E 2 O c o m b i n e s e x p e r t g u i d a n c e w i t h r e a l - l i f e p r a c t i c a l i t y t o h e l p y o u b u i l d s t r e n g t h a n d f e e l c o n f i d e n t i n y o u r b o d y O u r s e r v i c e s f r o m s t r e n g t h t r a i n i n g , t o v o 2 m a x a n d r m r t e s t i n g a n d
n u t r i t i o n s u p p o r t a r e d e s i g n e d t o m e e t y o u w h e r e y o u a r e W e ' r e l o c a l , w o m a n - o w n e d , a n d p a s s i o n a t e a b o u t h e l p i n g o u r n e i g h b o r s l i v e b e t t e r l i v e s .
G E T S T R O N G E R . L I V E F U L L Y Scan for free assessment!
To contact us 720 505 3645 / laura@e2odenver com For more informat on please v sit www e2odenver com
Tired
- Ben Howard, Owner
Opening Our Hearts
Hearts are everywhere in February! Our issue takes the opportunity to share Valentine’s Day celebration ideas, and stories focused on cardiovascular health.
This month, we share a compelling stroke survivor story highlighting talent, resilience, and determination of the human spirit. February is Heart and Stroke Prevention Month, and we emphasize the importance of recognizing the symp toms of stroke, and share resources offered by Colorado’s non-profit chapter of The American Heart Association.
Stepping into the childhood joys of heartfelt gifting, we look at DIY Valentine ideas that can be enjoyed with children of all ages. Crafting and baking are fun activities that draw families closer and help generate pride in learning to create something new from scratch. Each month, we learn more about our community businesses, what makes them tick, and how they operate with a community-first perspective.
Finally, we take the chance to remember that kindness is an integral part of what knits our community together. Acts of kindness are especially appreciated as the cool weather and shorter days are upon us. Helping your neighbor shovel their walk, or sharing a portion of a home-cooked meal shines a light on the rewards of giving and receiving.
As always, we thank you for reading. Sending wishes for good health, warmth and happiness, and all the best of the winter season.
ANNE HEBERT, EDITOR
@MILEHIGHCITYLIFESTYLE_MAGAZINE
February 2026
PUBLISHER
Nate Thomas | nate.thomas@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Anne Hebert | anne.hebert@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Anne Hebert, Valerie Bianculli, Irene Middleman Thomas
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Wyoming Inn, Snow King Mountain, Jared Hankins, American Heart Association
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Meredith Wilson
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Proverbs 3:5-6
city scene
WHERE
NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-7: The National Western Stock Show Parade is a lively celebration of Denver’s Western heritage, filling the streets with color, music, and tradition each January. Featuring longhorn cattle, horseback riders, marching bands, ornate floats, and performers in classic cowboy attire, the parade brings the spirit of the Old West into the heart of the city. Families and visitors line the route to watch as ranchers, community groups, and Western organizations showcase the culture that has shaped Colorado’s history. More than just a spectacle, the parade marks the opening of the National Western Stock Show, honoring agriculture, ranching, and the enduring legacy of the American West.
business monthly
ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
Dear Emilia Brings Italian Comfort to Denver in January 2026
Dear Emilia, a new Italian restaurant, will open in Denver in January 2026, bringing the warmth and flavors of northern Italy to the city’s dining scene. Created by the team behind Restaurant Olivia, the space is inspired by the Emilia-Romagna region and its love of comforting, soulful food. With thoughtful design, handmade pastas, and a welcoming atmosphere, Dear Emilia is set to become a cozy new favorite for locals and visitors alike.
Midweek Sound Bath: Reset and Recharge at The Denver Village
Find your midweek calm at The Denver Village every Wednesday evening with their rejuvenating Sound Bath. Let the soothing tones of crystal and Himalayan bowls, gongs, and gentle percussion wash over you, releasing stress and restoring clarity. Perfect for all experience levels, this serene escape helps you recharge, reconnect, and leave feeling centered, refreshed, and ready to embrace the rest of your week with calm confidence.
Scan to read more
A Fresh Chapter for Red Rocks Amphitheatre
The latest Red Rocks Amphitheatre renovations include a new permanent merchandise stand and an expanded east terrace to ease entry and improve views, enhancing crowd flow and guest convenience. These updates, part of ongoing improvements to accessibility and facilities, aim to preserve the venue’s iconic character while making the concert experience smoother and more enjoyable for visitors.
SPOTLIGHT ON COLORADO’S AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
February is the month to celebrate Valentine’s Day, reminding those we love how much they mean to us. It is also the month that The American Heart Association celebrates Heart Month to acknowledge, remember, and honor those who have experienced heart disease or stroke.
The American Stroke Association is a division of the American Heart Association devoted to bringing awareness and education to the public about strokes and stroke prevention.
“One thing that really sets the American Heart Association apart in Colorado is how deeply committed we are to shaping policies that make everyday life healthier for everyone,” says Lyndsey Albright, Denver’s marketing and communications director. “It’s not just about research and education. It’s about creating lasting change in the places where people live, learn and work.”
Fighting heart disease and stroke for over 100 years
ARTICLE BY ANNE HEBERT | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
The American Heart Association offers CPR and first aid classes. Affiliated with authorized, area training centers and instructors to provide in-person classroom training sessions, it’s simple to find, schedule, and register for a class. Classes focused on CPR, first aid, and cardiovascular emergency care can help prepare others to save a life.
The American Heart Association’s Annual Heart Ball is held each February. A formal occasion, the ball highlights survivor stories and American Heart Association achievements while focusing on upcoming opportunities and goals. “The Denver Heart Ball gives people a real sense of how the American Heart Association and the Colorado community move forward together. It’s more than an evening of celebration. It’s a chance to bring our mission to life through powerful storytelling that shows what heart disease and stroke look like in real families,” says Albright.
Events and volunteer opportunities give people a real way to plug into the mission of the American Heart Association and be part of something meaningful. “What makes the work in Colorado so special is that there truly is something for everyone,” explains Albright. “Whether someone loves being active at a Heart Walk, feels inspired by Go Red for Women, wants to support youth programs, or prefers to volunteer behind the scenes at a community health event, the American Heart Association creates experiences that meet people where they are.”
There are as many ways to volunteer as there are to give. “Opportunities spark conversations, build relationships, and remind people that improving heart health isn’t just a national effort, it’s a community one,” emphasizes Albright. “Through our Heart Powered grassroots network, we collaborate with passionate local advocates who help bring health and hope to communities across the state.”
To learn more, please visit the American Heart Association’s website at cpr.heart.org.
When Listening Becomes Lifesaving
HOW BRRC TAKES ACTION AGAINST BULLYING
ARTICLE BY VALERIE BIANCULLI
When Dru Ahlborg speaks about bullying, she does so with clarity, compassion, and lived experience. As the Executive Director of the Bullying Recovery Resource Center (BRRC), her work is rooted not in theory, but in a deeply personal journey that began when her son was in middle school.
“When my son was in seventh grade, his behavior started changing,” Ahlborg recalls. “He stopped hanging out with friends. His grades dropped. He became very quiet.” Months later, he finally told her what was happening. “In February, he told me he was being bullied. Verbal bullying. We reported it to the school, and they said they’d take care of it, but it only got worse.”
“Their solution was to put him in a room with the boys who were bullying him and have them work it out,” she says. “Now I know that’s an absolutely horrible idea.”
By spring, the family made the difficult decision to remove their son from the school. He was later diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. “It was a very challenging time,” Ahlborg says quietly.
What followed was a steep learning curve. After addressing the school board and settling a lawsuit, the family found themselves unexpectedly connected to others with similar experiences. “We were covered in the media, and people from all over the country started reaching out to us,” she says. “Private schools, public schools, charter schools, it was everywhere. That’s when we realized we weren’t alone.”
That realization became the foundation for BRRC, which officially opened its doors in 2017. “We thought, maybe we can be a resource for families just like us,” Ahlborg says.
Through education from a bullying expert and a deep dive into state laws, Ahlborg came to understand a critical distinction. “Conflict is normal,” she explains. “Bullying is different. There’s an intent to harm. It’s repeated or has the potential to be repeated.”
That distinction is central to BRRC’s mission. “Bullying has to be stopped,” she says. “It’s not a negotiation.”
Today, BRRC operates through three core programs: education, community outreach, and advocacy. “Education is about helping parents, schools, and administrators truly understand what bullying is and how to intervene,” Ahlborg says. The organization offers free parenting classes and is expanding efforts to work directly with school leadership.
Community outreach focuses on vulnerable populations. “We work with neurodiverse communities, rural and low-income families,” she explains.
What truly sets BRRC apart is advocacy. “That’s the wraparound support,” Ahlborg says. “When a child is being bullied and the school isn’t responding, we meet families where they are. No two situations are the same.”
BRRC advocates are available beyond traditional hours. “We’re not a nine-to-five organization,” she says. “If a parent calls at nine o’clock at night because they’ve had enough, we understand. We’ve been there.”
Supporting parents is critical. “When parents are supported, the child knows they’re believed,” Ahlborg explains. “They know it’s not their fault.”
Ahlborg’s son is now a college graduate. “He found his people,” she says. “There is recovery.”
BRRC has supported more than 600 families. “These kids can recover. They can go on to live beautiful lives,” Ahlborg says.
Looking ahead, BRRC is launching a pilot program called Stand Together, aimed at creating systemic change within schools. “We want everyone—administrators, teachers, parents, students—to understand bullying and address it properly,” Ahlborg says.
For families seeking help, she emphasizes one thing: “Listen to your child. Let them know they’re not alone.”
More information is available at bullyingrecoveryresourcecenter.org, where families can access support through the “Get Help” intake form.
“We need these kids,” Ahlborg says. “They’re our future.”
“Conflict is normal, bullying is different.
There’s an intent to harm. It’s repeated or has the potential to be repeated.”
“We’re not a nine-to-five organization.
If a parent calls at nine o’clock at night because they’ve had enough, we understand. We’ve been there.”
DIY Valentines
Ideas that are easy to make and beautiful to give.
ARTICLE BY ANNE HEBERT
Children love to be creative and are especially proud of gifting an item they’ve made themselves. With a little planning and some basic craft materials, parents can help kids make beautiful Valentine greetings for their special people.
Homemade cards are fun to make at any age and offer a chance to infuse each with creativity and personality. Construction paper and doilies, safety scissors, colorful crayons or markers, and a couple of glue sticks make unique handcrafted greetings.
For younger children, a heart shape drawn on a page and filled with small pieces of colorful paper is a fun project to work on. Older children can cut out construction paper hearts and decorate them with beads, yarn, elbow macaroni, craft paper, or any decorative item found at home.
Let kids use mixed materials like fabric, felt and twine for a truly custom look. A simple craft paper cone embellished with decorations can hold fresh flowers for a special Valentine. These are easy to make, and the gift is thoughtful and colorful.
Consider substituting chocolate for flowers to delight that special someone with a sweet tooth. Older kids love to bake. A plate of homemade Valentine cookies is a great gift. A simple cut-out cookie recipe, and some frosting and sprinkles brings this treat to life.
Set aside a workspace and allow kids to roll out the dough and cut out heart shapes to place on a cookie sheet. Once out of the oven and cool, cookie decorating is always a hit. Let imaginations run wild as they create perfectly imperfect, yummy treats and gifts.
Help indulge the pride children feel when they offer a handmade gift to friends and family. Crafting and creating is so much fun, you may begin a new Valentine tradition.
Easy Cut-Out
Cookies
Ingredients:
• 3 ¼ cups flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 ½ tsp. vanilla extract
Instructions:
Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla to creamed mixture. Sift together dry ingredients in a separate bowl and add. Mix well and refrigerate for an hour. Roll out dough and cut to 1/8 inch thick. Cut with cookie cutters.
Bake:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees and bake on a greased cookie sheet until lightly browned. (Approximately 10 minutes) Sprinkle with colored sugar or sprinkles before baking if desired. Frost when cool after baking.
BLACK BELT IN Representation, IN PRACTICE
Why Ed Lomena Refuses the Easy Win
ARTICLE BY VALERIE BIANCULLI PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF EDWARD LOMENA
For Ed Lomena, the courtroom isn’t a place for shortcuts. It’s a place for preparation, patience, and principle. “I’ve always believed in what I call value integrity,” says Lomena, CEO and Founder of Lomena Law. “If I work on a case, get to know a client, and I believe the case is worth a certain amount, I’m not going to settle for less.”
It’s a mindset that has defined Lomena’s 20-year legal career, and one that often puts him on a different path than many personal injury attorneys. While quick settlements are common in the industry, Lomena is unapologetic about his willingness to go to trial when necessary. “I really don’t ever just settle for whatever the insurance company is offering,” he says. “If I think a case is worth something, that’s what I’m going to fight to get.”
That fighting spirit isn’t metaphorical. Lomena has spent the last 14 to 15-years training in jiu-jitsu and martial arts, disciplines that deeply influence both his personal life and his legal practice. “Jiu-jitsu and trial work are actually very similar. You develop that fighter mentality where you’re just not going to give in to something you don’t believe in.”
Knowing when to take a case to court, Lomena explains, often comes down to whether a client’s full story is being heard. “If the insurance company is being unfair or unreasonable and not taking into account how the injury has affected my client’s life, that’s when you take it to trial,” he says. “It’s our job to tell our client’s story and put the best argument forward to get them their justice.”
Over the years, that approach has led to outcomes that changed lives. Lomena recalls one case where an insurance company offered $5,000. He took it to trial. The verdict? One million dollars. “The first thing the client did was cry and hug me,” he remembers.
Another moment still stands out to him, particularly around the holidays. “I settled a case right before Christmas,” he says. “And the client said, ‘Do you mean I get to have a
Christmas this year?’ When you hear things like that, you realize you really made a difference.”
That sense of responsibility is part of what pushed Lomena to open his own firm in June 2024. After years in high-volume practices, he wanted to work differently. “I started my own practice because I wanted to practice law the right way,” he says. “I wanted to put clients first and really dig into cases instead of handling an overwhelming number of them.”
The discipline he brings to trial preparation mirrors his martial arts training. “If you go into a jiu-jitsu tournament unprepared, you’re going to get hurt,” he says. “If you go into trial unprepared, your client gets hurt.” Preparation, he believes, eliminates fear. “Nothing in the courtroom should surprise me,” he adds. “And even if something does, I’m prepared enough to adapt.”
Jiu-jitsu has also taught him patience and strategy. “You don’t get the finish on your first attempt,” Lomena explains. “The first move sets up the second, then the third. Trial work is the same way. I’m always thinking about what the defense will do and how I will counter it.”
Remaining calm under pressure is non-negotiable. “If I lose my cool, I lose my advantage,” he says. “Martial arts taught me how to stay strategic, patient, and focused—even in high-stakes situations.”
Ask what sets Lomena Law apart, and the answer comes back to connection. “Communication is everything,” he says. “My clients know what’s going on. They feel part of the process.” That approach is reflected in the firm’s reviews, where clients consistently mention feeling heard, supported, and fiercely represented.
Having practiced both insurance defense and plaintiff-side law, Lomena understands the system from the inside out. “I’ve done both sides,” he says simply. “And that experience makes me better at what I do now.”
At the end of the day, Lomena doesn’t measure success by volume or speed. He measures it by outcomes and integrity. “I want to be proud of how I practice law,” he says. “I want my clients to know I believed in them, fought for them, and told their story the right way.”
Ed Lomena, at a Glance
With more than 20-years of legal experience, Ed Lomena brings a rare combination of discipline, strategy, and calm to every case he takes on. Before founding Lomena Law in June 2024, Lomena spent seven years working on the insurance defense side, experience that gives him a distinct advantage in the courtroom today. Known for his meticulous preparation and unwavering advocacy, he approaches each case with the same focus he brings to years of jiu-jitsu training. Clients consistently cite clear communication, trust, and results as defining traits of his practice. Lomena Law is based in Colorado and serves clients throughout the state.
VALENTINE’S DAY: WHAT WE WANT
DIETER'S LOCAL CHOCOLATE
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY
IRENE MIDDLEMAN THOMAS
In most of the world where Valentine’s Day is celebrated, couples and friends give each other chocolates as the must-have gift.
Chocolate has been commonly believed to be a mood booster since the era of the Mayan and Aztec civilizations centuries ago. The chocolate we know and love today comes from the pods of cacao trees, which grow in a small band around the equator, known as the “Cocoa Belt.” From seed to tree is a process of some five to seven years.
The transformation into edible chocolate is complex. First, cacao pods are harvested and the beans inside are fermented and dried, and then roasted. The resulting “nibs” are gound to a paste, combined with sugar, cocoa butter, and other ingredients, tempered and molded.
Here in Denver, Deiter’s Chocolates, in the University of Denver neighborhood, has been serving artisanal chocolates for decades in the same location. Formerly known as Dietrich’s Chocolates and Espresso, Liza Benson moved from the Bay Area in 2019 to buy the business after the previous owner retired. Benson notes that Deiters is a family business along with her parents, her brother and his wife.
Some sixty percent of the shop’s customers are returning customers, and many faculty members from DU as well as families of DU students are frequenters. “Students occasionally shop with us - particularly during finals when they need a pick- me-up or a reward. Some of their favorites include Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans, Sour Gummi Piglets, Coconut Bars, and Chocolate Dipped Marshmallows,” Benson says.
While the new ownership honors the traditions of Dietrich’s, Benson says that the intention is blending the old with the new. Many of our handcrafted items are the same items made at Dietrich's, and we still make many of the truffle flavors created by Eric Dietrich. But our chocolatiers created their own recipes using higher-quality chocolate and ingredients. We have also introduced new truffle flavors. For example, Rocky Mountain Road truffle (our take on Rocky Road ice cream) and Strawberry.”
The shop is charming, with a turquoise and gold color scheme. On a recent visit, I was enticed to try such exotic dark chocolate truffle flavors as Mango
Chili, Marzipan Truffle and Cherry Balsamic. With a nod to the shop’s neighbors, Kaladi Coffee Roasters, Deiter’s sells truffles made with Kaladi’s coffee. Another Colorado tie-in is the Palisade Peach truffle in both milk and dark chocolate. One of the biggest sellers are the Rocky Mountain truffles with the edible state flag decoration. “DU parents love those,” Benson notes.
Consistently, the shop’s top three sellers are Truffles, Caramel Nut Sliders (commonly known as ‘turtles,’) and 4-oz. chocolate bars. Deiters offers subscriptions with three, six and 12 month durations, as well as custom orders for wedding favors and corporate logos. Naturally, Benson is a chocolate lover herself. “My personal favorites are truffles in general, especially the Brown Butter Salted Pecan and the Kaladi Coffee truffles.” As a person who enjoys a dark chocolate and cup of coffee each morning before breakfast, I am eager to try more of Deiters chocolates this Valentines Day and beyond! deiterschocolates.com
Hours: Mon-Sat 10-6 & Sun 10-5. liza@deiterschocolates.com
ARTICLE BY VALERIE BIANCULLI
The Wild West Meets Warm Hospitality
A Jackson Hole Winter Getaway
Jackson Hole has a way of feeling cinematic the moment you arrive. Maybe it’s the jagged silhouette of the Tetons rising sharply against the sky, or the quiet hum of wildlife and wide-open land that makes the world feel bigger and slower all at once. Whatever it is, this corner of Wyoming effortlessly blends rugged adventure with refined comfort — especially in winter, when snow softens the landscape and the town leans into its Western soul.
STAY
After landing at Jackson Hole Airport, the only commercial airport located inside a national park, make your way to Wyoming Inn, one of two sister properties that share amenities and an unmistakable Western character. The 69-room property strikes a balance between cozy and elevated, offering spaces that invite you to linger, whether that’s sinking into a leather chair by the fire or unwinding at the indoor hot tub with a cozy fireplace. The rooms feel restful and grounded, the kind of place where mornings start slowly and evenings end early in the best way.
Just across the street, The Lodge at Jackson Hole offers a slightly different experience that’s ideal for families or groups. With more rooms, an indoor-outdoor heated pool, sauna, outside hot tub, massage room, and the Fireside Lounge, a cozy spot for cocktails and daily happy hour, the two hotels together create a shared home base that’s flexible, welcoming, and undeniably Wyoming.
EAT
One of the highlights of staying at Wyoming Inn is having The Whistling Grizzly, a local favorite, right on-site. The restaurant blends refined technique with Western ingredients, offering dishes that feel adventurous yet approachable. Breakfast favorites like huckleberry pancakes and buttermilk stacks fuel early mornings, while dinner leans into regional flavors with elk, bison, and fresh trout prepared thoughtfully and beautifully. The elk tenderloin is an absolute must!
Beyond the hotel, Jackson Hole’s dining scene delivers in every direction. A mountaintop dinner at Aurora pairs alpine cuisine with sweeping views and starlit skies, while a cozy Italian meal at Orsetto offers rich pastas and comforting winter dishes that feel just right after a long day outdoors.
Lunches and casual bites downtown reveal another side of Jackson — relaxed, local, and full of character — whether grabbing a nostalgic soda fountain meal at Jackson Drug or warming up between adventures.
PLAY
Jackson Hole is built for exploration, and winter only adds to the magic. An evening gondola ride up Snow King mountain leads to the Snow King Observatory & Planetarium, where you can gaze at distant galaxies and constellations from 8,000 feet above the valley floor, a reminder that adventure here extends far beyond daylight hours.
Another afternoon can be spent soaking at The Astoria Hot Springs, where natural mineral pools steam in the cold mountain air, offering a peaceful contrast to the region’s high-energy pursuits. If you’re feeling daring, take a dip in the 53-degree cold plunge pool.
For me, the most unforgettable experience was dog sledding with Dog Sled Adventures. Gliding silently across snow-covered terrain, led by an eager team of huskies, felt both exhilarating and grounding, the kind of memory that stays with you long after the snow melts.
When the sun goes down, Jackson Hole knows how to have fun. A stop at the iconic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar is practically a rite of passage. With saddle bar stools, live country music, and a dance floor filled with locals and visitors alike, it’s the kind of place where you can try your hand at Western-style line dancing and fully lean into the town’s cowboy spirit. It’s lively, unapologetically Western, and exactly what you’d hope for in a place like Jackson Hole.
Between skiing, wildlife tours, snowshoeing, stargazing, hot spring soaking, and a little boot-scootin’ on the dance floor, it becomes clear why Jackson Hole continues to draw travelers back year after year.
Celebrating Accomplishment
After surviving a stroke, determination led the way to recovery.
Denver-based artist, Jared Hankins, was newly married with a promising art career. At 31, he was beginning to realize success, cultivating a following with his abstract and fine artwork.
The events of a single morning changed the trajectory of his life and talent for making a living through artistic self-expression. “I woke up after having had a couple of really busy days with work,” he recounts. Feeling lousy, he chalked it up to a night out with some friends the previous evening. “While making breakfast, the spoon fell out of my hand and I passed out on our couch,” he says.
Waking again a short time later, Hankins explains his vision as “flashing, like one still-frame photo after another.” His right side “slumped,” and Hankins says he realized something was terribly wrong. His wife rushed him by car to the emergency room where he was immediately seen by physicians.
The diagnoses was a stroke, and Hankins was admitted to the neuro intensive care unit for testing and observation. It was there, that in addition to facial paralysis and inability to use his right arm and hand properly, he experienced a grand mal seizure. Despite avoiding surgery, Hankins spent eight days in the hospital. Once released, he suffered another seizure at home and was readmitted to the ICU a second time.
Finally, back at home with seizure medication and blood thinners, Hankins was forced to adjust to his new reality. Young and fit, Hankins poured himself into physical therapy and resumed his active lifestyle. He used his affected right hand as much as possible, relearning the basics relatively quickly.
The fine motor skills that Hankins counted upon to paint were his main concern. He had received a commission for an abstract piece before his stroke, and he immersed himself in the work. The collector loved the piece, fueling his confidence and determination.
ARTICLE BY ANNE HEBERT PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JARED HANKINS
“The psychological aspect of recovery was slower,” says Hankins. “The realities of the stroke occupied my thoughts constantly.”
Almost 20-years later, Hankin’s career is thriving. A current exhibition at the Denver Space Gallery highlights new work featuring color landscapes. “While my mortality lives closer to the surface than it did before, I am grateful to live my life and do what I’m passionate about.”
Handmade Soap
Add a spa-like feel to your home with this refreshing soap recipe that's simple to make at home.
ARTICLE BY ANGI HOCKETT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
The art of soap making has come a long way since our grandmothers’ day. All the nourishing oils, beautiful colors, scents and exfoliants would have been a dream to her. Today, it is easy to custom make soap for any skin type. Adding oils such as avocado, olive, jojoba, and argon are just a few ingredients to make a rich smooth bar.
Not only do handmade soaps get super-fatted oils to add moisture, they can also include some amazing exfoliants, additives and scents. A few of my favorites are honey, aloe juice, goat’s milk, activated charcoal and clays.
If you want to get started making soap try this simple pour and mold recipe.
lavender honey lemon soap
ingredients
•2 lb. goat’s milk melt-and-pour soap
•1 lemon rind, zested
•3 tablespoons of dried lavender buds
• 2 tablespoons of honey
•15 drops of lavender essential oil
•6 drops of lemon essential oil
• Jar or bowl for melting soap base
• Silicone mold
directions
Chop soap into smaller pieces. It will melt faster this way. Place in bowl and microwave (or double boil). Be careful to watch soap and not let it burn. If you are using microwave, heat in 30 second increments, stirring frequently. Once soap is melted add your essential oils first. Once essential oils have been added and mixed thoroughly, add the lavender buds, lemon zest and honey. Have your mold ready to go, on a flat, even surface. You’ll want to move quickly before the soap cools too much. Mix everything thoroughly again, and pour mixture into mold. Let the soap cool for 2-3 hours until bars are completely solid. Wrap or package however you like.
Recipe from Sisoo.com
CHOOSE YOUR BREW
MIX-AND-MATCH THE PERFECT SIX PACK
When the hot summer months roll around, many people reach for a cold, refreshing beer to cool off. There are many different types of beers that are perfect for enjoying during the summer months. Whether you prefer a light and crisp ale, a fruity wheat beer, or a bold and hoppy IPA, there are plenty of different beer types that are perfect for enjoying during the summer months.
BREW: FOOD PAIRINGS:
Blonde Ale
TASTE NOTES:
Light-bodied and smooth, an easy-drinking beer known for its simplicity.
One of the most popular craft beer styles; a hoppy, moderately strong ale of golden-to-copper color.
LIGHT AND SPICY FOODS: cajun chicken wings, grilled salmon, Monterey Jack cheese
GRILLED AND SPICY FOODS: burgers, steaks, Indian curries, ginger spiced desserts
Fruit Beers
Used with wheat ales and lagers, brewers can choose from a variety of fruits for the desired flavor.
Hefeweizen
A cloudy, unfiltered style of German wheat beer with refreshing flavors of banana and clove.
ACIDIC AND LIGHT FOODS: salads with fruity dressings, pickled dishes, fruity desserts
Also known as a Shandy, a refreshing, low-alcohol drink combining beer and citrus soda.
A dark, full-bodied, roasty, malty ale with a complementary oatmeal flavor.
LIGHT AND SPICY FOODS: seafood, salads, fruit tarts, spicy shrimp, thai curry
RICH AND SALTY FOODS: lobster, french fries, mushrooms, blue cheese
FEBRUARY 2026
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
FEBRUARY 1ST
Colorado
Motorcycle Expo
National Western Complex | 9:00 AM
Featuring nearly 100 motorcycles competing for awards across as many as 20 categories, the Colorado Motorcycle Expo is recognized as the Rocky Mountain region’s largest and most prestigious bike show.
FEBRUARY 1ST - 8TH
The Bombing of United 629
History Colorado Center | 10:00 AM
Done in collaboration with the Denver Police Museum, the United 629 bombing remains a pivotal moment in American history. 70 years ago, the first proven act of airline sabotage reshaped aviation safety, forensic science, and courtroom transparency. Remembered as both a tragedy and a turning point, it’s legacy continues to influence how we travel—and how justice is seen.
FEBRUARY 1ST - 8TH
Colorado Ballet:
The Great Gatsby
Ellie Caulkins Opera House | 7:30 PM
Denver’s Colorado Ballet brings the Roaring Twenties to life with The Great Gatsby. Delayed by the pandemic, this dazzling premiere features cinematic sets, Carl Davis’ original score, and Jorden Morris’ bold choreography. Step into Fitzgerald’s iconic world and experience the glamour, drama, and decadence of one of America’s most legendary decades—through dance.
events
CONTINUED
FEBRUARY 1ST - 28TH
Show Days @ Children’s Museum of Denver
Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus | 9:00 AM
Step into a winter wonderland where cozy moments meet playful adventure. Warm up by the fire, glide across the skating rink, try ice fishing, or explore the mountains on a vintage snowmobile. With real snow for sledding and snowman building, it’s a charming escape made for savoring the season.
FEBRUARY 1ST - 28TH
Dracula - A Comedy of Terrors in Denver
The Garner Galleria Theatre | 7:30 PM
A bold, 90-minute reinvention flips the classic tale on its head with gender-swapped roles, rapid costume changes, sharp wordplay, and pop culture nods. Performed by a small local cast, this high-energy, camp-filled comedy blends old-school melodrama with the absurd spirit of Monty Python, the flair of Rocky Horror, and the humor of Young Frankenstein.
FEBRUARY 14TH
2026 Denver Winter Tequila Tasting Festival
Mile High Spirits | 2:30 PM
Winter’s chill meets agave culture this Valentine’s Day in Denver. A single winter tequila and mezcal tasting arrives Saturday, February 14, offering a curated lineup of premium and limited-release spirits. Attendance is capped at 299, with VIP access unlocking top-shelf pours, early entry, and chef-driven bites.
“My smile is beautiful and I’ve never felt this confident before”
- Kimberly K.
Terry L. Brewick, DDS
K N DENVER
WHERE HOUSES BECOME HOMES
The market has changed. There is urgency when a home is priced right, but when it’s priced high, waiting can be the buyer’s best move. I recently saved a buyer over 10% by simply letting the property “sit” for a while. Whether you are buying or selling, I will always set honest, realistic expectations to ensure you get the winning hand.
KNOW WHEN TO HOLD 'EM, KNOW WHEN TO FOLD 'EM, RIGHT?
