couple workouts

Happy Monday! Today is all about relationships and getting back to puppy love. So here's the story on couple workouts...

How would you describe your relationship with your significant other... hot and passionate? Yeah, maybe sometimes, but truth be told those words couldn’t be further from the facts. Between work, other obligations, and the common stresses of everyday life, it’s easy to let our romantic relationships take the back seat (or a place on the couch in your pajamas while you watch your favorite series together). It's a "hoo-hum" lifestyle that happens more often than not. 

Which brings me to this week. I decided I wanted to get back into cycling. I used to go all of the time with a friend. We motivated one another and made sure we each attended the class. Since my friend had moved to a different city I hadn’t made my way back to the bike.  With a new passion to try again, naturally I recruited my significant other to join.  What was a mindless offer turned into one of the best dates we’d experienced in a while. Together we were sweaty, passionate, and energetic. Those feelings lasted into dinner where we maintained enthusiasm and our feel good attitude. Conversation was great; we had a common experience from the day to chat about. And instead of dragging after a long day, we were still buzzing from our biker’s high. It was awesome.

By the next day I was still smitten by the experience. I researched the benefits of working out as a couple. You would be surprised by what this can bring to a relationship. If you are interested in learning more I recommend reading this article published by the Huffington Post.  

My suggestion, pick an exercise group or activity you have been eager to try. That way you have a partner in crime to tackle the new challenge with. Even if you both suck or end up hating the selected workout you'll have something to laugh at when you get home. 

Good luck! 

a balmy 72

That’s right folks, 9News is predicting the next two days to be in the 70’s. Yahoo! I am already dreaming of the sun kissing my skin, sipping some banquet, and playing fetch with my pup. Spring has sprung in The Mile High city and I am wide-eyed and bushy tailed for park going. And patio drinking. And bike riding. And all of the awesomeness our city oozes during these idyllic months of the year. 

Coming soon....

If you are also chomping at the bit for the spring/summer season to arrive, this list won’t ease the eagerness. Drum roll please:

Denver Pearl Brewing. Yes, that’s right. Old South Pearl Street will house a brewery (and it’s right across the street from Park Burger…. heavenly). What a perfect addition to the neighborhood.

Drinking+Dogs= Why We Love Denver. Yappy Hours are a thing and you can fully enjoy them at Bark Bar. With any luck this trend will catch on. Man’s best friend should be invited along for a pint!

RMBR aka Rocky Mountain Brew Runs is linking fitness and beer drinking in the same category. For a whopping $25.00 you can participate in a 5K and try a new ale. Each run is located at different Colorado microbrewery. 

Have a great weekend! 

take a sip: Ste. Ellie

Let’s face it; Denver has an ever-growing obsession for well a crafted cocktail.  Lucky for us, the drinking scene is moving and grooving; my taste buds dance in delight! With so many specialty bars thriving a brief jaunt from where I stand, one must try them all!

I had heard whispers and read reviews about Colt and Grey’s hot new thing but hadn’t yet found the opportune time to taste the assorted cocktails and concoctions. Naturally, I decided to invite a small group of friends to embark on the new adventure. The modern, sexy ,“speak easy” style bar was directly below its forefather’s foundation. Neatly etched about the entrance was “Ste. Ellie”, and down the lit stairs we travelled to begin our savory sips.

*Note if travelling with a small group you can call ahead. The staff will work to contain a small area to accommodate your needs. This is their refreshing take on traditional reservations.

The room felt warm and fresh. It was neatly decorated in a cream and black color palate with accenting bricks walls. A subtle sound of Phil Collins played in the background, which ultimately completed the overall ambiance. I felt quite at home. Immediately, we were seated at the end of the bar and browsed the current menu. With seasonal bar lists being very on trend, it was no surprise that Ste. Ellie too had an ever-changing menu to house a consumer’s current needs. Since I like to do my homework prior to new experiences, I already knew all of this thanks to my friends on Yelp. It was also through this source that I learned about Kevin, the bartender. More like magician! Kevin is a genius and master of booze. Matthew's not bad himself. All of Ste. Ellie’s cockologists know what they’re doing and how to treat a costumer. The overall experience was light hearted and welcoming in a space that made you feel distinguished.

But wait, what about the cocktails?! Well let’s get to it. I asked my new BFF Kevin to create something with vodka and lemon, allowing him to fully showcase his artistry without many confinements. What came back to my seat was unlike anything I had ever had the pleasure of drinking before. What could have been simple and sweet was transformed into an eloquent mixture of champagne, ginger, and samplings from God. It was divine, a unicorn of a drink. Stupid & Clever was another group favorite and one for the whiskey drinkers in your circle. Ste. Ellie does their snacks equally as well. Believe it or not, but duck and fries is a delightful combo. I also can’t say enough good things about the beet salad; it was delicious! 

Overall, between the location, laughs, and libations, this place is worth a visit weekly. It is an added favorite to my growing Denver drinking list. 



Photos by Adam Larkey for Eater Denver. Read all their reviews here. 

the puppy phase

What do you get when you walk into a bedroom covered in stuffing, a comforter strung across the floor (wait…I made the bed this morning?), and a guilty furry mug? My life. Five out of ten times my pup is left alone; this is the scene I come home to. Heaven for her is a pile of pillows waiting to be punctured and pulled apart.

What does this all mean? Do I have a “bad dog”? I don’t think so. She’s spirited, passionate, and easy to entertain. She loves to play. She loves people. She loves being a puppy.

So where does that leave me, the puppy parent? How do puppy parents ease the pain of “the terrible 2’s” especially when our dogs are so dang happy? If only I knew.  Despite my best efforts, over a month spent attending obedient classes (which she lived for), and a plethora of positive reinforcement, my puppy is still acting like well… a puppy. My beautiful chocolate lab is on the brink of turning 10 months old and I often wonder at what point she’ll calm herself down. I also wonder if I really want that day to come. I love her energy, personality, and even bad behaviors that make her who she is.

I’m in a limbo. Is there a happy medium between chewing up pillows and being blissfully happy? Of course there is. I know that eventually she will out grow this phase and find new happiness in something else.  It’s the time-being that’s hard. How many times will I point at the torn apart bed and shout “NO”? How many times will she respond by giving me puppy eyes and wiggly tail? I'm not really sure. But this is what our relationship is about. It is a give and take, try and learn experience. She challenges me, I hide the pillows, and we continue to grow.   

To all puppy parents- good luck through this frustrating, but fun stage. Do your pets have any weird, comical, or bad habits? I'd love to hear.