Kick Butts Day, Memory Day, World Down Syndrome Day, Fragrance Day

Check out these sites for:
1) Help with quitting smoking (http://www.smokefree.gov/)
2) Improving your memory (http://www.improvememory.org/)
3) Events to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day (http://www.ds-int.org/events/wdsd,
http://www.mhdsa.org/, http://www.mhdsa.org/events/index.html)
Happy remembering!
XO

 
Bed-In for Peace Day, Atheist Pride Day, First Day of Spring, Kiss Your Fiancee Day, Won't You Be My Neighbor Day,
Extraterrestrial Abductions Day

It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood,
A beautiful day for a neighbor,
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?

It's a neighborly day in this beautywood,
A neighborly day for a beauty,
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?
I have always wanted to have a neighbor just like you,
I've always wanted to live in a neighborhood with you.

So let's make the most of this beautiful day,
Since we're together, we might as well say,
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?
Won't you be my neighbor?

Won't you please,
Won't you please,
Please won't you be my neighbor?
Hi, blog neighbor, I'm glad we're together again!

Mr. Rogers was the best. . . and I love that there's a picture of him flipping the camera off floating around. It makes me love him more. What a great dude!
(P. S. U-F-O = Unexpected Flipping Off!)

Here's a few things to help you bed-in for peace! And I CANNOT believe it's spring already!

Twenty Something Dreamer
blew my mind with this to-die-for hammock thing.
Also, Vintage Revivals totally made me want to watch Bedknobs & Brooksticks 100 times thanks to this bed! I want one!
Happy Abduction Day!
XO
 
National Chocolate Caramel Day, Poultry Day






Ok.

So.

Try to stay with me.







Caramel Brownies
by Annie's Eats
. . .





. . . plus . . .







. . . Homemade Dulce de Leche
by Smells Like Home . . .

. . . equals . . .

                                    a) Heaven.
                                    b) The reason I'm a fat bum lately.
                                    c) My next recipe to try.
                                    d) All of the above.
Obviously, all of the above. I mean seriously. How can I resist this? Here are the recipes.
I hope you get a good jog in before/after consuming all 24+ brownies!

Brownie Recipe
by Annie's Eats
Ingredients:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
12 oz. bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
1½ cups sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp. vanilla extract
1¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp. salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:
  • Preheat the oven to 350˚ F.  Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil and grease the foil well with butter or cooking spray.
  • Combine the butter and chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. 
  • Heat, stirring occasionally, until completely melted and smooth.  (Alternatively, microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted.) 
  • Remove the bowl from the heat.
  • Whisk in the sugar, eggs and vanilla until incorporated. 
  • Stir in the flour and salt just until combined.  Spread about half of the brownie batter in the bottom of the prepared pan in an even layer.
  • Bake for 20 minutes.  Remove from the oven, maintaining the oven temperature, and let cool for 20 minutes.
  • Immediately spread the dulce de leche mixture over the bottom brownie layer.  Pour the remaining brownie batter over the dulce de leche layer, taking care to pour and spread it evenly otherwise it will be difficult to spread evenly over the dulce de leche layer. 
  • Sprinkle the chocolate chips and the remaining pecans on top of the final brownie layer.  Bake for 20 minutes.  Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before slicing and serving. 
  • (To speed cooling, chill in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.)
  • Lift the brownies from the pan using the edges of the foil.  Remove the foil and cut the brownies into individual squares.  Store in an airtight container.
Dulce de Leche Recipe
by Smells Like Home

Ingredients:
1 can sweetened condensed milk, label removed

Directions:
  • If the can has a pull tab, lift the tab very carefully and slowly, just until the seal of the can pops with a tiny hole – you don’t want to open the can more than this much.  If your can doesn’t have a pull tab, pop the seal with a tiny pinch of a can opener.
  • Place the can in a medium stainless steel sauce pot (do not use non-stick or enamel-coated) and pour water about 3/4 the way up the can.
  • Bring water to a simmer over medium-low to medium heat and simmer for 3 to 3 1/2 hours, replenishing the water level every 30 minutes or so.  Don’t worry if the milk bubbles out of the can – only a few tablespoons will be lost.
  • Let the can cool completely.  Open the can stir and dulce de leche to achieve a consistent thickness.  Either use immediately or store the dulce de leche to an airtight container (keep refrigerated).




Holy crap.

Count me in.

Happy indulging!
XO
 
March 18: Awkward Moments Day, Forgive Mom and Dad Day, Goddess of Fertility Day
This picture is kind of an awkward moment in and of itself.
My parents are no longer married, but this picture is from
December 6, 1977, the day they said "I do."
Today, March 18, 2012 is the day I say "I forgive you."
I would not be who I am today if not for things playing out exactly as they were
supposed to, not only in my life, but in everyone's lives around me.

And for that, I say, THANK YOU!
P. S. I also have to say - LOL! My dad looks like a baby! I love you, Padre.
And I love my mom's face in this picture!! I love you, Madre.

Happy forgiving!
XO
 
March 17: Corn Dog Day, National Quilting Day, St. Patrick's Day
Awww. . . Look at me with my red hair! Happy St. Patrick's Day all you Irish out there, as well as everyone else (ahem, me!) that will be pretending their Irish. My hair confuses people, but alas, I am Irish-less. Except for my boyfriend, Mr. McHenry. *sigh* If we get married, people will REALLY be thrown off!

Anyway, I wanted to share some sweet quilts that I'll probably never have the patience to make myself. Maybe I'll print pictures of them, tape them together, then sleep under them. Probably not!
My mom is making Justin and I this kick-ass quilt by V & Co. in teal and grey. I can't wait!

Sherri Lynn Wood inspires us to express ourselves with this Mod-Mood Quilt. On her site, you'll find a DIY tutorial  complete with a listing of the colors and the moods they represent!
In honor of St. Patrick:
GOLD: nervous, mixed emotions, unsettled, warm, rich
LIME GREEN: excited, anticipation, new growth, perceptive, motivated
GREEN: average reading, active, not under great stress, growth, abundance, prosperity, gratitude, hope, satisfaction, contentment, fertile, envy, greed, jealous, heart chakra
BLUE-GREEN: charged but relaxed, calm, dynamic, refreshed, tranquil, patience, cool, motivated, fussy, egocentric
Binding a quilt is my absolute least favorite thing to do in the whole wide world of quilting and Red Pepper Quilts teaches us how to make a binding-free quilt! Yes!!
I would love to get this quilt with a love letter or words of wisdom quilted on it! What a cool idea from Cornflower Blue Studio! They make them in minis on their etsy site, but I want mine bed-sized!
Apartment Therapy has a sweet upcycling tutorial for these quilted coasters!
This quilt in shades of green would be an awesome piece to throw on your couch during the St. Patty's Day festivities! Thanks, Purl Soho!
Happy quilting and top of the morning to ya!
XO
 
March 16: Lips Appreciation Day, St. Urho's Day, Everything You Do is Right Day
In preparation for St. Patty's Day tomorrow (WHAT ARE YOU DOING, BTW?) and also in celebration of Lips Appreciation Day, I would like to share a few recipes/DIYs to appreciate your pucker-ers before you say "Kiss me, I'm {fill-in-the-blank}!"

The picture above shows the ingredients necessary for Joy the Baker's Coffee and Lavender Body Scrub that, while is not REALLY meant to be used on your lips, will make your body smooth as butter in case you rub up against anyone in the crowded line for more green beer. Plus, everything you do it right today, so do what makes you happy!

Next, we have Brooke from Cheeky Kitchen's Homemade Lip Gloss recipe! Very delicious way to say thanks to your kisser. Keep in mind "You can sniff it, but it's not for eating!" Thanks, Brooke!!


Ingredients:
1 teaspoon paraffin wax
4 teaspoons coconut oil
4 teaspoons petroleum jelly
4 white or pink (or whatever color you like) candy melts
1/2 teaspoon oil-based candy flavoring

Directions:
Grate the wax into a ziploc freezer bag. Add the coconut oil, petroleum jelly, candy melts and the flavoring. Place the bag in a bowl of very hot water and allow the ingredients to melt together. Massage the bag a bit to mix the ingredients together. Snip a corner from the bag and squeeze the ingredients into small containers. Pop your lip gloss containers into the fridge to cool completely.
Martha Stewart also has a ton of helpful hints and how-to's to make your next batch of lip gloss.

Tools and Materials
1 tablespoon beeswax pellets 
2 tablespoons carrier oil such as grapeseed oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, or vitamin E oil
A few drops essential oil(s) such as geranium, grapefruit, lemon, tangerine, peppermint, rosemary, or star anise
Lipstick shavings in desired color 
Special equipment: heatproof glass jar, plastic pipettes, cosmetic-style plastic tubes, slide tins, or metal pots

Directions
1. Put beeswax and carrier oil in jar, and close lid. Heat the jar in a pot of water over medium-low heat until wax has melted. Remove jar from pot carefully. 

2. Stir mixture with a metal spoon. Using a pipette, add essential oil, 1 drop at a time, until strength of scent is to your liking. Stir in lipstick shavings, 1 at a time, until desired shade is achieved and color is even throughout. 

3. Using another pipette, transfer lip balm to containers. Let set for 1 hour.
Oh! And check out my nails for the big day! (St, Patrick's Day, people!) Mint Sorbet from Sally Hansen & Call You Later by Sinful Colors! Yay!


Happy smooching!
XO
 
March 15: Companies that Care Day, Ides of March, True Confessions Day

Alright, peeps. It's been a pretty rough week over on my side of town. Consequently, working out has fallen to the wayside. Here's my confession. I've been a fat bum lately. That changes today. I have a few motivational tidbits to help keep me on track and maybe it'll help you, too!
I am going to be posting one (totally unflattering) picture each month to track my progress. If it's online, I'm hoping it will keep me on fire. Ugh. Well, people - No day but today!
Self Magazine's 14 Days to a Happier, Healthier You! is going to be awesome! Also, Women's Health Magazine has a really great Running for Beginners program!

Day 1: Enjoy Frequent, Tiny Hits of Pleasure
Treat yourself to mini-pockets of fun throughout your day. Eat dessert after lunch and dinner, savoring only a few bites each time. Curl up with a novel every few hours, but read only a page or two. Or, when you've got the blahs, visit CuteOverload.com, but limit browsing to two minutes.

Day 2: Move It
Carve out time for 21 minutes of moderate-intensity (or 11 minutes of rock-your-socks-off) cardio today. Repeat for a week. Why such an oddly specific number? That's what experts say it takes to be considered moderately fit, and moderately fit women are 44 percent less apt to have depressive symptoms than nonexercisers, the Journal of Psychiatric Research reports. (Super fit women are 54 percent less likely to be blue.)

Day 3: Quit Comparing
It's tough to resist seeing how you measure up against others, but give it a try: At yoga, focus on your poses, not other'. At a party, pay attention to the talk, not the size of the host's kitchen. If you must compare, gauge how you're doing now against who you were last year. "Do a better deed today than you did yesterday," says Dan Baker, Ph.D., author of What Happy People Know.

Day 4: Give Up That Grudge
Forgive someone—that maniac who cut you off on the freeway or a pal who stood you up. Breathe in, exhale, and imagine all hostility leaving you; replace it with compassion and love.

Day 5: Linger in the Break Room
Get up from your desk, drop by your pal's cube, and ask about her weekend. The next time you send an email to a coworker, add a personal sign-off, wishing her luck in her upcoming race. No office confidante? Find someone you think you might have something in common with, and schedule a lunch.

Day 6: Tap Into Your Innate Strengths
Discover your dominant character strengths by taking a free, fun, 30- to 40-minute quiz at ViaMe.org. The test asks questions along the lines of whether you try to tease pals out of a bad mood, for example, to ID your best traits. Once you get the results, use a key strength in a new way each day this week. Creative? Pen a haiku—bet you haven't done that since grade school. Highly spiritual? Read about Buddhism, or meditate.

Day 7: Change Your Thinking in 4 Minutes
Imagine an event that makes you anxious, like an upcoming trip. Horribilize it for two minutes, exploring your worst fears. (You'll get in an accident on the way to the airport and miss your plane.) Now take two minutes to possibilize it, picturing the best outcome (80-degree days, discovering a new passion). Ask yourself, Which life do I want to lead?

Day 8: Vary Your Thanks
Tonight, before bed, jot down a few things you love about your family. One morning next week, right when you wake up, do it again, this time focusing on what you adore about your pals. Then, the next afternoon, write down the reasons you're grateful for your job. Give thanks twice a week tops, focusing on whatever feels wonderful in your life.

Day 9: Just Do It...Yes, That!
Drop the remote, shut your laptop, turn on some Arcade Fire, and give your sweetie a little love, even if—shocker—you're not that into it at this very moment. Getting it on reduces anxiety and depression and elevates mood.

Day 10: Be a Faker
Put on a smile, whether you feel like it or not. Feigning joy can induce joy. People who accurately made happy, angry or surprised expressions experienced those feelings two out of three times, a study in Psychophysiology shows. The facial movements trigger physiological changes: I'm smiling; that must mean I'm happy.

Day 11: Grab Some Girlfriend Time
Get your BFF and head to a museum, take a hike or spend an evening with takeout and Downton Abbey. (See more fab girlfriend get-together ideas.) If your pal isn't local, call or Skype her for a heart-to-heart. Having one truly great friend affects your joy more than having a few dozen sort-of-close friends. A solid relationship with your nearest and dearest can improve your happiness by up to 10 percent, according to research in the Journal of Happiness Studies.

Day 12: Help the Local Economy
Whatever you need—a bottle of wine, new tires—don't drive miles out of your way to get it at a better price. Today, go to your local store and ask for the shopkeeper's recommendation. Then snag it, even if it isn't the exact thing you had in mind or the least expensive. People who search for only the best, even if they find it, are less happy than those who opt for something that's good enough, research suggests. "It might seem counterintuitive, but learning that good enough often is good enough buys you time to devote to more meaningful things, like family," says Barry Schwartz, Ph.D., author of The Paradox of Choice. When you buy locally, you also bond with a merchant, and relationships are a primary source of joy. That makes it a twofer, happinesswise.

Day 13: Plan Fun
On your first free day, pencil in something you'd love to do. (A massage!) Then download the TimeAndDate.com Countdown app on Facebook. Every time you log on, you'll see how long you have until the pampering. Looking forward to a future perk can give you a lift right now. People who book a vacation feel elation long before they board a plane, research finds—that is, you don't have to go anywhere to reap the benefits of a holiday. Maximize the high by reminding yourself of the upcoming event as often as possible. (Photo of a beach on your mirror? That works!)

Day 14: Put a Cherry on Top
When you have something unpleasant to do, like a horrible commute or an appointment at the dentist, give yourself a positive finish to look forward to. When you reach the end of a long car ride, crank up your radio and groove out to "Mr. Roboto." After the cavity filling, treat yourself to a walk in the park. Life as we live it and life as we remember it are two different things. When people look back on their day, it's the very best and the very worst moments that tend to have the greatest effect on how they remember it, a study in Emotion reports. What's more, people tend to recall feeling angrier, sadder and more tense during the worst moments than they actually reported experiencing during the event itself. "If you engineer a positive outcome, you'll help offset a negative one," says study author Talya Miron-Shatz, Ph.D., founding director of the Center for Medical Decision Making at Ono Academic College. Not only will you recall a tough week at work, but you'll also recall that luxe mani-pedi on Friday evening. So go live happily for these two weeks—and ever after!
Happy living!
XO
 
March 8: International Working Women's Day, Nametag Day, World Kidney Day


Check out these classy alternatives to nametags for your next party!!

Deb over at Just Short of Crazy is SO creative and fun (AND she's from "a small northern Michigan town" which makes me love her even more!)

Also, I think this ties in with International Working Women's Day -- Are YOU a working woman? Wait, aren't we all? Feel free to have a glass (or two) of your favorite beverage in these fancy glasses!
March 9: Barbie Day, Get Over It Day, Middle Name Pride Day, Panic Day

Thanks to the Fashion Doll Guide for the Barbie history!
It's so cool to see how Barbie has evolved with our culture!

P.S. Check out Anya Adores for some Barbie Art!
Vintage Barbie 1959-1966
Superstar Barbie 1977-1990s
Silkstone Barbie 2000
Teresa Barbie 2009
Mod Barbie 1967-1973
Black Barbie 1980
Steffie Barbie 2009
Lea Barbie 2009
Malibu Barbie 1971-1977
Mackie Barbie 1992-2009
Mbili Barbie 2009
Lara Barbie 2009
March 10: Genealogy Day, International Day of Awesomeness,
International Fanny Pack Day, Mario Day, Salvation Army Day

Here is a smattering of things that I think are awesome.
Awesome quote thanks to One Ordinary Day!
Oh yeah, and a recipe for Parmesan Garlic
Pull-Apart Bread
= you can't go wrong!
Oh, Instructables,
you've done it again.
DIY Piranha Plant Cupcake!
Mario Mushroom Cake Pops - check out Bakerella for the how-tos
(Kerstin's comment explains the details!) Cute!
Eric Cahan's Sky Series is pretty incredible! Makes me want to have these all over my walls so I can see the sky no matter what time of day!
I may be super slow on this, but this is totally worth the 30 minutes to watch. Click the picture below to see the video and "Change the world, people. We can." to go to the Kony 2012 store. I bought myself, Justin and my parents bracelets and I cannot wait to show my support!
March 11: Check Your Batteries Day
March 12: Girl Scouts' Birthday, Napping Day
Something Swanky has blown my mind with the smorgasbord of Girl Scout inspired recipes from Thin Mints to Samoas to Tagalongs. . . Oh, holy, yumminess!
March 13: Earmuffs Day, Ken Day, Jewel Day
March 14: Pi Day, Potato Chip Day, Learn About Butterflies Day
Happy celebrating!
XO
 
Happy March, all! Finally, Spring is coming! Yee-haw! Yippee! Yes! March is going to be AWESOME! I have lots of fun things planned this month and all fun plannings to be done for my time-off in April. . . What to do, what to do. . . Any ideas, shoot them my way!

March 1: Pig Day, Witch Hysteria Day, Plan a Solo Vacation Day, Peanut Butter Lovers' Day

I got a phone call from my Dad a few weeks ago, letting me know that my Papa (ie. grandpa, Dad's dad) was having a surprise 75th birthday party thrown for him. He said "Now, I know you probably can't make it, but I just wanted to let you know" and I said "Let me see what I can do" I had a plane ticket purchased within thirty minutes! The plan was to surprise my Papa TWICE at his surprise party! Well, the initial surprise (the party itself) fell through, but he had NO idea that I was in town. I had flown in the night before (February 23rd - Justin's Mom's birthday!) and called him the morning of his party, asking what he had planned for his birthday, how the weather was in Michigan, etc. etc. Little did he know, I called him when I was on the way to his house! My Dad walked in the back door while I waited (hid) a few minutes in the car, then I went to the front door. When my Papa opened the door, I was expecting major tears, but I could definitely see the love in his dry eyes. I said "Papa, just one tear?" And he said "You know I can't" with a slight quiver in his voice. Oh, I love him! So, this was my Solo Vacation! Not as relaxing or beautiful as a beach vacation, but unforgettable none-the-less.
March 2: Dress in Blue Day, Dr. Seuss' Birthday, Employee Appreciation Day, Old Stuff Day

Here's a sneak peek into Justin's Birthday Party 2012! Gold and elegant, royal blue is the color scheme! Yay!

For some reason I am addicted to gold and blue lately. Check out these other wearable blues for March 2nd!
March 3: I Want You to Be Happy Day, National Anthem Day, Peach Blossom Day

It's been a pretty rough week. Justin started his new job and his schedule totally does NOT mesh with our "old" schedule. I am SO excited for him and his new position, but I have been afraid of its effects on our relationship. After seeing today's holiday, I Want You to be Happy Day, I realized that some things just have to work themselves out. On top of that awesome holiday, it's Peach Blossom Day and you know what peach blossoms mean? Long life, generosity and bridal hope. Not that I'm a bride (yet), but it gives me hope that everything will be as awesome as it has been the last thirty months! We will prevail. This job is not the end, it's a new beginning put before us to test and strengthen our relationship.
March 4: Courageous Follower Day, Daughters and Sons Day, National Grammar Day
March 5: Fun Facts About Names Day, Multiple Personality Day


I thought it would be fun to compile a list of people in my life and the meanings of their names. Please don't be offended if you're not on the list. Short-Term and Long-Term memory have never been my strong suits.

Want to find the meaning of your name? Check out this site!
Joseph: (Hebrew) He will enlarge.
Abby: (Hebrew) Father rejoiced, father's joy, gives joy.
Suzanne: (French, Hebrew, German) Lily
Justin: (English, Latin, Irish) Just, upright, fair, righteous, judicious.
Gary: (English, German, Welsch, Irish) Hard or bold spear, gentle.
Thaddeus: (Hebrew, Greek) Valiant, wise, one who has courage.
Joan: (English, Hebrew) God is gracious.
Rozeta: (Latin, German, English, Italian) Rose, noted protector, fame.
Anna: (Hebrew, English, Native American) Grace, favor, mother, prayer.
Kelly: (Gaelic, Irish, Scottish) Warrior, lively, aggressive, wood, strife, bright-headed.
Philip: (English, French, Greek) One who loves horses,
Michalene: (Hebrew) Close to God.
Apryll: (Latin) Open
Kate: (English, French, Irish, Greek) Pure
Denise: (Greek, English, French) God of Wine, mountain of Zeus
Nichole: (French, Greek) People's Victory
Stephanie: (Greek) Crown
Lisa: (English, Latin, Hebrew) Oath of God, my god is bountiful, devoted to god.
Becky: (Hebrew, English) Captivating, to tie.
Carolynn: (German) Strong.
Bradley: (English) Broad clearing in the wood.
Sara(h): (Hebrew) Princess.
Julie: (French, Latin) Downy, youthful.
Alexis: (English, French, Greek) Helper, defender.
Teasa: (English, Greek) Harvester.
Jessica: (Hebrew) Rich, God beholds, God is gracious.
March 6: US Snowshoe Day, Dentists' Day, National Frozen Food Day

The Denver Post's article "Best Places to Snowshoe in Colorado" includes several trails around Colorado to try out as well as tips to make your next snowshoeing trip the best ever!

What to Wear:
Snowshoes, of course! They come in three types: trail, backcountry, and racing ranging from $100 to $350. Warm, waterproof boots that are comfortable to hike it. Wool or synthetic hat, gloves and windproof jacket which retains heat even when wet. Dress in layers! Poles, while not crucial, help maintain balance especially when breaking trail or going downhill.

What to Pack:
Daypack include water (1 liter for every hour on the trail), high-energy snacks and the rest of the "10 essentials" — a first-aid kit, flashlight or headlamp, map and compass, waterproof matches or other fire starter, pocket knife, emergency whistle, sunscreen and sunglasses. Don't bother with goggles - they tend to fog up under such heavy exercise! Also duct tape, piece of wire/cord and a pair of Leatherman-style pliers for on-the-trail repairs.

Safety:
The major risks in snowshoeing involve hypothermia or frostbite (because of the cold), dehydration (the exercise and altitude) and avalanches (the terrain). To stave off hypothermia, a dangerous and potentially deadly drop in the body's core temperature, take pains to stay warm and dry.  Use chemical hand warmers and foot warmers if necessary to protect your extremities. Take along an extra pair of gloves for your return trip, when the circulation in your fingers may be shortchanged by the blood flow to your legs. To prevent dehydration, which can impair your judgment and sap your energy, take plenty of water — and drink it, every time you stop for a breather. If you carry a Camelbak, make sure it's insulated, and keep the drinking tube from freezing by blowing the water back into the reservoir after each use. Carry water bottles inside your pack rather than in mesh pockets on the outside. To keep from getting buried in an avalanche, pay close attention to the forecasts, watch for evidence of slides and, in general, avoid slopes with angles of 30 degrees or more.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Suggested for beginners, Rocky Mountain National Park also hosts free, ranger-led snowshoe ecology tours at 12:30 p.m. every Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Wednesday through March. Reservations required, at 970-586-1223.


Wild Basin Area
Well-marked routes, most popular 2.8-mile trail to Calypso Cascades, with more challenging options available!

West of Boulder
The Brainard Lake area near Ward offers excellent snowshoeing when the weather isn't too windy, including snowshoe-only trails created by the Colorado Mountain Club. If the snow has been blown free in open areas, the Jenny Creek trail at the Eldora Mountain Resort or Lost Lake trail west of Nederland can be good alternatives.

St. Mary's Glacier
The trail to St. Mary's Glacier, northwest of Idaho Springs, usually has good snow and you get off I-70 before you hit the ski traffic.

Berthoud Pass
The old Squaw Pass road east of Echo Lake, off the Mount Evans road south of Idaho Springs. Or try Butler Gulch, reachable via a good gravel road that heads west from the first switchback on U.S. 40 at the eastern foot of Berthoud Pass.

Silver Dollar Lake trail
The Silver Dollar Lake trail off the Guanella Pass road south of Georgetown is highly recommended, although once you've reached the lake, don't go beyond or around it or you'll be in avalanche territory.

Grizzly Gulch
Grizzly Gulch, west of Georgetown off the Bakerville exit is another option, although it can be risky if you go too far up the valley.

Kenosha Pass
Southwest of Denver, Kenosha Pass offers easy access to sections of the Colorado Trail via U.S. 285.

Abyss Lake trail
For something different, try the Abyss Lake trail on the south side of Guanella Pass (also reachable off U.S. 285). It's a little less used, and you don't have to get on I-70!

March 7: Cereal Day, National Be Heard Day

What's YOUR favorite cereal?

Happy munching!
XO