Nothing rings in the new year like Fireworks.... where to see them around Denver

Happy New Year's Feelgood Falls Fans! 

If seeing a professional fireworks display is part of your New Years plans, here is a list of shows in and around the Denver metro area.

Central Denver
Set off from two undisclosed places on the 16th Street Mall, partygoers can see two sets of fireworks simultaneously from the ground.  Shows will be at 9 pm and 12 pm midnight.  Thanks to RTD-Denver Light Rail and bus service is free from 7pm 12/31/13 to 6 am 1/1/14 so everyone can have a safe and fun night.


Northern Colorado
About 40 miles north of Denver on I-25, the shops of Centerra will be hosting a Fire and Ice New Years Eve Party complete with ice sculptures, face painting, a photo booth, a fire dancer and giveaways. The fireworks will end the festivities at 8 pm. 5971 Sky Pond Dr, Loveland, CO 80538

Holiday Photo Contest Announcement

Enter at www.feelgoodfalls.com

Creating a Magical Holiday..... Where to Ice Skate in Denver

This scene from the 2001 flick Serendipity always makes us want to lace up our skates and head to an outdoor rink.  Luckily the Denver metro area has six seasonal outdoor rinks to choose from.  Channel your inner John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale and hit the ice.

Central Denver

Southwest Rink at Skyline Park.  Located in the heart of downtown at 16th and Arapahoe, skaters can enjoy entertainment, family fun days and even free skating lessons.  Skates are available for rent for $2 or if you have skates SKATE FOR FREE.  Through Feb. 16.  More information at www.southwestrink.com.

Southeast/ Aurora

The Pond at Southlands.  After getting some last minute shopping done this weekend, head over The Pond and skate. They are even open on Christmas day. Admission is $8 and skates are available for rent $2.50. 6155 S. Main Street Aurora.  For more information and for special events, go to the Events page on Southlands website.

The Cube at the Streets of Southglenn.  Enjoy an afternoon skate under twinkling lights at the Shops at Southglenn until Feb 17. Starting Monday, the Cube is offer extended hours to curb some winter break boredom.  The Streets of Southglenn, University Blvd and Arapahoe Road. Call (303) 539-7141 for more details. For more information, go to the Streets of Southglenn website. 

Lakewood

The Rink at Belmar.  If you don't have your own skates, this is the place to go.  Skate rental is included in admission.  Adults $9.50, Children 2-12 $7.50, Military ID or skating without rental $5, Children under 2 or Seniors over 65 FREE. Hours vary by day.  Check out their website for more information.

Boulder/Louisville

Winterskate at Twenty Ninth Street.  Winterskate offers both group rates and punch cards for avid skaters.  Children three and under skate free, Children 4-12 $4, Adults $5, College students (w/ valid ID) and Seniors (65+) $3. Skate rental is $3/each.  The rink is open all major holidays including Christmas Day.  Central Plaza, Twenty Ninth Street Mall.  For more information, go to bceproductions.com

Winterskate in Historic Downtown Louisville.  Skate on an old-fashioned 6,500 square foot outdoor rink.  Same rates as Winterskate at Twenty Ninth Street.  824 Front Street. Louisville for more information go to bceproductions.com



Bibliography

Lace Up Your Skates. (2013, December ). Colorado Parent, p. 28 .

Serendipity Movie Clip . (2001). Retrieved from You tube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJvgjH9Tvpo

Twas the week before Christmas...

Twas the week before Christmas and all through the studio

the customers were buying; the orders were flying

Stuffed animals were being made each day

for special young children with whom they will play.

 

A horsey, the cow and the kitty cats too

were specially personalized and delivered to you.

Cursive letters were penned on the stockings with care 

and ready for Santa to come and to share.

Momma, daughter and her baby donned their matching aprons to bake
Christmas cookies, candies and cakes.
The table was set with the trivets and coasters
pretty enough for a poster.

Thank you SEW much for a bang out year
We can't wait to ring in the new year with cheer.
We look forward to meeting new friends and sewing their dreams
through Facebook, Etsy and Networking Divas its seems.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
from everyone at Feelgood Falls

Prepping for Leftovers Week: Vegan Apple Cranberry Quick Bread!

At Feelgood Falls, we love all kinds of cranberry sauce including homemade, whole berry and jellied varieties.  This recipe utilizes that little bit of leftover jellied cranberry sauce that never quite gets eaten after the big day.  This is also vegan because the cranberry sauce acts as a binding agent so eggs are not required.

Ingredients

1 cup jellied cranberry sauce (about 1/2 can of cranberry sauce)
4 tbsp and 1/2 cup water, divided
1 medium apple, chopped into small pieces
1-1/2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp cinnamon

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Heat cranberry sauce and 4 tbsp of water in a small saucepan over medium heat.  Stirring frequently until sauce is a pourable consistency (pictured below).  We used the jellied version of cranberry sauce but we think the whole berry type would also be very good.

 

2.  While melting the cranberry sauce,  chop the apple into small thin pieces.  We did this mostly because we didn't want some of our youngest taste testers to put their nose up to the bread simply because of large chunks of offensive fruit. 

3.  Mix cranberry sauce and oil to a stand mixer or a small bowl. In another bowl, add all dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon.  In small amounts, mix dry ingredients to the cranberry sauce mixture until completely mixed.

4.  Add water and apples to batter and mix. 

5.  Pour batter into a greased 5" x 10" bread pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes until top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.  We had to cover the bread for the last 10 minutes in order to prevent burning the top of the loaf.  Allow to cool before removing from bread pan.  

Makes 1 loaf

TGIF! 5 "Feelgood" Family Activites for this Weekend!

TGIF Feelgood Falls Fans!  Here are five family friendly activities around the Denver metro area this weekend:  

Saturday, November 23, 2013

11 am - 2 pm:  Visit Feelgood Falls at the Customer Appreciation Event in out east in Bennett, Colorado.  Beat the rush and get some Holiday shopping done from 45 local vendors before Thanksgiving!  Did you know that Bennett is just 30 minutes east of Denver on I-70?  We are running a weekend special of a FREE TRIVET with every $15 purchase.  440 3rd Street Bennett, Colorado 80102






Be one of the first to see the new exhibit Living West at the History Colorado Center downtown which opens today.  In this exhibit learn about how the harsh Colorado environment has shaped our history.  This weekend is jammed packed with live entertainment and activities.  If you haven't been to this museum since it moved in 2010, make a date to spend the afternoon here learning about our heritage.  Jefferson County library card holders can download a free pass for 4 using their library card using the county's Cultural Pass.  History Colorado Center is located at 1200 Broadway in downtown Denver.  Mon- Sat 10 am - 5 pm, Sunday 12 - 5 pm.

Enjoy free admission at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art this Saturday and every Saturday thanks to Xcel Energy. The museum is open 11 am - 5 pm Tuesday - Sunday.  1750 13th Street Boulder. 

Looking for an opportunity to give back as a family this holiday season? The Children's Museum of

Denver is hosting a Metro Volunteers Family Volunteer Day from 10 am - 1 pm.  Metro Volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions about current metro area volunteer opportunities.  The Family Volunteer Day is a free event however you will still need to pay admission to see any exhibits at the museum.  2121 Children's Museum Drive Denver. 

Sunday,  November 24, 2013  
Once again, we couldn't be from the Mile High City if we didn't mention this event!  Watch Peyton Manning and our NUMBER 1 Denver Broncos (9-1) take on the New England Patriots (7-3) at 6:30 pm on NBC. 

Bibliography

Calendar . (2013 ). Retrieved from Children's Museum of Denver: http://mychildsmuseum.org/calendar/Default.aspx

Hours and Admission. (2013 ). Retrieved from Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art : http://www.bmoca.org/

Living West Fest Day 1 . (23 , November 2013). Retrieved from History Colorado Center : http://www.historycolorado.org/events/living-west-fest-day-1-history-colorado-center

Schedule . (2013 ). Retrieved from Denver Broncos : http://www.denverbroncos.com/schedule-and-events/schedule.html

Just a Reminder.... FREE TRIVETS this SATURDAY!

More Exclusive Savings for our Social Media Flock......

Come visit us at our booth at the Customer Appreciation Sale in Bennett, Colorado this SATURDAY, November 23, 2013 and receive a FREE TRIVET with every $15 dollar purchase while supplies last.  Just in time for Thanksgiving!

Customer Appreciation Sale
440 3rd Street Bennett, Colorado 80102
11 am - 2 pm

For Denver Flock:  Head east on 1-70 to S. 1st Street (CO Hwy 79).  Turn left (north) on S. 1st Street. Turn Right (east) on East Colfax Ave. Turn left (north) on Adams Street. Turn left (west) on Palmer Ave. Turn right (north) on 3rd Street.  440 3rd Street is on the east side of the street.

Gobble! Gobble! Quick Turkey Craft with the Kids!

Inspired by this pin from www.myloveleelife.com

WE CAME UP WITH THIS...

 

Toilet Paper Roll Felt Turkey

We had a sick day here at Feelgood Falls so we did a low-key Thanksgiving craft this afternoon when our little sicky woke up from a nap. We wanted to do something special because she missed participating in the kindergarten play and thanksgiving feast today. We had everything in the house between the craft room and the kitchen. 

Time required:  20 minutes
Materials
Toilet Paper Roll
          (This was the one item that a little tough to find.  We actually had to remove about half of the toilet paper off the      
           current roll because both kids wanted to make one)
Felt scraps (red, yellow, and brown)
Google eyes
2 Pipe cleaners (yellow or orange)
Adhesive (we used medium weight zots)
Coffee filter
Watercolor paints
Paint brush
Small hole punch

Directions
1.  Have an adult cover the toilet paper roll with brown felt.  We used zots as an adhesive but regular glue would work as well.   We like zots because they aren't dangerous like hot glue and messy like Elmer's glue but make a very strong bond no matter the medium. We found ours at Joann's Fabric, but they are available at most scrapbooking and craft stores as well as Amazon.






2.  While covering the toilet paper roll, give the children folded coffee filter to paint with the watercolors.  I think acrylic paints or markers would work as well.  The watercolor dry fast and make almost a stained glass look.

3.  You could have the children cut out a beak and gobbler from the yellow and red felts but we decided have an adult cut them.  We didn't use a pattern but simply eyeballed a triangle beak and gobbler. The kids decided if they wanted big or little google eyes as well.  We attached a zot to the back of each embellishment and allowed the kids to place them on the turkey. 

4.  Using a small hole punch, punch two small holes about an inch apart at the bottom of the toilet paper roll.  This will be for the feet of the turkey. 

5.  Make the turkey feet by cutting 2 pipe cleaners into four pieces (two 1" and two 1.5" pieces).  Make a V out of both 1" pieces as pictured.  Wrap the 1.5" pipe cleaner around the center of the V leaving about a 0.5" tail in the center of the V.   This makes a three toe foot and turkey leg. 

6.  Allow the children to attach the feet by threading the pipe cleaner leg into the holes that you made in step 4.  For extra stability, we wrapped the pipe cleaner around the bottom of the turkey. 

7.  You want to allow the feathers to dry for a couple minutes before attempting to apply the zots.  We secured the feathers in half by placing a zot on the inside of the coffee filter.  Using at least two zots we placed the feathers to the back of the turkey and your turkey is finished!  You could add some felt to the bottom if you want to fill your turkey with some treats. 

 

 

Bibliography
Amazon . (2013 ). Thermoweb Zots Clear Adhesive Dots, Medium, 3/8-Inch-by-1/64-Inch Thick, 300-Pack. Retrieved from Amazon : http://www.amazon.com/Thermoweb-Adhesive-8-Inch--64-Inch-300-Pack/dp/B000XAOKPS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384995665&sr=8-1&keywords=zots

Sarah. (2013, November 17 ). Paper Roll Turkey - Thanksgiving Craft for Children . Retrieved from My Love-lee Life: Beautiful Randomness : http://www.myloveleelife.com/2013/11/paper-roll-turkey.html

 

Who wants a free TRIVET? We are giving them away this SATURDAY!

Another exclusive offer for our social media flock....

Come visit us at our booth at the Customer Appreciation Sale in Bennett, Colorado this SATURDAY, November 23, 2013 and receive a FREE TRIVET with every $15 dollar purchase while supplies last.  Just in time for Thanksgiving!

Customer Appreciation Sale
440 3rd Street Bennett, Colorado 80102
11 am - 2 pm

For Denver Flock:  Head east on 1-70 to S. 1st Street (CO Hwy 79).  Turn left (north) on S. 1st Street. Turn Right (east) on East Colfax Ave. Turn left (north) on Adams Street. Turn left (west) on Palmer Ave. Turn right (north) on 3rd Street.  440 3rd Street is on the east side of the street.

A big thank you and a customer review!

Thank you to everyone who came out to our craft fair this weekend.  We will be out East in Bennett this Saturday.  One of our fans wrote this amazing review of our hot tater baker and we just had to share! 

TGIF! 5 "Feelgood" Family Fun Events in the Denver Area this weekend!

Saturday, November 16th

Brighton - Visit Feelgood Falls and many other local artisans at the Harvest Fellowship Craft Fair from 9 am - 3 pm.  We will monogramming on site as well selling from our entire product line.  Come out and get some unique holiday gifts done early.  11401 East 160th Ave Brighton, CO 80602.  Free admission.




Denver - The Children's Museum of Denver and Banfield Vet Hospital have teamed up to offer a free workshop (with museum admission) for aspiring veterinarians.  The FutureVet program includes a preview of the exciting world of veterinarian medicine and education on how to be a good pet owner.  All participants receive a diploma, goodie bag and stethoscope. 11 am.  Space is limited and is first come, first serve.   Can't make it tomorrow?  This workshop returns next month on December 21st.  2121 Children’s Museum Drive Denver, CO 80211

Lafayette - The WOW! Children's Museum is celebrating their 17th birthday party in style!  Come out and enjoy classical music by the Boulder Bach Trio, craft activities, face painting and birthday treats provided by Eats & Sweets. 11 am. Children over 15 months - 11 years $8.00,  Adults and Infants FREE.  110 N. Harrison Avenue in Lafayette.    

Lakewood - Santa arrives at the Colorado Mills Mall starting at 8 am tomorrow!  Mark this annual event with crafts, giveaways and special treats. 14500 West Colfax Avenue Lakewood, CO 80215



Sunday, November 17th
We couldn't be from the Mile High City if we didn't mention this event.  Watch our 8-1 Denver Broncos take on the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs at Invesco Field at Mile High this Sunday at 6:30 pm local time. NBC. 

Sneak Peek for our Social Media Flock!

Don't forget to come out and see us at the Harvest Fellowship Craft Show this SATURDAY, November 16! We will be there from 9 am - 2 pm.  Enjoy exclusive savings for our social media flock by printing and presenting this coupon at our booth.  

Harvest Fellowship Church
11401 East 160th Ave Brighton, Colorado 80602

Where did the tooth fairy come from?

Photo credit M. Archibeit (1)

Whether you picture the tooth fairy as a bubbly fairy princess in a flowing dress or as Dwayne Johnson in a tutu and tights in Walden Media's 2010 movie Tooth Fairy, the tooth fairy has been increasing the bankroll of children worldwide for generations.

In fact, even in the midst of a recession, the average American child nets $3.70 per tooth.  Cheryl Chumley, reporter for the Washington Times says "at current rates, the Tooth Fairy will be paying $74 for a full set of 20 baby teeth in today’s market" (2). 

Long before there was a tooth fairy, disposing of baby teeth was a major cause for concern for parents.  Not wanting witches to curse their children by getting access to their teeth, baby teeth were often buried in garden plots or open fields around the child's home.  It was also believed that by burying baby teeth in the ground would encourage adult teeth to grow (4).  As people moved out of the country and into more industrial areas open fields weren't as plentiful, so tradition was changed to planting baby teeth in planters.  Finally, burying teeth was eliminated and teeth were placed in pouch or pocket and placed under the child's pillow (3).  By placing the baby tooth under a child's pillow a midnight visitor, the Tooth Fairy, would enter the child's room to take the baby tooth and replace it with a token or monetary gift.

Traditions behind what is left as token gift varies from region to region, but in originally in Europe money was only left after the sixth tooth was lost.  Depending on the area, the tooth is sometimes left behind or taken back to the Tooth Fairy's tooth covered castle where it is filed away for each individual child.  In the 2012 movie, Rise of the Guardians, Toothiana works as the Queen of the Tooth Fairies who scoured the world every night collecting baby teeth and leaving money behind.  The teeth are then stored in individual capsules for each child as each tooth contains precious childhood memories (5).     



We at Feelgood Falls love the tradition of the tooth fairy and wanted to create a special keepsake for your and your child to use to celebrate the magic. We created two adorable tooth fairy pillow styles for you and your child to love.  Shop now in our Etsy store.

   

Basic Tooth Fairy Pillow $15

 

Personalized Tooth Fairy Pillow $25

Bibliography

1.  Arbeiter, M. (2012, April 11). Pain and Gain: Mark Wahlberg the rock play dress up pics . Retrieved from Hollywood : http://www.hollywood.com/news/movies/23698872/pain-and-gain-mark-wahlberg-the-rock-play-dress-up-pics

2.  Chumley, C. (2013, August 30 ). Tooth Fairy pay-outs on the rise, as inflation meets poor parenting. Retrieved from Washington Times : http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/aug/30/tooth-fairy-pay-outs-rise-inflation-meets-poor-par/

3.  History of the Tooth Fairy . (2013). Retrieved from History of the Tooth Fairy : http://www.thesmilestones.com/toothfairyhistory.htm

4.  Toothiana . (2013 ). Retrieved from Rise of the Guardians Wiki : http://riseoftheguardians.wikia.com/wiki/Toothiana

5.  Warner, D. R. (2013, November 13). The History of the Tooth Fairy . Retrieved from Warner Family Dentistry : www.warnerfamilydentistry.com/Warner_Family_Dentistry/Tooth_Fairy_history.html