Life Style Denver by Gretchen Faber

Top 10 Things to do on A Denver Snow Day

We're buried. Imagine a friend dumps a bucketful of shaved ice over your head after the Super Bowl.  It all comes down in a rush and where you were previously dry, you're now covered in ice. That's Denver today.  We were dry and warm until Thursday, our normal balmy temperatures.  Yesterday, the bucket was upended. So here are a few tips if you're new to Denver on how we while away the hours on those rare, glorious snow days: 1. We Shovel: And shovel,...Continue Reading!

5 Things You Should Know About Relocating to Denver

If you're moving into the Mile High City, there are a few things you may find helpful as you pull up stakes and head to the Rocky Mountains. 1. Denver isn't actually in the mountains. During college, one of my friends from home commented, "Wow!  You must be in good shape to ride your bike in Denver!"  It took a minute to realize she was under the impression I was riding over mountain passes.  I explained that Denver is on...Continue Reading!

Colorado Gives Day is Big in Denver

On the 2010 Colorado Gives Day, $8.7 million was donated to local charities. The 2011 Colorado Gives Day hopes to outpace that amount.  Donate at their site by clicking the big green button "Donate Now."  You can designate from over 880 local non-profits.  This event is sponsored by the Community First Foundation. Give early, give often and extend a helping hand.  The giving begins at 12:01 am on December 6th. For that one day, let's remember our friends in need.Continue Reading!

Downtown Denver Flipping the Switch, Lighting the City and County Building

Denver has been lighting the The City and County Building during the holiday season since 1926. This year is no different, and Mayor Hancock will flip the switch to the lights tonight. Driving past the building on winter nights puts a smile on the face of everyone but Oscar the Grouch or Scrooge.  Head downtown during the next month, and check it out. A few years ago, the city made a switch to LED lights for energy efficiency, and it looks just...Continue Reading!

Mashed Potatoes Shouldn’t Need Gravy | Thanksgiving 2011

It's Thanksgiving 2011.  The time of year we begin to eat ourselves into oblivion and hibernate. The good news about living in Denver is the winter sunshine, snow on the slopes, and long pants. Long pants cover up the pale, mashed potato looking legs. But I digress.  It's time to talk a key Thanksgiving meal element.  Mashed potatoes.  If you love yours covered in gravy, well, I guess you have a right to your culinary opinion. An occasional dab of gravy doesn't do much...Continue Reading!

What’s On the Table for T-Day 2011 in Denver?

Each year at LifeStyle Denver, the Thanksgiving meal takes front and center.  What's it like eating tofu turkey?  How about store bought pumpkin pie?  Or bad whine? What's on deck for Thanksgiving 2011?  Mashed potatoes.  Aside from turkey, the absolute best thing about Thanksgiving.  And you'll be treated to a great mashed potato recipe! But you'll have to wait until November 24th.  So enjoy this beautiful Fall weather in Denver, harvest those pumpkins, and check back later. See you soon! GretchenContinue Reading!

Take the Pooches to Cherry Creek Open Space Dog Park

My friend Donna and I like to take Roxy and Duke to the Cherry Creek State Park.  We went early yesterday morning and it was brisk, but beautiful.  Unless you were wearing a fur coat. The dogs didn't seem to mind the morning chill one bit. At the northeast side of the park, just off of Parker Road and East Orchard Road you'll find the entrance to a road that will take you up into the off leash dog area.  We...Continue Reading!

Denver Residents Falling Back

Everyone in Denver is falling back tonight.  At least, those of us who remember to turn our clocks back an hour will. So don't get left behind.  Change your clocks and sleep an extra hour on Sunday morning. And if you're having an open house, give your broker a break if she shows up an hour early. You can search for Denver open houses on my GretchensDenver website every weekend! Continue Reading!

Denver – B Cycle Program in Winter

When I lived in Germany, I was flabergasted that they would ride their bicycles throughout the winter.  On snow-packed roads! I guess being California raised meant that I had no clue you could bike all winter. Denver's B-Cycle program is out to prove it this year, and the rental bikes will be available in sunshine or blizzard. Today's storm didn't slow down many people.  The Denver Public Schools think their students are like postal workers.  School is rarely canceled - rain, sleet or...Continue Reading!

Bang for Your Buck – Top Home Updating Tips

As a Denver area real estate broker, I'm asked by homeowners where they should put their money when getting their house ready for sale.  So many times, the Seller has put off updates and improvements they could have enjoyed and they're now considering those same updates to benefit the next owner. How can you keep on top of home improvements, keep on budget and enjoy before you sell?  Focus on "bang for the buck." Bang for the Buck 1:  Kitchen counter tops....Continue Reading!