

Where Style Meets Local Talent








Get Creative with Your Style!
Dear Reader,
I hope this message finds you well and excited for the month ahead.

As the new Publication Director of Arvada Lifestyle, I’ve come to see style as more than just what we wear. It’s about how we embody an aesthetic that brings us happiness and represents who we are and what we do. Your own personal style can be reflected in how we decorate our homes, the flowers we plant on our front porches, and, as the social manager, how we curate our lives and passions through the photographs and stories we share with the world. Our personal style can be seen through everything we do and say, even through the recipes we choose to make or the restaurants we share with loved ones.
To me, style reflects our individuality. It’s about expressing who we are and what we care about. In my work with Arvada Lifestyle, I’m fortunate to collaborate with many local creatives and businesses who bring their unique perspectives to our community. Together, we are creating something that truly represents the spirit of Arvada.
What I’ve learned is that the best style comes from being true to yourself. It’s not about following the most recent trends but about embracing what feels right and good for you. I hope this issue inspires you to do just that—whether it’s trying something new in your home or sparking creativity through the photographs on our pages, I hope you share your personal style and creativity with the world around you.
Here’s to being uniquely you!

LYNN DAVIS, PUBLICATION DIRECTOR @ARVADALIFESTYLEMAGAZINE
September 2024
PUBLISHER
Cody Sturma | cody.sturma@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Lynn Davis | lynn.davis@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Rachel Audette | rachel@theturquoisecamera.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Lynn Davis | lynn.davis@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Michelle W. Parnell, Valerie Bianculli
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Rachel Audette- The Turquoise Camera
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray



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SEPTEMBER 2024
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN







1: RE/MAX Alliance hosted its annual Community Appreciation Event, featuring complimentary hot air balloon rides. 2: RE/MAX Alliance West’s balloon crew, piloted by Ken Tadolini. 3: Valerie Westmark, her husband Jon, and son Turner embarking on a hot air balloon ride. 4: The Arvada Great Harvest team celebrated its 5-year anniversary on July 26. 5: Live music, beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres were plentiful, making for a great community gathering. 6: Arvada Lifestyle Publisher Cody Sturma with Micki from Arvada Great Harvest, serving Great Harvest treats. 7: Celebratory 5-year anniversary cookies were made, and a good time was had by everyone.
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business monthly



Inspired Wellness Center Welcomes New Acupuncturist, Erin Abel
Erin Abel, Dipl. O.M., L.Ac., LMT, joins the Inspired Wellness Center team as their newest acupuncturist. Erin, a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist, began her journey into holistic healing during her years practicing massage therapy. Her focus, along with much of the team at IWC, is on women's reproductive health and supporting the maternal journey. Erin is now accepting appointments. Visit www.inspired-wellness.com for more information or to book online.
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Arvada Barre Now Offering Yoga Classes
Arvada Barre has introduced yoga to its class lineup, featuring Sunrise Yoga on Saturdays and weekly sessions on Tuesdays at noon. Yoga enhances mental well-being and builds community, which is a top priority at Arvada Barre. This addition complements their Barre Bliss and Candlelit Flow classes. With many teachers experienced in yoga and mobility, and barre classes now incorporating Pilates, Arvada Barre offers a diverse range of workouts, making it a comprehensive fitness destination.
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Katie Kessler on HGTV's House Hunters
Local realtor Katie Kessler from The Carroll-Kessler Team appeared on HGTV's House Hunters, Season 250, Episode 7, "Find Your Girl Gang," where she had the opportunity to help a friend purchase her first home. To support the community, they hosted a watch party at Living the Dream Brewery on July 28, raising funds for the Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies (GRRR). Proceeds from each beer sold were donated to GRRR.
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Photography by Inspired Wellness Center
Photography by Arvada Barre
Photography by Katie Kessler


















hacks HAIR

Part the top half of the hair in two sections. Create fishtail braids (or braids of choice) and tie them together in the back of the hair. Add a fashion accessory around a ponytail for a little extra fun!
fishtail braids reverse
ARTICLE BY ABBI SULASKI
PHOTOGRAPHY BY POPPY & CO. BY KELSEY HUFFER

Part the hair down the center or side part, if preferred. Create braid(s) on the side of the head and secure with elastic. Twist the hair with braids into a simple bun, securing it with hair pins. Add an accessory for a classy touch.
simpleupdo
Braids to Keep You Chic All Year Long
Braids are a great way to add style and uniqueness to your hair style rotation and have been a staple in hair styles dating back to the 3500 B.C. This historical hairstyle is here to stay, so we wanted to share some go-to impressive looks.
Legacy in Design
MERGING TIMELESS CRAFTSMANSHIP WITH MODERN ELEGANCE AT CILLESSEN CONSTRUCTION
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE W. PARNELL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CILLESSEN CONSTRUCTION


Arvada native Heath Cillessen, owner of Cillessen Construction Company, carries on a multi-generational construction legacy passed down through his father and grandfather. Although he lost his father to an accident when he was young, Heath spent many hours learning the craft from his grandfather and other family members.
In high school, he learned the more technical aspects of construction and drafting engineering, and at sixteen, Heath began working with a local contractor getting more hands-on experience. Heath also works with his wife, Ashleigh and they live in the area with their two boys.
When he decided to start his own business, instead of creating a company from scratch, Heath chose to reopen his father’s company using the same name and logo. Through the company, Heath honors his family legacy by maintaining a commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and transparency.
“Our first major project was a mid-century modern renovation that we completed when I was 23. It turned out beautifully and was featured in a magazine,” shared Heath. “From there, we continued to build relationships with clients and work on renovation and addition projects, which eventually led to custom home building.”
As a full-service general contracting company, Cillessen Construction Company (CCC) specializes in building custom homes, large-scale additions, residential and commercial renovation projects, and exterior insurance restoration. With their in-house carpenters and custom woodworking shop, Heath and his team can ensure quality craftsmanship on every project.
For exterior insurance restoration projects, the team also works with clients to ensure
proper procedures are followed for claims and that the restoration work fits seamlessly into the original construction.
“Our insurance restoration services are mainly geared towards the exterior of a home,” Heath added. “Here in Colorado, a house may be affected by storm damage or other unfortunate events, but we use our custom home building skills to help restore those houses.”
For the CCC team, building relationships with clients is foundational and begins with the first consultation.
“We start the conversation by talking about the goals of the project, whether it is adding more living space or the style of home they want to build,” Heath explained. “We also go over budgets and timelines and make sure we answer any questions that they may have from our perspective as a builder. Most people we work with have never done big projects before, so we want to ensure they are well-informed by answering all of their questions.”
The freedom to ask questions is an important part of the contractor and client relationship, which is why Heath spends time getting to know prospective clients.
“The consultation is a time of information gathering, but also a time to see how we work together as a team; as an owner and a contractor,” Heath said. “It is very important to find a contractor who you can work well with when building a house or doing a large-scale renovation. It is construction, so there are challenges that will come up along the way. The process may not happen perfectly, and it may require you to have some tough conversations, so compatibility is important.”
“It’s exciting to have clients bring the project to us and working together from developing plans and selecting materials all the way to seeing them move into the house.”
“Our
goal is to have a collaborative process and a team environment where we, as the builder, work together with the architect and the owners to successfully complete a project.”


Once work begins on a project, Heath assures clients that the personal connection and transparency of operations continue, keeping homeowners informed during each step of the process. “We pride ourselves on our communication,” he shared. “We send an email to our clients with a daily log about what was completed each day, and we typically have weekly meetings,” Heath said. “This allows us to walk clients through the decisions they need to make for a project and timing for each of those things. Then we also work through what challenges we are facing and what work will be done in the next few weeks.”
When it comes to home design styles, Heath often works with mid-century modern renovations and pop-top additions to homes, but his personal favorite style is mountain modern, with its blend of rustic elements and modern design and amenities. He loves the attention to detail and the challenge those details bring to construction. However, as Heath works with clients, his goal is to create a project that reflects their unique style and functionality preferences. Although each client has unique preferences, he often notices trends in requests and designs.
“Each client has different tastes, and that is one of the things that makes construction so fun,” he said. “We also have completed several mid-century modern renovation projects. With these, we are trying to match some of the details from back when these homes were built, in the ‘50s and ‘60s as well as incorporating modern design elements.”
CCC fully invests time and resources into completing projects. According to Heath, most custom projects take twelve to eighteen months to complete, although project timelines vary based on the size of the project, time spent choosing materials, and material availability.
“We completed some Marshall fire home rebuilds, and those were built in between twelve to thirteen months from digging dirt to handing over the keys,” he shared. “We've had other projects that are more

complex and take longer. The important thing is that we keep working together to accomplish everything within the desired timeframe.”
In the early years after reopening CCC, Heath found a lot of satisfaction in overcoming challenges to complete projects and build the business. More recently, Heath has found that he enjoys working and developing relationships with clients just as much as the accomplishment of completing projects.
“I love working with clients; it’s exciting to have them bring the project to us and working together from developing plans and selecting materials all the way to seeing them move into the house,” he said.
Heath also pours into the staff to create an environment at CCC which fosters personal and professional growth.
“I also really enjoy working with our employees, many of whom have worked with me for 8 to 10 years,” Heath said. “I’m all about seeing people grow, and I like seeing how they’ve grown into their capabilities and their experience as craftsmen. I don't want someone to be a laborer forever; I want them to be a carpenter. Then, I don't want everyone to be a carpenter forever; I want them to progress and be able to manage projects. It makes me happy to watch my team grow and take big steps in advancing their careers.”
Ultimately, Heath and his team understand that building a house or doing a large-scale renovation can be intimidating, but their goal is to make it a seamless process for each client.
“Our goal is to have a collaborative process and a team environment where we, as the builder, work together with the architect and the owners to successfully complete a project,” said Heath.
For more information and to schedule a consultation, visit cillessenconstruction.com and complete the contact form or call 303-305-7001. Visit the website and follow Cillessen Construction Company on Instagram for a showcase of completed projects.
As a full-service general contracting company, Cillessen Construction Company specializes in building custom homes, large-scale additions, residential and commercial renovation projects, and exterior insurance restoration.
and their two sons.
Left Image: The Cillessen Family- Heath, Ashleigh

















YOUR DRINK DRESS UP
THESE BEAUTIFUL BEVERAGES ARE SURE TO TURN HEADS
BLUE MARTINI

WITH FLORAL ICE CUBES

BOLD COLORS Fresh florals. An eye-catching shimmer. The perfect embellishment. We’re talking cocktails, not the catwalk. But like fashion, the art of mixology is full of ways to push the limits with creative twists on classic recipes, and unique adornments guaranteed to turn heads. There’s no reason your personal style can’t extend to the drink in your hand, and this botanical beverage is bound to taste as delicious as it looks.
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 ounces Absolut Citron
• 1/2 ounce Blue Curaçao
• 1/2 ounce lemonade
• 1 ounce Sprite
• Edible flowers such as rose, lavender, hibiscus and nasturtiums
DIRECTIONS:
Pour Sprite into ice cube trays and add edible flower combinations. Let freeze overnight. Combine Absolut Citron, Blue Curaçao, lemonade and ice cubes in martini shaker. Shake and strain into a martini glass.
Allow ice cubes to melt, gradually filling the glass with Sprite and garnishing the drink with beautiful botanicals.
ARTICLE BY CATE MARIAN

FIG + THYME

SPARKLING LEMONADE
INGREDIENTS: DIRECTIONS:
• thyme simple syrup
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 bunch thyme
• 2 fresh figs
• 3/4 ounce lemon juice
• 3/4 ounce thyme syrup
• 3/4 ounce Sprite

In a small saucepan, simmer sugar, water and thyme leaves over low heat for 5 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let the thyme infuse into the syrup for at least 10 minutes.
For the cocktail, muddle figs and lemon juice in the bottom of a glass. Add ice, 3/4 of the thyme syrup and Sprite. Stir and garnish with fig and a sprig of thyme.




















ARTICLE BY VALERIE BIANCULLI
BY RACHEL AUDETTE

Love
PHOTOGRAPHY
Meet the Woman behind The Turquoise Camera

“Draw something on your partner’s cheek with your nose and have them guess what it is.” This may sound like a silly game to play with your partner, but for Rachel Audette of The Turquoise Camera, it is one of her tried-and-true methods for getting the perfect shot. “I really like it to be a lot of fun,” smiles Rachel. “There’s a time and a place for portraits and really posed shots, and we do a couple of those to make Mom and Grandma happy, but I really focus on capturing the authentic personality of my couples in a more

Opposite: Love from the mountains to the moon. Above: Dog lover Rachel delights in having pets included in couples’ wedding celebrations.
Right: Denver based wedding photographer for couples who put love into every detail.

organic way.” For wedding guests, Rachel insists on staying truly present. “I love capturing people’s true reactions, and it can be a challenge when guests have their iPhones and iPads blocking the perfect shot.” As far as couples go, here is Rachel’s wedding day advice to you: “During your ceremony, look at each other! The inclination is usually to look at the officiant, but seeing the emotion behind those words being shared is truly special and translates into beautiful photos.”
To see Rachel’s portfolio and learn more, you can visit The Turquoise Camera website at https://theturquoisecamera.com/

Above: Rachel Audette of The Turquoise Camera Opposite: The Turquoise Camera focuses on weddings, elopements, and portraits.
ARTIST’S

















SEPTEMBER 2024
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
ALL MONTH LONG THROUGH OCTOBER 13TH
Waitress - The Musical
Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. Arvada, CO 80003
Based on the 2007 film by the same name, Waitress features original music and lyrics by Grammy winning musician Sara Bareilles (“Love Song,” “Brave”) and a book by Jessie Nelson. This delicious musical celebrates the power of friendship and chosen family, following your dreams, and the joy of a perfect pie. For more information or to purchase tickets, arvadacenter.org
SEPTEMBER 6TH - 8TH
Arvada Harvest Festival
Clear Creek Valley Park, 3700 W 58th Pl. Arvada, CO 80002
The 99th Annual Arvada Harvest Festival, presented by the Arvada Junior Chamber Foundation, Inc., will be held on September 6, 7, and 8, 2024. Enjoy free parking and a variety of family-friendly activities, including live music, a grand parade, and exciting games. For more details, visit arvadaharvestfestivalparade.com.
SEPTEMBER 7TH, 14TH, 21ST, AND 28TH
Yoga in McIlvoy Park Presented by Gray Yoga
McIlvoy Park, 5750 Upham St. Arvada, CO 80002 | 9:00 AM
Extended through September, Gray Yoga hosts Yoga in the Park at McIlvoy Park. Bring your yoga mat, a friend, and yourself to enjoy this weekly self-care event all summer long!
SEPTEMBER 13TH
Summer Concert Series
Clear Creek Valley Park, 3700 W 58th Pl. Arvada, CO 80002 | 5:00 PM
Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy Hyland Hills Parks & Recreation’s free Summer Concert Series at Clear Creek Valley Park. Each event will feature food trucks, a selection of beer and non-alcoholic beverages, and fun activities for kids, including face painting and balloon art.
SEPTEMBER 13TH - 15TH
Rocky Mountain Archtop Guitar Festival
Hilton Garden Inn, 5455 Olde Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada, CO 80002/ Saturday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Sunday 10:00AM- 4:00 PM
A guitar show and music festival celebrating the art, science, and passion behind the guitar’s most enigmatic incarnation, the archtop! Beginning Friday night at 7:30 through Sunday afternoon at various locations TBA, all walking distance from the hotel. Details can be found on archtopfestival.com
SEPTEMBER 18TH
Free Garden Class with Arvada Community Garden
Arvada Community Garden, 9195 W 57th Ave. Arvada, CO 80002 | 6:00 PM
Learn what you need to close down your garden for the season, including removing plant materials, mulching, soil turnover, composting, cleaning containers and tools, storing hoses, stakes, and cages, rototilling in dead materials, cover crops, making notes, and more. For more information, contact Heather Fiedler at heather_fiedler@yahoo.com or 720-341-9968. Also, check the website for updates: www.arvadagardeners.org.




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