Best Birthday Party Venue in Colorado

If you’re a Mom, you’re bound to be in a Facebook Mom group, or twelve. If so, you’re sure to come across the daily post, “Where is the best birthday spot for a *insert age* year old?” and a slew of answers will come.. In Colorado, being such a family-focused state, we are blessed with a wide variety of birthday party venues. This being said, one of the top places recommended will surely be Little Monkey Bizness Westminster.

Not only does it have everything an older kid could want: Bouncy houses, snacks, an art room, mega slides, but also imaginary play areas for younger kids like: Veterinarian stations, safari outpost station, postman station, climbing structures, flashing light games, and more!

When booking a birthday party for your little it can be stressful worrying about the differences in ages, siblings of friends, and babies that may accompany adults (Did I mention they have a baby area?! Yeah..). But Little Monkey Bizness Westminster literally takes the stress out of everything for you, all you have to do is book your party and let them take the wheel.. 🎶

With different tiers to fit your budget, they have exactly what you’re looking for in a party. Need a weekday? They’ve got you. Want it private? Covered. Want it private AND on the weekend? OH snap, already done.

It’s literally the best of both worlds. Easy for parents. Pure-energy-burning-fun for kids. So, next time you’re planning a birthday party in Colorado for your kiddo, DEFINITELY book it with Little Monkey Bizness Westminster. This month we are having our second and third birthday party here and have had other friends do there’s here because they loved it so much, too! Highly recommend (did I mention they have a coffee shop inside, too?! Yeah.) and you can have pizzas delivered to the party. Just sayin’. 🐒

Book here – https://westminster.monkeybizness.com/birthday-bookings/

( I was compensated for this post, but all opinions are my own )

Pact Dream Big Pajamas

I’m all about eco-friendly, water-saving, fair trade certified companies – And one of my favorite clothing lines now is Pact, because they’re ALL of those things. Pact is an apparel company on a mission to make Earth’s Favorite™ Clothing. Their products are made of organic cotton—to support a healthy planet—and manufactured by a Fair Trade certified factory—to take care of the people on this planet. By using natural farming practices and contributing to Fair Trade initiatives, Pact creates clothing that is better for the world, and better for your family.

I bought matching pairs of them Dream Big Pajamas for the boys and it’s their favorite things to snuggle up and sleep in. They’re insanely soft, their prints are adorable, (or cool if you ask them about their shark jammies) and I feel better purchasing them clothing that is better for our Mother Earth (and still affordable!)

Pact Dream Big Pajamas are top-sellers and available in kids’ sizes 18 months to 10. They are made of soft, breathable, 100% organic cotton that is made without toxic chemicals and with 91% less water than conventional cotton. Pact’s cotton material is Fair Trade Certified and GOTS Certified Organic Cotton. Dream Big Pajamas provide a snug fit for safety, with a pull-on waistband and banded cuffs at the wrists and ankles. All Dream Big Pajamas for kids are made with a tag-less label on the back to prevent discomfort and skin irritation. The fabric is pre-washed and shrink resistant. Pact Dream Big Pajamas for kids typically retail for $30.

Save 20% on your first Pact purchase at wearpact.com with promo code MomsMeet20. Offer is valid until 12/31/21. (Note: Offer valid on first purchases only. Does not apply to sale items. Cannot be combined with other offers.)

(I was compensated for this post, all opinions are my own)

Best Hidden Date Night Spots in Denver

I love Red Robin and Chili’s more than the next gal, but when you’re traveling and looking for a unique spot, you want something authentic and memorable. I’ve lived in Denver long enough to find the most amazing spots hidden in plain sight – And been desperate enough to try anywhere if that means making my babysitter time worthwhile, ha!

5. 740 Front – 740 Front St, Louisville, CO 80027 – $$

Built in 1904 this Louisville saloon restaurant has a lot of history with many stories to tell. But their greatest story is their phenomenal food. Known for their incredible seafood and steak, there are many amazing items to choose from so even the pickiest of eaters will find something they’ll adore. Their drinks are artfully handcrafted and their staff exudes sophistication. This is the perfect spot for a fancy night out for an anniversary, birthday, etc.

4. Ocean Prime – 1465 Larimer Street Denver, CO 80202 – $$$$

One of the best meals I’ve ever eaten was eaten here. Their food is incredible, their drinks are unique and dreamy, but their location is gorgeous. Right in downtown Denver you get an amazing view of Larimer Square that’s always lit up and always lively. This place is amazing if you’re looking for a classy dinner to impress and celebrate with a loved one. Try their lobster mac n’ cheese, seriously drool worthy.

3. EAT! Food and Drink – 520 Zang St N, Broomfield, CO 80021 – $

Love this place. It is tucked into a cute little strip mall but packs a big punch. Amazing food, along with gluten-free options, patio seating while sipping on a cold, refreshing cocktail, and pleasing conversations are only a few of the amazing qualities this place has to offer. The owner creates unique and thoughtful menu items that make it a place to try and remember!

2. Jack’s & Steamers – 8565 Five Parks Dr #100, Arvada, CO 80005 – $

Owned by a former Olympic skier, Jack and his wife, Athan, own this incredible restaurant and created a training kitchen in order to support and employ people with developmental disabilities. Their kindness is not the only amazing thing they offer – Their unique and delicious menu keeps locals and travelers coming back time after time.

1. Aspen Lodge Bar and Grill – 8125 W 94th Ave, Westminster, CO 80021 – $$

Literally, my number one favorite place to eat in Colorado. We’ve been coming for 6 years now and it’s become a tradition to take family and friends every-time they’re in town. Owned by Turkish native, Mesut, his restaurant is like a scene out of a Christmas lodge, but in the background, there is always Iron Maiden playing. An eclectic restaurant with American/Turkish foods will leave you full and happy. You’ll never experience anything quite like it anywhere else – When you come make sure to order his Mesut Burger (a traditional burger with a Turkish twist!) and his award winning Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich! Best place in Denver!

Lessonface Violin Classes

For Christmas I got a violin – I’ve been wanting to learn for years but I always made excuses that I wouldn’t have enough time. I was surprised when I opened up a large box for Christmas and saw a beautiful Maestro violin staring right back at me. I was so excited I immediately tried playing it, much to my Husband’s chagrin.. Obviously I needed classes.

I looked around at virtual classes and worried none of them would work for me, how could someone be able to coach me, a complete newbie, properly via zoom? Didn’t seem right (Apparently, I’m old) but I read reviews about LessonFace and they were raved about. So I gave them a try.

They do 1 on 1 lessons and passes (group classes that meet every week to build on previous lessons). So I jumped on a group violin class and immediately loved my teacher. She was patient, helpful and was able to help me tune my violin and correct my posture. This was only in my first lesson and I already felt more comfortable and way more excited for more lessons.

Learning a new instrument part of your New Years resolution? Sign up for the Master Pass, for access for your household to all 300+ live classes per month with phenomenal teachers. The Pass is only $19 for your first month, then $49/month going forward. Take live classes in music, language, and more, join warmup sessions on a daily basis, and make great progress along with your fellow students and teachers.

They have so many different instruments to choose from with an amazing deal to help get your littles (or yourself) familiar with music lessons that they can do from the comfort of their home. Super convenient and a great sense of normalcy, especially during these times! Great teachers, great classes, guaranteed!

(I was compensated for this post, all opinions are my own)

Lifetime Fitness

This quarantine has been rough on the waistband. Like, really rough. Between stress eating, happy eating and the holidays being in the mix it’s been a struggle not to binge. Binge watching the Mandalorian with a bag of personal popcorn is pretty legit but I was feeling myself becoming foggy brained, sluggish and slow. I had no energy and no motivation. I’m sure most people felt this way – It’s been rough, hasn’t it?

I kept telling myself I couldn’t workout because I’d be interrupted by the boys and my old gym still hadn’t opened their kid’s center. But at one point when I looked around the house and saw piles of untouched mess I realized I needed to get off my butt. I deep cleaned my house, donated toys, clothes, and restarted a nightly beauty regimen. I was starting to feel like myself again, but I still wasn’t liking what I saw in the mirror.

I decided to make a change. I went back to strictly eating paleo and decided to look around at gyms. Due to COVID I was limited in my options due to the restrictions on child care and with three boys and a working Husband there was no way to make it work unless I found some help.

Then I stumbled upon Lifetime fitness.. They said their Kid’s Academy was open so I decided to tour it. I walked into a gorgeous facility that radiated class. It was clean, professional and pristinely high end. The staff at the Kid’s Academy had classes planned, safety/health precautions in place and made the kiddos feel so welcome.

There were so many wonderful classes to choose from and an array of amenities available. This place felt too good to be true. And that was a month ago. I signed up on the spot and have been going multiple times a week ever since. Hudson has been having a blast participating in events like Polar Express Christmas Eve party, New Years Eve party and so much more. It’s been like another home for all of us. With a built in spa, a cafe, and a pool (with kid’s swimming lessons, I might add) It’s felt like a little bit of normalcy again, for all of us.

I can’t say enough about how incredible this has been for all of our mental health – And I have more energy than I can ever remember having. Eating better, drinking more water, exercising regularly and mental health in check, this place has been a lifesaver.

This is not even an ad, only a referral because I know so many people would benefit from the effects this place brings. You’ll never want to leave. Especially the in-locker-room hot tub.

Start your journey today, here. To better mental health, more energy, and you time. I mean, we love time with our kiddos but they love having them time too, you know?

Hello Bello Diapers

This is not a paid ad. I’ve been using Hello Bello diapers for the boys since they were 1 month old. We were initially gifted Huggies and Pampers, both of which caused allergic reactions and leaked terribly. We searched around and tried Honest diapers, which were fab but way too expensive for twins diaper buying.

That’s when we found Hello Bello diapers. They are plant based, hypoallergenic, eco-friendly, chlorine free and started this company with the motto that everyone deserves premium diapers, not just those who can afford them.

I fell in love with their philosophy.. Also, when I realized it was a company created by Dax Shepherd and Kristen Bell I was ecstatic.. Have I mentioned I’m a big Kristen Bell fan? So we gave them a try and have not turned back since.

We buy all Hello Bello products from their diapers, wipes, lotions, body wash, etc. Their items have never caused reactions to the boy’s sensitive skin and we are signed up for their subscription service so we choose our adorable prints every month and they’re delivered right to our door so no last minute outages and store runs with stinky baby in tow.

Again, this is not an ad, I just genuinely love this company and their products so wanted to share the love and my referral code for $15 a Hello Bello diaper bundle! I promise you’ll never wanna go back to another brand.

I mean.. How cute are these prints?!

Chūze Fitness

When you feel so genuinely passionate about something you want to tell the world – And that’s exactly how I feel about Chūze Fitness. After I had Hudson (Over 4 years ago) I was in the best shape of my life.. I had more energy than I knew what to do with, I had a six pack and incredible confidence. But, I got all of that by living in a toxic mindset with food and exercise.

It was a chore. Eating insanely strictly, exercising everyday, and treating myself like a machine that I wouldn’t allow to rest. I’m sure what you would expect to happen, happened. I fell off the health train, HARD. I had one cheat meal and I spiraled. I felt like I was a failure, I felt disgusted with myself and I hated how I “felt”.

So I stopped eating healthy completely. I started drinking more alcohol, stopped working out, stopped everything that I considered “healthy” because I felt like it was a waste since I was “off the wagon”. Then I got pregnant with my twins. After I had them my body felt like it was shutting down. I had no energy, no desire to move, no desire to cook, no desire to do anything that wasn’t absolutely necessary.

I hated myself. And the worst part? I allowed myself to be like that until they were 8 months old – I felt like I was failing them as a Mother. I decided I needed to make a change – Not just for them but also for myself.

As a stay at home Mother of three I was super intimidated by the thought of working out at home like I always had because I knew I’d lose momentum the moment one of them needed something. So I did some searching and found a few gyms that had childcare. It seemed overwhelming but after hearing raving reviews about Chūze Fitness from some local Moms I decided to give it a try..

Their 7 day free trial included everything but tanning so I was able to take all my kiddos into the Kids Club to try it out. The ladies in there were immediately incredible. They were excited to take my twin babies (Something I absolutely feared) and told me to take my time and have a great workout..

After dropping them off I stood outside the Kid’s Club door, completely bewildered that I was kid-free.. I looked around at all of the amazing opportunities in front of me.. I could use their HydroMassage machines, get some cardio in at the Chūze Cinema, join in on a Zumba class, go for a swim, hop in the sauna or get rid of my nasty cold in the Eucalyptus steam room.. The possibilities literally seemed endless.

That was a month ago today. I can now honestly say that Chūze has already changed my life. This is my home away from home. My twins light up when they see the girls, Hudson constantly asks if we can go back to the “play place” and I know I can workout with complete assurance that my kids are in the best hands.

And because of them I’ve been able to gain my strength and energy back. I’ve been going multiple times a week – And sometimes, I literally just sit in the massage chairs, go for a tan then watch a movie while on a stationary bike because whether I am exercising or not it’s my time to focus on ME.

But, most of all, Chūze has changed my life completely because I am now able to be the Mother I need to be for my sweet boys. So thank you Chūze, for the opportunity to better myself and giving me the tools to do so.

Want to try it for yourself? Here is my referral code – I promise.. Your first day there you’ll know you want to sign up.. Did I mention they have a built in smoothie bar? 😉

Chuze Fitness

When you feel so genuinely passionate about something you want to tell the world – And that’s exactly how I feel about Chuze Fitness. After I had Hudson (Over 4 years ago) I was in the best shape of my life.. I had more energy than I knew what to do with, I had a six-pack and incredible confidence. But, I got all of that by living in a toxic mindset with food and exercise.

It was a chore. Eating insanely strictly, exercising everyday, and treating myself like a machine that I wouldn’t allow to rest. I’m sure what you would expect to happen, happened. I fell off the health train, HARD. I had one cheat meal and I spiraled. I felt like I was a failure, I felt disgusted with myself and I hated how I “felt”.

So I stopped eating healthy completely. I started drinking more alcohol, stopped working out, stopped everything that I considered “healthy” because I felt like it was a waste since I was “off the wagon”. Then I got pregnant with my twins. After I had them my body felt like it was shutting down. I had no energy, no desire to move, no desire to cook, no desire to do anything that wasn’t absolutely necessary.

I hated myself. And the worst part? I allowed myself to be like that until they were 8 months old – I felt like I was failing them as a Mother. I decided I needed to make a change – Not just for them but also for myself.

As a stay at home Mother of three I was super intimidated by the thought of working out at home like I always had because I knew I’d lose momentum the moment one of them needed something. So I did some searching and found a few gyms that had childcare. It seemed overwhelming but after hearing raving reviews about Chuze Fitness from some local Moms I decided to give it a try..

Their 7 day free trial included everything but tanning so I was able to take all my kiddos into the Kids Club to try it out. The ladies in there were immediately incredible. They were excited to take my twin babies (Something I absolutely feared) and told me to take my time and have a great workout..

After dropping them off I stood outside the Kid’s Club door, completely bewildered that I was kid-free.. I looked around at all of the amazing opportunities in front of me.. I could use their HydroMassage machines, get some cardio in at the Chuze Cinema, join in on a Zumba class, go for a swim, hop in the sauna or get rid of my nasty cold in the Eucalyptus steam room.. The possibilities literally seemed endless.

That was a month ago today. I can now honestly say that Chuze has already changed my life. This is my home away from home. My twins light up when they see the girls, Hudson constantly asks if we can go back to the “play place” and I know I can workout with complete assurance that my kids are in the best hands.

And because of them I’ve been able to gain my strength and energy back. I’ve been going multiple times a week – And sometimes, I literally just sit in the massage chairs, go for a tan then watch a movie while on a stationary bike because whether I am exercising or not it’s my time to focus on ME.

But, most of all, Chuze has changed my life completely because I am now able to be the Mother I need to be for my sweet boys. So thank you Chuze, for the opportunity to better myself and giving me the tools to do so.

Want to try it for yourself? Here is my referral code – I promise.. Your first day there you’ll know you want to sign up.. Did I mention they have a built-in smoothie bar? 😉

FOX 31 News – Toy Fair 2020

Hey y’all! For my third year in a row I’ll be promoting the New York Toy Fair on FOX 31 Denver! This year we’ve got some amazing products to promote – Ones that enhance creativity, reinforce screen-free play, and STEM based toys that provide educational fun!

With the rise in awareness among parents and the same being taught at schools, it has been noticed that most children are shifting to sustainable choices and that includes toys! Green Toys™ is a line of eco-friendly toys and children’s products Made in the USA
from 100% recycled plastic milk jugs.

Green Toys™ Stacking Cups are colorful and fun, and teach basic counting and math concepts. Six graduated cups, dozens of possibilities for bath and play time. Scoop and pour water, build towers by turning upside down, or just sort sizes to nest. Fill cups 1 and 2, for example, and it will equal the volume of cup 3. Ages: 6 months + MSRP $9.99

Green Toys™ Tide Pool Set is a set includes a starfish, scallop, abalone, snail, squid, and jellyfish. Scoop up water with the abalone and create a cascading waterfall with the holes along the edge, or fill the jellyfish and watch the water run down and out each of the legs. The palm-sized shells are the perfect size for scooping and pouring water to wash little ones in infant tubs, while also great for the beach and backyard, too. Ages: 6 months + MSRP $9.99

Green Toys™ Tugboat allows kids to embark on a cruise across the bathtub. Navigate the
wading pool and even splash around in the occasional mud puddle. There’s
no end to the fun! Ages: 6 months + MSRP $9.99

Twinkling Twilight Turtle – New Calming Lights + Soothing Sounds! Now with 2 soothing MELODIES and 100’s of stars that TWINKLE on and off in a colorful, magical light show. Projects constellations in blue, green or amber. Fun, vibrant light effect on shell. Two soothing melodies built in, with adjustable volume control. Available for all ages. MSRP $34.99.

Lil’ Shuckies Large Shell Case from WeCool – Unboxing, blind bags and slime continues to captivate children nationwide. This colorful clam shell is also a carrying case complete with all the essentials one needs to shuck their Lil’ Shuckies and store their discoveries. Includes clam tool, two glitzy slimes, magic and 60 colorful pearl beads and
a necklace string. MSRP: $19.99, AGES: 4+, is available at Walmart!

What’s Wrong with Grown-Ups?, a new card game from Authentic Agility
Games because adults like to have fun too.. How often have you wished that your teen would stop playing video games, sending friends videos you can only hope are appropriate, and going out, and instead, share what they’re thinking… with you?

A fun way to engage kids of all ages, the 500-question card games creates an
open two-way dialog that allows you to make new connections and deepen
your bond. It’s simple to play as each participant rolls the dice and then selects the category in which you are asked to answer a related question.

There’s plenty of research out there reminding parents how important screen free play has become. From toys that teach fine motor skills to STEM, screen free play is essential for the growth of our children.

That’s where smART Pixelator comes in. The smART Pixelator empowers kids to design and build 2D and 3D projects using Bluetooth connectivity, easy-to-follow lights, and smART Pixel Beads, Sequins or Pegs. Right out of the box, kids have a choice of creating 50 step-by-step designs using Pixel Beads. A smART Pixelator app and any mobile device also let them engineer their own projects, encouraging customization and experimentation. Additional beads, sequins, pegs, and projects are available to keep the fun flowing. Ideal for kids 7 to 107 years old. MSRP: $59.99

Construction toys can help kids develop cognitive and social skill as well as fuel creativity.

CREATTO™ Light-Up Crafting™ Kits is a simple yet versatile building system that consists of just two primary components that can be woven together into countless 3D creations. The flexible yet durable plastic tiles interlock quickly and easily for all skill levels; no additional materials or hardware required! Each Creatto kit includes assembly instructions for four different configurations, but the possibilities are limited only by your imagination. Add strings of colored LED lights to illuminate your works of art from the inside out. Five Creatto kits will be available Winter 2020. Creatto will be available in 3 fun sizes: mini, medi, and maxi.

Kids can choose to build the Moonlight Elephant Safari (MSRP $9.95; ages 6+), Magical
Moose & Forest Friends (MSRP $9.95; ages 6+), Starlight Kitty & Cutie Crew (MSRP
$19.95; ages 8+), Shimmer Shark & Ocean Pals (MSRP $29.95; ages 9+), or Sparkle
Unicorn & Friends (MSRP $29.95; ages 9+).

Harlem Globetrotters

All-New Harlem Globetrotters Pushing The Limits World Tour

I’ve been wanting to take my son to a Harlem Globetrotters show for FOREVER – Between their amazing athletic ability and their hilarious skits it’s a show the entire family will enjoy! We’ll be going with our best friends and we cannot wait to show y’all the pictures.. Or come with us! 25% off coupon below!

This is more than a basketball game. It is more than a show. It is the one and only Harlem Globetrotters in an all-new, larger-than-life world tour. You’ll be on your feet, out of your seat, laughing until it hurts and loving every moment. The 5th Quarter – The game isn’t over after the final shot! Meet your favorite Globetrotter court-side after the game to get an autograph and photo.

Don’t miss out – get your tickets today and save SAVE 25% for ALL Harlem Globetrotters Games with promo code FUNFAM. Must purchase 14 days before Game Date. https://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/world-tour/schedule http://www.usfamilyguide.com/coupon.php?bid=13043&dealid=2964