Life Style Denver by Gretchen Faber

Art and Landscape Beautifully Combined in Denver

  Nature and art came together today - with a glorious early-spring afternoon at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Denver is on the map for our vibrant and growing art scene, our wonderous natural landscape and our unbeatable weather.  Today was the perfect convergence of all three. Henry Moore sought inspiration for his sculpture from the natural landscape, and what better place to exhibit 20 Moore sculptures than at the Denver Botanic Gardens. The pieces are very organic, and while the themes are human,...Continue Reading!

Cherry Creek North Parking – Quarters Not Required

The Cherry Creek North neighborhood - Denver's "Gold Coast" - added a call-in parking alternative in November. This seems like a great alternative to saving quarters, or trying to keep the parking machines from tearing up your credit card.  So far, though, the buzz is that people aren't taking to the phone-in alternative. Setting up an account is easy, but thinking about it ahead of time is probably part of the problem.  Shoppers don't usually plan in advance.  Diners in the neighborhood...Continue Reading!

Top 5 Things to Do at Denver’s Stock Show

Having grown up in Southern California,  I was more a beach bum than a horsey person when I relocated to Denver nearly 28 years ago. In fact, one thing I completely rejected about my new hometown was anything to do with western wear, western culture or cows. My boots were ski boots, and my jeans were definitely not boot cut.  I attended the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo a couple of times, and while it was somewhat fun to watch the...Continue Reading!

This Store Has Gone to the Dogs

On Christmas Eve, I ran one last errand in Cherry Creek North to the tailor.  As I came out to the car I saw a very excited Golden Retriever running down the block with his owner behind saying, "That's right boy!  Go see your friends!" I looked across the parking lot to see where the pooch was headed, and there was a store called Two Pals & A Pup. "Duke needs a stocking gift!" I thought.  So I hurried over to run...Continue Reading!

Top 4 Colorado Places to Chop Your Own Christmas Tree

Have you ever hiked into the woods in early December, trudging through several feet of snow to chop down your own Christmas tree? Have you ever done it in tennis shoes? I have, and my former father-in-law never failed to remind me that girls from California should seek footwear advice from a local before heading to the Rockies to chop down a tree in December.  (Ex-father in law, you see.)   He took great enjoyment from reminding me of that little faux pas. Which...Continue Reading!

Be Thankful – A Denver Thanksgiving

Holy pumpkin pie, Batman!  A year has gone by since my rumination on tofu turkey. This year, I'm thinking about store-bought pumpkin pie.  I have gourmet friends, and friends who can't cook to save their lives.  I even have a friend who owns her own catering company - she's a handy friend to have! Some will prepare pies, others will pick them up from Safeway. One person will turn her nose up at "store-bought" another doesn't really care. I'm just thankful that there's...Continue Reading!

Whole Foods Denver – Cherry Creek is Busy!

Shopping at Whole Foods in Cherry Creek can be an exercise in frustration.  Trying to pick up a few last minute items there on Thanksgiving Eve is completely insane. The store has lovely displays, great produce, hormone-free meats and amazing cheeses. It also has parking issues and high prices.  Nonetheless, I find myself there at least twice a month picking up a few things that Safeway or King Soopers don't carry. I was there this evening.  Next year, I need to plan...Continue Reading!

Denver’s Dog Love Affair

My sister often says, "you can't live in Denver without owning a dog!" She's only half exaggerating. Her two passed away a few years ago, and with a traveling job and two young children, she's decided to hold off on adopting another. I married a cat person, and since my dogs were also long departed, it made no sense to add more chaos into our blended family.  Actually, my husband is an animal person in general, he just so happened to have...Continue Reading!

In Real Estate, Life is Like a Bowl of Craisins

Sometimes sweet, sometimes sticky, usually fun, but with a tart side too. My loyal reader (you know who you are) complained to me recently that I'm not posting as often as I used to or should be.   "Are you losing interest?" he asked. No I'm not losing interest - but today was like this: My dog's day was like this: Well, at least someone in our family is enjoying the Colorado lifestyle. Sales have been brisk lately, the office is running well, but needs...Continue Reading!

2009 Denver Fireworks On 3rd & 4th!

If you're planning on watching fireworks for this year's Independence Day, take note - many municipal fireworks shows are tonight, July 3rd. Here's a list of fireworks around Central Denver. We particularly love the Glendale fireworks, and plan on checking the show out tonight after a neighbor's bar-be-que. ...Continue Reading!