Dog Days of Summer
Welcome to the second issue of Mile High City Lifestyle—and thank you for the incredible support and enthusiasm after our launch last month! This magazine is truly a reflection of our community, and we’re so excited to keep growing it with you.
August brings the golden stretch of summer— long days, sticky popsicles, and that sweet mix of chaos and calm before the school year begins. It’s also a time when our neighborhoods come alive with the joyful sounds of kids laughing, sprinklers running, and the occasional bark or meow from a furry sidekick tagging along on the adventure.
This month, we’re celebrating Kids and Pets—the trips to the pool, the backyard fort-building, the bedtime snuggles, and the many life lessons learned through companionship. In these pages, you’ll find tips on keeping your pets safe during the summer heat, a profile on our realtor who adores her pets, plus great summer recipes.
If you’re looking for your next weekend outing or wondering how to keep your crew (human and otherwise) cool and happy in the heat, we’ve got you covered.
As always, our goal is to reflect the heart of our community—real people, real stories, real joy. If you have something you’d love to see in a future issue, don’t hesitate to reach out. This magazine is for you
Here’s to muddy footprints, happy tails, and the last sweet weeks of summer.
NATE THOMAS, PUBLISHER @MILEHIGHCITYLIFESTYLE_MAGAZINE
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Nate Thomas | nate.thomas@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Breann Grell | breann.grell@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jed Heneberry | jed@kindandfunny.com
Arica Netterville | iiitoldya@yahoo.com
Jennifer Warswick | toppawk9s@gmail.com
PHOTO EDITOR
Samuel Vickrey | samuelvickrey@samaracreative.net
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Proverbs 3:5-6
Nate Thomas MILE HIGH CITY LIFESTYLE PUBLISHER
Acai Alley WWW.ACAIALLEYCO.COM
Arc’Teryx RiNo STORES.ARCTERYX.COM/SHOP/302303/ARCTERYX-RINO
Central Park Orthodontics CENTRALPARKORTHODONTICSDENVER.COM
Clearent CLEARENT.COM
Cosmic Health Collective WWW.COSMICDENVER.COM
Denver Nook WWW.DENVERNOOK.COM
E20 Denver Health and Performance E2ODENVER.COM
Founders Green Animal Hospital WWW.FOUNDERSGREEN.COM
Lomena Law LOMENALAW.COM
M&G Construction Service
Mighty Pine Heating & Air MIGHTYPINEHVAC.COM
Next Level Pros NEXTLEVELPROS.NET
Oneida Park Dental Studio WWW.ONEIDAPARKDENTALSTUDIO.COM
Orange Tree Cleaners ORANGETREECLEANERS.COM
Outdoor Lighting Perspectives
WWW.OUTDOORLIGHTS.COM/DENVER/#~3C66F05F-BBB94EC6-9A49-5D945EF9240C
Rooms By Sandy ROOMSBYSANDY.DECORATINGDEN.COM
Scenthound Denver Central Park WWW.SCENTHOUND.COM/DENVER-CENTRAL-PARK
The Denver Village WWW.THEDENVERVILLAGE.COM
Top Paw K9 Academy WWW.TOPPAWK9ACADEMY.COM
business monthly
Sip, Shop & Stroll at Denver Bazaar
Denver Bazaar isn’t just a market—it’s a movement! Since 2015, it’s helped 5,000+ Colorado small businesses (mostly women and minority-owned) make over $20M in sales. Join the fun every third Sunday at Larimer Square through October with 80+ local makers, tasty food trucks, live DJs, and 250+ local musicians. Come for the shopping, stay for the good vibes! More info at denverbazaar.com.
Dragons, Beats & Eats at Colorado Dragon Boat Festival
Celebrate Asian and Asian American heritage at the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, September 6–7 at Sloan’s Lake Park! Experience thrilling dragon boat races, authentic Asian cuisine, and live performances on three stages. With over 200,000 attendees, it’s the largest festival of its kind in the United States. Admission is free, with shuttles from Auraria Campus. Learn more at cdbf.org.
New Season is Here!
Dance Institute is excited to announce the launch of its 21st season starting this September. Dance Institute continues its commitment to nurturing talent and promoting the art of dance in the community. Our expert instructors bring passion, professionalism, and years of experience to every session. Registration is now open for classes along with auditions for the Nutcracker on August 23rd. Join us this fall to express, explore, and evolve through the power of movement https://www.danceinstitutedenver.com/.
Photography by Scott Griessel
Photography by kingrobert
Photography by Dance Institute
WHISKING UP CONFIDENCE
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Why Cooking with Kids is More Than Just Making Meals
There’s something truly special about inviting your child into the kitchen—not just for the cookies or cupcakes, but for the confidence, creativity, and connection that come with it. Cooking with your children isn’t just a fun way to pass the time; it’s an opportunity to build lifelong skills and memories that stick.
Sure, teaching a young child how to crack an egg or measure flour can test your patience—but hang in there. With a little trial and a fair amount of error, they’ll start to develop the fine motor skills that allow them to prep a recipe all on their own one day. The best part? They’ll gain confidence along the way, one scoop, stir, and sprinkle at a time.
Cooking together also taps into something a little magical—memory. The smell of cookies baking or chili simmering on the stove can instantly transport us back to childhood. That’s not just nostalgia talking—science backs it up. Our sense of smell is closely tied to autobiographical memory, especially memories formed early in life. So those sweet, savory scents? They’re more powerful than you might think.
The key is to start simple. Let your toddler play with mixing bowls, spoons, and measuring cups. These little moments of pretend play actually help build the fine motor skills needed for real kitchen tasks. Begin with small jobs—scooping flour, flattening cookie dough with a rolling pin—and gradually add more steps as your child becomes more confident.
It won’t be perfect. The flour might fly, the sugar might spill, and the measurements might be slightly off—and that’s okay. Embrace the mess, stay patient, and focus on the fun. A dash of encouragement and a sprinkle of praise go a long way in keeping your little chef engaged and excited.
Over time, you’ll see the magic unfold: a child who’s not only learning how to cook but also growing more independent, capable, and proud of what they’ve created. And who knows? Maybe one day, they’ll pass those same recipes—and memories—on to their own kids.
CONTINUED >
ANIMAL Crackers
Ingredients:
• 1 cup and 2 tablespoons white flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 4 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• Optional: add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or cinnamon
CONTINUED >
Steps:
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
EMBRACE THE MESS, STAY PATIENT, AND FOCUS ON THE FUN.
2. Put the oatmeal in a blender or food processor and pulse for about a minute, until it’s reduced to a rough powder. Add the ground oatmeal to the whole wheat and 1/2 cup of the white flour, baking soda and salt to the bowl of an electric mixer affixed with a paddle attachment, and turn on to mix. Add butter and blend on medium speed until the butter has been incorporated and the mix looks a little like wet sand. Add the buttermilk, vanilla, honey and almond extract and blend. If the dough looks too wet to roll, add the remaining flour 1/4 cup at a time until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the blender.
3. Turn the dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap and flatten into a disc. Cover completely and chill in the fridge for at least one hour, up to overnight.
4. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees and place dough on a lightly floured surface (using the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour). Roll out until 1/8 inch thick. Cut out with desired cookie cutters and bake for five to seven minutes, based on your preference. Five minutes will get you a softer cracker, while seven will get you a crisp cracker.
Enjoy!
This magazine is how Nate redefined success.
This is more than a role; it’s a platform for purpose. City Lifestyle publishers step into something bigger: the freedom to lead, the fulfillment of impact, and the pride of building something that matters. The opportunity to lead with meaning is calling. Could your next chapter begin here?
Mile High City Lifestyle
Your story is waiting. Explore open markets nationwide.
Published by Nate Loved by Mile High
A Healthier Margarita
DISCOVER THE DELICIOUS FRESH TASTE OF A CLASSIC MARGARITA MADE WITHOUT SUGARY MIXERS
ARTICLE BY ANA MEYER
Whether you’re hosting a pool party or simply enjoy sipping the sweet and tartness of an amazing Margarita, this healthier version with these natural ingredients is sure to make your palate happy. This is all fresh ingredients, no mixers. It’s just as easy, much cleaner and better for you!
INGREDIENTS
• 2 oz. Casamigos Reposado or Blanco Tequila
• 1 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
• .25 oz. Fresh Orange Juice
• .5 oz. Agave Nectar
• .5 oz. Orange Liqueur
• Garnish with a lime wheel through a skewer
INSTRUCTIONS
• Combine all ingredients into a tin shaker.
• Add ice, shake vigorously and strain into rocks glass.
• Add fresh ice and garnish.
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
BIRTHDAY PARTY DIY DOG
THROW A PAWSOME BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR YOUR FURRY FRIEND
DIY PARTY FAVORS FOR DOGS
Create delightful DIY party favors for your dog guests by filling small bags or boxes with goodies. Include a tennis ball for playtime fun and a selection of treats for them to enjoy. You can also add a small toy or chew for variety. These favors ensure that every pup goes home happy and tired from all the play and treats.
TREAT STATION FOR OWNERS
Keep the human guests happy with a creative Treat Station for Owners. Use brand new, clean dog food bowls as serving dishes for snacks like chips, pretzels, and candies. Arrange the bowls on a table with a festive tablecloth and some dog-themed decorations. Label each bowl with fun names like “Puppy Chow” for trail mix or “Doggie Biscuits” for cookies.
HOW TO MAKE A DOG BIRTHDAY CAKE
A birthday party isn’t complete without a cake, even for dogs! To make a dog-friendly birthday cake, start with ingredients like peanut butter, bananas, and carrots. Mix 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of rolled oats, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of cinnamon in one bowl. In another bowl, blend 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup of peanut butter, 1 mashed banana, and 1/2 cup of grated carrots. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then pour the batter into a greased cake pan. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Let it cool, then frost with a mixture of Greek yogurt and peanut butter. Decorate with dog treats and serve to your excited pup!
Keep Tails Wagging
SUMMER SAFETY TIPS FOR DENVER’S FOUR-LEGGED LOCALS
Denver’s sunshine is no joke—just ask your dog! While we love soaking up those 300 days of sunshine, our furry companions need a little extra TLC when the temperatures rise. Whether you're hiking in the Rockies or strolling around Wash Park, these vet-approved tips will help keep your pet cool, safe, and happy all summer long.
1. TIMING IS EVERYTHING
Sidewalks can turn scorching by midday, so aim for early morning or post-dinner walks. A quick trick? Place the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for their paws. Stick to grassy, shaded routes— or try paw-protecting booties for those midday must-do’s.
2. COOL FROM THE CORE
Overheating? Skip dousing their head or back. Instead, apply water to their bellies and paws—this helps cool their core without triggering heat-retaining vasoconstriction. Bonus points for a cooling vest! Just soak it in water before heading out, and it’ll help regulate your dog’s body temperature during outdoor play.
3. PAUSE BEFORE THE WATER BOWL
It’s tempting to offer water the second your pup starts panting, but if they’re heavily exerted, wait until they’ve calmed down. Drinking too soon can lead to bloating, especially in deep-chested breeds.
4. KNOW THEIR LIMITS
A hike might seem like a breeze for you, but it could be too much for your pup. Consider their breed, age, fur type, and stamina. Stick to trails with access to running water like rivers or creeks—but steer clear of stagnant ponds and lakes, which can harbor harmful algae and bacteria.
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER WARSWICK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMUEL VICKREY
Jennifer & Athena
5. TRY THE BANDANA TRICK
Here’s a fun local hack: soak a bandana in cold water and tie it around your dog’s neck for a quick cooling boost during short outings. Stylish and functional.
6. TAILOR YOUR HEAT PLAN BY BREED
Not all pups are built for the heat. For example, temperatures over 80°F can be tough for Huskies, especially with exercise. Research what’s safe for your breed and adjust activity levels accordingly.
7. DON’T SHAVE THAT DOUBLE COAT!
Before booking that grooming appointment, know your dog’s coat type. Doublecoated breeds like Golden Retrievers, Huskies, and German Shepherds rely on their natural insulation to stay cool and protect against sunburn. Shaving can do more harm than good and may even cause long-term coat damage. Poodles and other single-coated dogs? Totally fine to trim for the season.
8. CHILL OUT WITH COOLING MATS
After playtime or on lazy afternoons in the shade, cooling beds and mats can be a game-changer. Think of them as your pup’s personal patio lounger.
9. NEVER LEAVE THEM IN A PARKED CAR
It might seem obvious, but even a few minutes in a parked car—windows cracked or not—can turn deadly fast. On a sunny 85°F day, the interior of a car can soar past 100°F in under 10 minutes. When in doubt, leave your pup at home in the AC while you run errands.
A little local know-how keeps tails wagging and tongues happy in the Mile High heat. Stay cool, stay safe—and enjoy every sun-soaked adventure with your best furry friend.
“A little local know-how keeps tails wagging and tongues happy in the Mile High heat. Stay cool, stay safe— and enjoy every sun-soaked adventure with your best furry friend.”
The Conduit of Denver
MEET ARICA
ARTICLE BY ARICA NETTERVILLE PHOTOGRAPHY
In a city buzzing with innovation and entrepreneurial energy, The Denver Business Beat has become a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of the metro area.
Hosted by the dynamic Arica Netterville — a two-time award-winning podcast creator and proud Ambassador for both the Denver Metro and West Metro Chambers of Commerce — the weekly show dives deep into the stories shaping the Mile High business scene. Every Wednesday at 3 p.m., Arica brings her signature warmth, curiosity, and community-first mindset to the mic, sitting down with local founders, executives, and change makers to unpack their journeys, challenges, and victories.
But her influence doesn’t stop at the podcast. Arica also hosts vibrant networking events across the city — including regular meetups at Serendipity Labs, where she’s built a thriving partnership, as well as gatherings at Venture X and Catalyst. Whether you’re a startup enthusiast, a seasoned small business owner, or just love hearing how leaders innovate, Arica’s world is one worth tuning into — and stepping into.
To connect with this powerhouse of Denver’s business community, follow her journey online and join the conversation.
THANK YOU TO EVERYBODY THAT HAS SUPPORTED ME THE LAST THREE YEARS:
Morgan and Cassi with Serendipity Labs
Mike
Rob
Townsend with Veterans Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electric
Rose, Michelle Fox, and Kathrine Williams with the Denver Metro Chamber
Aaron, Atchison, and Maureen from West Metro Chamber of Commerce
Your podcast host, Arica
Through the Denver Business Beat Arica wants to support Denver businesses
BY SAMUEL VICKREY
DIY At Home Theater
Our family had so much fun creating this At-Home Movie Theater party for our son Ezra’s 8th birthday. All you need is a projector and an outdoor space, but I wanted to jazz it up just a little bit more.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY LEANN PARKER
TICKET BOOTH
I created a ticket booth and concession stand for a full movie theater experience to ensure that our movie night felt like our guests were actually going to a movie theater and not just our house. In an attempt to achieve that, we set up a ticket booth at the front door using our kids’ old puppet theater.
Materials:
• Tickets
• Ticket Booth (optional)
Before entering our theater (aka our backyard), I set up a shadow box for guests to place their entry ticket.
PEGBOARD DISPLAY WALL
I love displaying food in a creative way at our parties. I made this simple DIY Popcorn Display Wall as a statement piece in our concession stand. We have also used it in many other ways for other parties such as a donut wall, bagel wall, pretzel wall and more. You can easily recreate your own for your next party.
Materials:
• Pegboard. I chose the 4ft square size at Lowe’s for $10 and spray-painted it white.
• Frame (optional). I bought two 1x4’s for $5 each, cut two pieces 4ft long and two pieces 3.5ft long, stained Minwax walnut, attached to pegboard with screws through the back.
• Twine to string popcorn bags. Or, if you’re using the pegboard display for donuts, bagels or pretzels then use golf tees hot-glued into holes from behind!
• Clothespins to hang popcorn bags.
• Popcorn bags
CONCESSION STAND
My daughter handed out tickets for guests to use to “purchase” their popcorn, candy and drinks at the concession stand.
Materials:
• Popcorn Machine (optional)
• Popcorn
• Popcorn flavors for guests to get creative!
• Candy - Use boxes rather than bags for movie theater vibes!
• Soda - Use bottles rather than cans
• Napkins
• Cupcake toppers & plates (if it’s a birthday celebration)
• Reused boxes and spray-painted them white for guests to easily carry their snacks
SET THE SCENE!
FINISHING TOUCHES
I cut out red stars (from foam sheets) and stuck them to the floor (with adhesive putty) to lead guests through the house to the concession stand and back outside to where our movie was going to take place. Finally, our guests could choose their seating on chairs or blankets around our yard. I also set up a little bug-spray table for people to grab as needed. Dramatic play, even as an adult, is so much fun! Who says staying home can’t be just as entertaining?
I hope you have as much fun at your party as we did! I’d love if you tagged me @silvertoothfarmhome so I can see your At-Home Movie Theater too!! In reflecting on the party, my son said that “the best part of the night was eating candy with my friends.” After all, people are what matter most!
CSU SPUR DAY TRIP
An Immersive and Engaging Educational Experience for Your Kids
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY CASSANDRA GREEN
Looking for a fun day destination for your kids? Look no further than Colorado State University (CSU) Spur. Located just north of Denver, CSU Spur offers an educational and engaging program for the entire family to enjoy together for free. I joined Parker City Lifestyle publisher, Joan Dameron and her family for a fun day venturing the campus. We started out at CSU Spur Vida where we had an opportunity to learn about animal and human health. The experience was very immersive and engaging. At Vida, kids can watch cats and dogs in surgery. From dental procedures to spays/neuters, kids can even hear from the veterinarians during the process. There are also mock exam clinics. The kids can choose a stuffed animal, read their medical charts, then, with lab coats and tools in hand, diagnose and help their animal get better.
Vida also has equine therapy on-site, so kids can watch human therapy sessions as well as equine therapy strengthening exercises where the horses walk on an underwater treadmill. All throughout the building are stations for interactive learning as well as a room dedicated to virtual reality resources.
Our next stop was CSU Spur Hydro. The building itself is a work of art. With indoor and outdoor opportunities, Hydro shares our connection to water. Scientists talk about career options and how our city sustains its water and water flows. This building has a cafe with produce that is grown on-site.
Terra was our final tour where we learned about food and agriculture. This building addresses the growing need for agriculture and farming. Kids learn about the science behind food. They have labs, kitchens for culinary classes and a newly acquired greenhouse.
Scientists and researchers are on-site at each building and they are proactive to share and teach in a way that keeps the information moving just as quickly as the kids move. CSUSpur.org/Visit
Emma, Rilee and Emersyn at Hydro
Emma Performing an Experiment in Hydro
Emersyn, Kooper, Emma, and Rilee at the Mock Vet Clinic
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
DAILY VISITS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 7TH
Explore Jurassic Oceans Before They Vanish!
Denver Nature and Science Museum, 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO 80205 | 9:00 AM
Dive into the prehistoric seas at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science! Encounter giant marine reptiles, dramatic fossils, and interactive displays in this immersive exhibit. Closes September 7, 2025. For more information and tickets please visit www.dmns.org.
WEDNESDAYS AND THURSDAYS THROUGH OCTOBER 16TH
Taste the City at Civic Center Eats
Civic Center Park, 101 W. 14th Ave., Denver, CO 80202 | 11:00 AM
Civic Center Eats is your go-to lunch spot in downtown Denver, featuring the city’s best food trucks, live music, and a vibrant park atmosphere. Join the fun every Wednesday and Thursday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Civic Center Park. It’s free to attend—just bring your appetite! Visit www.civiccenterpark.org/events/civic-center-eats/ for more information on dates and vendors.
VARIOUS DATES THROUGH OCTOBER 26TH
Shop Local at Union Station Urban Market
Denver Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202 | 12:00 PM
Browse unique finds from local artisans—jewelry, art, home goods, and more—at the Urban Market on Wynkoop Plaza at Denver Union Station. Enjoy live music, tasty bites, and a vibrant downtown vibe. Free and open select weekends from noon to 6 PM. For dates and vendor info, visit denverunionstation.com/events/urban-market-at-union-station.
SEPTEMBER 13TH
Sun, Sounds & Smiles at Sunnyside Music Festival
Chaffee Park, 1901 W 43rd Ave, Denver, CO 80211 | 12:00 PM
Catch free, family-friendly tunes at Chaffee Park this Saturday, September 13 (noon–7:30 PM)! Enjoy local bands, artisan vendors, food trucks, kids area, and even a pre-fest yoga session at 11 AM. Volunteer-run and totally free, it's Denver's community celebration of music, art, and good vibes. Learn more at www.sunnysidemusicfest.org.
SEPTEMBER 19TH - 21ST AND 26TH - 28TH
Beer, Brats, and Bavarian Vibes
Oktoberfest is held at 21st and Larimer St. in Denver’s Ballpark neighborhood | 4:00 PM
Raise a stein at Denver Oktoberfest—one of the best in the nation! Enjoy Bavarian brews, live music, stein hoisting, and more in the Ballpark District. The fun happens over two weekends: September 19–21 and 26–28. Entry is free, and VIP tickets are available online at thedenveroktoberfest.com. Prost!
SEPTEMBER 27TH
EcoAction Lab: Innovate for a Greener Tomorrow
Girl Scout DreamLab, 63 N. Quebec St, Denver, CO 80230 | 1:00 PM
Join the EcoAction Lab on Saturday, September 27, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM MDT for a free, hands-on workshop open to youth and their families (recommended ages 10+). Collaborate to tackle real-world environmental challenges using the Slingshot method. Ideal for future changemakers passionate about sustainability. Spaces are limited—register now to secure your spot!
Visit www.eventbrite.com/e/ecoaction-lab-slingshot-challenge-workshop-for-environmental-changemakers-tickets-1344463339039
At Denver Nook (my real estate dream brought to life) I do a great job of learning who my clients are and discovering exactly what they want, then I use my unique northside expertise to help them get it, all while having a lot of fun together along the way.
There are great opportunities for both buyers and sellers in the current real estate market. Call/text/email me to set up a time to chat about your specific possibilities.
K N DENVER
FOLLOW @DENVER_NOOK FOR REAL ESTATE TALK (AND CUTE DOGS!)
WHERE HOUSES BECOME HOMES. WHERE IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU. WHERE BUYING A HOME IS FUN.
