Travel

Do Good, Feel Good

The Growing Trend of Positive Impact Travel Article by Elizabeth Watson | Photography by Provided Longtime travel agent Marcie Lauritsen-Mann practically had her bags packed, ready to attend a travel industry conference at the Grand Wailea Resort on Maui when she saw news of the devastating wildfires that destroyed Lahaina in August 2023.  The owner of Highlands Ranch Travel Agency said the industry group considered canceling the conference but instead jumped into action to be of service.  ...

March 2024

Finance + Legal Services

Financial Silver Bullets

Engaging a Family Financial Services Firm for Your Family's Future Article by Brandon Lorenz As a wealth management advisor, one question that I often hear is, “Is there a silver bullet when it comes to a financial strategy?” The seemingly obvious answer is no, but sometimes it's yes. The first question to ask is, “What brings you peace and contentment?” If you can’t answer this question, silver bullets will never be enough.  So, no, not one single thing can solve all your financial...

March 2024

Sports + Recreation

Financial Literacy for Youth

Investing in Financial Education Benefits the Community Article by Amy Sherman, Economic Literacy Colorado  | Photography by provided For many of you, my face is familiar as I served as the Northwest Douglas County Chamber & Economic Development Corporation President and CEO for 10 years and have been a proud resident of Douglas County for 45 years. April is Financial Literacy Month, and it is an excellent opportunity to share that I just celebrated my first year as the CEO and President of ...

March 2024

Home + Design

Invest or Move?

Make Your Old Home Feel New With These Easy Upgrades Article by Vanessa Osei | Photography by Provided In the current housing market, remodeling offers the home of your dreams for a fraction of the cost of buying new. Starting over in a shiny new neighborhood is a temptation. House hunting in the current market has many buyers feeling underwhelmed by what they get for their money.   Consider these refreshes to transform your current home before you start packing boxes.      BUDGET-FRIENDLY...

March 2024

Home + Design

Faith + Family + Basketball

The Huard Family at Home in Backcountry Article by Sonja Nix | Photography by Lisa Lord, LiLo Photography Walking into the Huard Family home, two things stand out. The Huards are tall humans, standing 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet 5 inches. Second, their Christian faith has a more significant presence in their home than their sports legacy. The family’s athletic pedigree runs deep, with elite athletes in multiple sports. Molly and Brock Huard met at the University of Washington in the mid-90s...

February 2024

Home + Design

Destination: Home

Unique Colorado Home Shops Worth the Trip Article by Sonja Nix | Photography by provided Hapke's Hortum Old Colorado City You'll find this charming plant shop on the west side of Colorado Springs. Run by Lauren and Clay Hapke, the pair hand-selects and sells boutique-style plants for Colorado habitats. They partner with local makers and vendors to stylize the plants with custom pottery, macrame crafts, quirky gifts, and recycled or repurposed pieces.  hapkeshortum.com   Hygge Life ...

February 2024

Education

Resolve to Read Local

Five Exciting Authors Who Live Local in Douglas County Article by Amy Hall | Photography by Hutch Tibbetts, Douglas County Libraries Eleanor Brown "Any Other Family" Eleanor Brown is a Highlands Ranch literary gem, one we love seeing when she pops in at the library. In her latest book, she tackles the subject of open adoptions and blended families with beauty and sensitivity.   Ausma Zehanat Khan "Blackwater Falls" Having already checked human rights lawyer and editor-in-chief off her...

January 2024

Arts + Culture

Layers of Love

Local Visual Artist Paints The Layers of Love and Life Article by Sonja Nix | Photography by Lisa Lord, LiLo Photography When we visited visual artist Ceelee Simpson at her studio recently, her playlist titled ‘Listen to What Your Heart Is Saying” was playing in the background. During the visit, layered under our conversation were melodies of country music, jazz, classic rock, 70’s love songs, and even a James Blunt song weaved in and out. Ceelee has a singular theme in her art: LOVE. Like...

January 2024

Arts + Culture

Love Songs

Enjoy a Show with Your Valentine, Gal-entine, or Pal-entine Article by Sonja Nix | Photography by Provided Look no further than our own Lone Tree Arts Center for Valentine's Day Entertainment. Choose a standard weekend night performance or an installment of LTAC's Arts in the Afternoon on Valentine's Day. International Guitar Night  8:00 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10 International Guitar Night brings together acclaimed worldwide guitarists for an unforgettable evening of song, strumming, and...

January 2024

Food + Beverage

Valentine's Day Dinner at Home

Low-Stress, No-Hassle, At-Home Romantic Dinner for Two Article by Angela Broockard | Photography by Janie Jones No dinner resy's? Watching what you eat?  A few special touches transform the comfort of your own home into a romantic and intimate setting for dinner This look employs a non-traditional setting - the coffee table in the living room layered with pillows and cozy blankets on the ground. Use a table runner instead of a tablecloth, and create a handmade floral arrangement on a...

January 2024