this first-of-its-kind EV earns more than a double-take.

+THE SPECS MODEL MINI Electric Hardtop 2 Door BATTERY RANGE 110 Miles Per Full Charge CHARGE TIME 36 Minute Quick Charge To 80% At 50kw MINI DRIVING EXCITEMENT 100% April 2020 | Highlands Ranch Lifestyle

31

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

body + soul

NOURISH your

UNDERSTAND WHAT’S IN YOUR FOOD FOR MINDFUL EATING

ARTICLE HAYLEY HYER

32

Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | April 2020

T H I N K O U T S I D E T H E S C A L E . T R Y TA K I N G N O T E OF HOW YOUR FOOD MAKES YOU FEEL AFTER Y O U E AT I T. I T ’ S E A S I E R T O M A K E H E A LT H Y CHOICES WHEN YOU CAN FEEL THE DIFFERENCE!

nutrition MINDFUL EATING MEANS KNOWING WHAT IS IN YOUR FOOD, HOW IT IS AFFECTING YOUR BODY AND TAKING THE TIME TO FULLY APPRECIATE THE NUTRIENTS AND FLAVORS YOU ARE TAKING IN. Whether or not you are trying to lose, gain or maintain weight, reading labels and understanding nutrition facts will help you make better choices for your body and ultimately feel better in your day-to-day.

PROTEINS Protein makes you feel full longer. If you eat a meal with little protein, you’ll feel hungry again pretty quickly, and it can be discouraging. But you don’t have to eat a huge steak to get enough protein. You can find it in cheese, nuts, seeds, spinach, eggs, avocados, broccoli, hummus, lentils—the list goes on and on! Mindful eating means taking note of how hungry you feel and eating enough protein to satisfy that hunger in a way that will last.

C A R B O H Y D R AT E S Carbohydrates are not your enemy. But, it is important to pay attention to how you feel when you eat them. If you eat a lot of carbs in one sitting, it can cause your blood sugar to spike, and when it drops back down, you can feel lethargic and maybe even irritable.

By spreading your carbohydrate intake throughout your day and always pairing it with a protein, you can help your body regulate your blood sugar more effectively and feel more alert all day long.

F AT S Fats also help slow carbohydrates down so they don’t instantly turn into sugar in your bloodstream. Fats are important for energy, and it’s especially important to eat the right kinds of fats for your brain. For better concentration and memory, try to incorporate foods like salmon, avocados, nuts, seeds and olive oil.

April 2020 | Highlands Ranch Lifestyle

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R E D E F I N I N G YO U R O U T D O O R

living space

Outdoor Living | Hardscapes

303.346.0837

Stucco/Masonry | Lighting

fourelementslandscape.com

Landscape Design | Construction

BRENT D. BAILEY, DDS

& Associates

Many come from out of state to see Dr. Bailey at Colorado Precision Dentistry and Orthodontics. If you live in Colorado, you really need to visit Dr. Bailey and his awesome team.

★★★★★

There is a reason we have abundant 5-star reviews on Google, Yelp, Facebook and RateABiz. Free consults for any dental questions you have.

NO INSURANCE? Ask about our Dental Health Club memberships.

General & Cosmetic Dentistry | Orthodontics | Implants FOR HIGHLANDS RANCH LIFESTYLE READERS WE ARE OFFERING

FREE IN-HOME BLEACHING F O R

N E W

P A T I E N T S

66 W Springer Drive Suite 204 Highlands Ranch 303-791-0472 | copdo.com 34

Highlands Ranch Lifestyle | April 2020

SUMMER COMPLETIONS ARE STARTING NOW!

ADORN YOUR KINGDOM FROM START TO FINISH LET OUR IN HOUSE DESIGNERS

CREATE THE SPACE OF YOUR DREAMS

303-766-LION(5466) KCCMileHigh.com contact@kccmilehigh.com 2680 EAST COUNTY LINE ROAD HIGHLANDS RANCH

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April 2020 | Highlands Ranch Lifestyle

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Celebrating 20 years

IN LOC AL RE AL ES TATE

It’s been 20 years since Slifer Smith & Frampton — Denver was founded and our team has loved being a part of the local business community every step of the way.

This year, we were thrilled to be recognized as the Denver Metro Association of Realtor’s #1 Top Producing Brokerage for companies with 11-30 brokers—and we owe that to all of you who have trusted us over the years.

Thank you for being a part of our community and for letting us be a part of yours. Wishing you a wonderful spring, from your local real estate experts.

visitthelandmark.com sliferdenver.com

Joy Van Gilder, Broker Associate

Kara Wetherill, Broker Associate

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

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