Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day, HSCOOC'ers!

Noah and I actually celebrated last night as I am headed to San Diego today for a PR Summit with the Kimpton Group.

Our evening consisted of wine, cheese, chocolate, a speakeasy and new Toms ballet flats for yours truly.

I am one smitten kitten - and I hope you're feeling the love, too today.

Snow Day

We're in the midst of a blizzard here in Denver. Up to 22 in are expected by tomorrow come noon. The roads are awful so just like the kiddos in school, I had a snow day.

This is my first official snow day and there are a few things I've learned today :

1. Things your father will tell you to have on hand for the storm : Wine, toilet paper and bread. The only thing I think he forgot in that list was cheese.

2. It's possible to get work done, even with Kathie Lee and Hoda on in the background

3. It's 3:48 p.m., I have not showered and find that perfect acceptable

4. It's 3:49 p.m. and I'm already through my first glass of wine, and find that perfectly acceptable, as well.

5. Gordon and Sienna can only entertain for so long. They sleep a WHOLE LOT.

6. There comes a point in a snow storm when you think it's possible that it will just never end. 

So, if you happen to be in the Capitol Hill neighborhood - please swing by. I could use some company, I have wine - and Phase 10.

Steamboat

One of the (many) benefits to living in the state of Colorado is the easy access to some of the world's best skiing. Even with this being one of the worst seasons on record - I was lucky enough to spend 4 days last week living in Steamboat.

The last time I was in Steamboat Springs was in 1991 so I can't tell you how much the place has changed but the way this ski town exudes charm - I would hope not much. We took on that mountain (love you, Tomahawk!), we ate like kings (you must check out Mazzola's Italian), we drank the limit of Rio margaritas, experienced SubStone (a Cold Stone inside a Subway!), we played the tambourine and ukulele (to the best of our abilities), we went to the Western store (F.M. Light & Sons!), we gamed - and basically had the time of our lives. All while surrounded by killer views.

 

If we've ever been skiing together, you know that the only way for me to end the day is with a beer in the hot tub. And the only thing that makes that better is a sunset like this.

So, yes, as previously mentioned - I enjoy soaking my body in hot water so how is it that I had never been to a hot springs before?!? We wrapped up the trip with a giant hot pool of natural relaxation with a trip to the Strawberry Hot Springs, which was one of the prettiest places I've ever been.

Maybe it was being with people I love, maybe it was the view, maybe it was the drinks but this I know for sure - it will go down as a highlight for 2012. And I'm already counting down to going back next January.

Swish swish. Spring spring.

Blind Pilot

Last night Noah and I trekked over to Boulder to catch a show. Coming off of four days at Steamboat, going to a concert was not at the top of my list but this wasn't just a show - this was Blind Pilot. 

Blind Pilot happens to be the first band that Noah introduced me to, so you can understand why we needed to be there. Especially since they had actually just played the Tuesday following our flight so we were sure we missed the opportunity to see them. But then, as fate loves to help us out - they announced a show in a small theatre, not in Denver - but just over the hill (or 36 W rather) in Boulder.

As we stood two rows back from the stage, me dancing and Noah keeping the beat on my back - it was definitely one of those surreal moments, where you realize that everything has actually fallen in to place quite nicely.

So obviously feeling slightly emotional - I teared up a bit as they played 'Half Moon' - the song that I've listened to every time I've left Noah's since November.

Because these are great days.

And this one, Keep You Right, has become one of my all time favorites.

So I don't know where you are but if your city is on this list, I highly recommend checking out their show.  I promise you won't be disappointed.

And don't forget to think of me when that tambourine comes out.

Quite the (rear) View.

Andy picked me up yesterday afternoon from Scream to head to Steamboat. After we packed a ridiculous amount of things in the back of his VW, we were officially mountain bound.

I've always wanted to capture a great rearview window shot and yesterday, thanks to the 3:30 departure time from Denver, allowing us to hit the Rockies right around sunset  - I got it. 

Now to the slopes! 

Tambourine Girl

For the past few years, I've wanted to get a tambourine. If you know me, you know I have very little rhythm but has it ever stopped me from dancing? No. So why would I let it stop me from playing the tambourine?

On Sunday afternoon, Michael told me he had a present for me. As he walked in, jingles jinglin', I knew that my dream was coming true. From that day on, I'd be a tambourine girl.

I've got big plans with my tambourine - soon to be totally decked out in ribbons. It's only a matter of time until that leather handle is nice and broken in. We're (yes, me and my tambourine) are even hitting the road this weekend - Steamboat here we come. First stop on the tour.

So next time you see me, feel free to ask me to play you a song. I can't promise it will carry a tune but I can promise to make you smile. 

It certainly makes me smile.

Colorado : One Year Anniversary

January 9, 2012 officially marked one year since I arrived to the state of Colorado. The day before, of course, marked the day that I left Las Vegas - and you know me, I'm always looking for a reason to celebrate. Everything is an event, and this - the one year anniversary of the Great Kate Escape - would be no different.

The original plan was to ice skate and have an Italian (see: wine-filled) dinner at JJ Madwell's but in Colorado form, the forecast called for snow on Saturday - making the outlook on the trip up to Evergreen/Pine less than desirable (hey, I may be one year in but that still doesn't mean I like driving in the snow).

So, we called in Plan B - as in Broncos.

In case you've been sleeping - the Broncos played the Steelers this past Sunday in the first round of the AFC playoffs. The Wicklers, with Michael in tow, came down the hill and we headed to the Irish Snug for a little Sunday game watching action - which turned out to be a total understatement of the word action.

This Sunday turned in to quite the celebration - not only for my one year, and not only for the Broncos actually beating the Steelers in OT - but for the Tebowing Broncos tees that deserved a celebration all on their own. #hysterical

And now, we have something to wear this Sunday. Go, Broncos!