SPRING 2015 1

LITTLETONSPRING 2015

livin

g in

LIVINGINLITTLETONCO

PLUS amp WELCOME HOME The 6 Steps To Buying A Home Design Files High Style Prairie

LIGHTER FARE RECIPES GARDEN TENDING FASHION BOLD COLOR TRENDS

THE ART ofSPRING

They require great people as well as great rates

Meet our great people

Mortgages are far more than numbers

At Hallmark Home Mortgage Weve Got Both We have some of Denverrsquos most recognized mortgage professionals on our TEAM and we serve some of Denverrsquos most recognized Realtors And we are rate competitive day in day out Not only that but unlike other lenders our performance is Guaranteed

At Hallmark Home Mortgage we love Realtors and any experienced Realtor will tell you that if itrsquos between mortgage rates and great mortgage people who close loans theyrsquoll take the people any day But why not both

Contact us today to discuss your home financing possibilities our Signature Performance Guarantees and Pre-Approval Guarantee Let us put a piece of paper in your hand thatrsquos worth something Your Hallmark Signature Pre-Approval Guarantee for the home of your dreams

For use by real estate or mortgage professionals only Not intended for distribution to consumers This information is not intended to be an indication of loan qualification loan approval or a commitment to lend Other limitations may apply copy2014Hallmark Home Mortgage Corporation NMLS ID53441 (wwwnmlsconsumeraccessorg) EQUAL HOUSING LENDER

MAIN OFFICE DEER CREEK10822 W Toller Drive Suite 120

Littleton | CO 80127

Main Office | 3037899933Toll-free | 8662620820

Fax | 3037892299

DENVER TECH CENTER OFFICE6300 S Syracuse Way Suite 130

Centennial | CO 80111DTC Office | 3037899933

WESTMINSTER OFFICE1001 W 120th Ave Suite 214

Westminster | CO 80234Westminster Office | 7205083110

wwwhallmarkwestcom

Are you tired of renting and ready to own Not sure if your credit or income or savings will get you there Call one of our Path2Buy Loan coaches to get started on your plan We have a habit of putting people in homes faster than they thought possible Maybe we can do the same for you Go to wwwdowerentorbuycom

5

SPRING 2015

Local Flavor Littleton

SPRING 2015 7

Botanic Beauties Spring fever is in full bloom at these local Littleton greenhouses Stop by Jaredrsquos Nursery amp Gift Garden at 10500 W Bowles Avenue or Creekside

Gardens at 5730 W Coal Mine Avenue and get an early start on garden planning and bloom swooning

Seasonal Trends

SPRING 2015

Spring TrendsUpdate your home with some of the seasonrsquos

hottest color trends and patterns

Sunrise views over Denverrsquos Sloan Lake

Benjamin Moore Burnt Sienna 1196 benjaminmoorecom

One of a kind navy grid shibori patch pillow Rebecca Atwood rebeccaatwoodcom $229

Venom coasters Jonathan Adler casacom $78

Zara rug Z Gallerie zgalleriecom

Guggenheim Laguna armchair Dot amp Bo dotandbocom $485

Cambria Collection Z Gallerie zgalleriecom $7995

Sunset bowl Crate amp Barrel crateandbarrelcom $3995

SPRING 2015 9

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 11

CONTENTS

SPRING 2015

Publishing DirectorCasey OrrCreative DirectorKaley RhodesEditorialKelsey Sindorf Kimba Orr Allison Orr Bobby SindorfAdvertising SalesTim Ingle

Contacts Advertising InformationTimLivingInDenverco

Ph 303-955-5036 ADVERTISINGGeneral InquiriesContactMyPelicanMagazinecom

More Information About Pelican PublicationsMagazine Publishing amp Marketing Consulting

Pelican distributes LIVING IN DENVER magazines to Denver NEWCOMERS through real estate agents chambers of commerce and wwwLivingInDenverco

Pelican distributes WILDLIFE maga-zines to WILDLIFE ENTHUSIASTS in Kansas through email subscribers local businesses and wwwMWMKScom

Office7550 W Yale Ave Suite A-100 Denver CO 80227

wwwMyPelicanMagazinecom

copy 2014 Pelican Publications All rights reserved

No part of this magazine may be reproduced stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by no means electronic mechanical photocopying recording or otherwise without prior permission of the publisher

13

14

18

26

29

35

37

40

42

44

46

48

50

55

ONWARD

Spring Forward

Living Inlsquos Months Ahead

Garden Tending

Strawberry Bliss

FASHION

Spring Color Trends

FOOD ETC

Lighter Fare

Perfectly Cooked Chicken

Try Something New

Fun With The Kids

WELCOME HOME

The 6 Steps To Buying A Home

Mortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House Hunting

Design Files High Style Prairie Design

GIVING BACK

Summer School Lunch Programs

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 13

ONWARDNOTEWORTHY DATES HELPFUL TIPS amp REMINDERS TO LIVE YOUR BEST SPRING MONTHS AHEAD

SpringFORWARD

1 Clean gutters downspouts and donrsquot forget the birds Clean out their feeders and houses and re-fill with fresh food

2 Check to see if any tree bran-ches broke over the winter and cut them back Trim the bushes around the house within five feet to help with ventilation and drying out of surfaces

3 Seal any cracks in your driveway and sidewalk or other cement surfaces

4 Power wash your deck or patio get out stored patio furnitures and wipe down

5 Inspect all garden hoses and exterior faucets for possible freeze damage from winter weather

6 Be sure to check your roof for missing shingles or other damage that may have occurred over the winter Consider hiring a professional for this job

7 Remove dead flowers and weed garden beds fre-quently Give young trees standard shrubs and roses extra support with stakes

8 Once May arrives check your garden plants regular-ly for snails and slugs tidy up early-flowering Clematis and place supports bet-ween tall perennials

Warm weather fever has hit ready your home and garden with these eight easy preparations

plusCELEBRATE MAY DAYGARDEN TENDINGSWEET BERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015

LIVING INrsquoS MONTHS AHEAD

Spring2015 find more online

l i v i n g i n d e n v e r c oco

ldquoHappiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already haverdquo

APRIL

april foolrsquos dayWednesday 040115

Popular since the 19th century it is not a national holiday but is celebrated as a day to play practical jokes and hoaxes on each

other

birthstoneDiamond and Crystal

flowerDaisy and Sweet Pea

fRUITS amp VEGGIESStrawberry Asian Pear Tomatillos

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNSAries (until the 19th)

Taurus (begins the 20th)

NATURAL SPRING REMEDIES

gtgt To ease anxiety massage thetemples with lavender oil or

drink chamomile tea

gtgt Drink rosemary tea to alleviatemelancholy or depression

gtgt Trying to remain relaxed butalert Some studies suggest thatthe smell of apples apple cidervinegar or spiced apples (as in

mulled cider) have this effect

gtgt A tea of elderberry flowers isconsidered relaxing to the nerves

and is sleep inducing

gtgt For insomnia drink bee balmor chamomile tea and eat mandarin

oranges

MAY

MAY DAY Thursday 010115

CINCO DE MAYO Tuesday 050515

MOTHERS DAY Sunday 051015

ARMED FORCES DAY Saturday 051615

MEMORIAL DAY Monday 052515

birthstoneEmerald

fRUITS amp VEGGIESMango Limes Potatoes

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNSTaurus (until the 20th)Gemini (begins the 21st)

JUNE

FLAG DAY Sunday 061415

INTERNATIONAL PICNIC DAY

Thursday 061815

SUMMER SOLSTICESunday 062115

FATHERS DAY Sunday 062115

NATIONAL PINK DAYTuesday 062315

birthstoneAlexandrite Pearl amp Moonstone

fRUITS amp VEGGIESCherries Plums Pluot Okra

summer solsticeSunday 062115

The longest day of the year and the official start of summer it is often a time for festivals feasts

and celebrations

APRIL FOOLrsquoS DAY Wednesday 040115

GOOD FRIDAYFriday 040315

EASTER Sunday 040515

WORLD HEALTH DAY Tuesday 040715

TAX DAY Wednesday 041515

ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALrsquoS DAY

Wednesday 042215

EARTH DAY Wednesday 042215

ARBOR DAY Friday 042415

PASS THE SALT

gtgt Rub salt on fruitstains while still wet then

put them in the wash

gtgt To remove mildewspots rub in salt and some buttermilk

then let dry in the sun

gtgt If you spill wine or fruit juice on your tablecloth pour salt on the spot

at once to absorb the stain

gtgt Apply a paste of salt and olive oil to ugly heat rings on your table Let

sit for about an hour and then wipe off with a soft cloth

gtgt To restore some of the color to fadedfabric soak it in a strong solution of

salt and water

gtgt Discharge evil spells by throwing apinch of salt over your left shoulder

gtgt Mix a tablespoon of salt into the water of a vase of cut flowers to keep

them fresh longer

gtgt A mixture of salt and vinegar willclean brass

SPRING 2015 15

SPRING 2015

HappyMAY DAYThough May 1st comes closer to the start of spring many cultures have celebrated May Day as the first dsy of summer Either way it is a time to say goodbye to the cold winter and to welcome flow-ers dancing singing and yes flirting

Dancing around the maypole is probably the oldest known tradi-tion associated with May Day A

maypole is a tall wooden pole erected as a part of various European folk fe-stivals around which a maypole dance often takes place Another tradition popular with children and adults alike is to deliver baskets filled with flowers sweets or whatever other treats you like to a special friendrsquos house The tra-dition is to leave their May basket on the porch or in front of their door and ring the door bell When they open the door to find their basket the giver starts running - if your special friend catches you they get to kiss you

ONWARD CELEBRATE

SPRING 2015 17

Recycled cans are an inexpensive and resourceful way to make a special basket Save and clean a tall tin can (the ones pasta sauce comes in) and hammer nails into the sides to create ho-les Shape a wire hanger into the handle making sure it is long enough to fit over a door knob once it is filled with flowers or goodies Cut brown paper from a bag and use twine or decora-tive ribbon to dress it up Let your children do their own unique designing using paint paper and glue

Recycled May Day Baskets

Start A New Family

TraditionGet the kids involved in a fun project they will love and create lasting memories in the process The beauty of a May Day basket is in its hand-made simplicity so break out the crafting materials and get creative

SPRING 2015

HOT WEATHER

WATERINGWhen rain is scarce you need to make sure your garden is getting the water it needs Vegetables need water to produce so it is crucial to give them a drink when it is dry

Vegetables should be watered two or three times a week during really hot weather Watering the garden deeply

is critical you need the water to go down deep to encourage deep roots and get away from the hot soil surface Put a small cup or can in the garden soil and water until it has collected at least an inch from a sprinkler If you have planted your garden in containers they will probably need to be watered every day as container gardens seem to dry out faster than the ground If you are watering your garden by hand use a nozzle turned to the shower setting for rain-like watering If the water starts to puddle move on and come back several times to make sure the water is soaking in and the soil is thoroughly moist

Big leaf plants such as cucumbers squash and melons lose moisture fast Wilting plants are a good indication that your garden needs water - however in very hot weather these plants will wilt some during mid-day no matter what perking back up in the evening Try and avoid getting the plant leaves wet but if you are using a sprinkler it is impossible not to In this case you should water early in the morning so that the foliage will dry out quickly and minimize disease

Tomatoes are a thirsty breed and do not like to dry out If you let them go from dry to wet they will get blossom-end rot as well as cracks in the fruit from expanding too fast To avoid these problems keep the soil consistently moist

Keep your ground moist by using an organic mulch such as wheat straw finely ground bark pine needles or chopped leaves Spread mulch on the ground around and under plants This will protect the soil and roots from the hot sun A two to three inch layer of mulch makes a huge difference in the hot weather Without mulch the sun bakes the soil and you end up watering even more

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 19

Spring Planting

Many flowers can be planted as soon as the ground is soft enough to work in the

spring Some varieties can even survive a late freeze While annual flowers will give

you blossoms early perennials will not bloom right away and instead show their

colors in summer and early fall To ensure continuous color all season do some

research on blooming times

Roses are a perennial that should be planted early All roses thrive in rich well-draining soil and full sunlight

Snapdragons are an easy to grow annual that love cooler climates You can plant these in early spring when the ground is cool as they will survive a light frost They grow best in full sun and well-drained soil

Pansies are another cool season annual and extremely cold-hardy flower They can freeze thaw and continue blooming Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist but well-draining soil They will bloom until it gets too hot then they will fade and need to be replaced

Lilies are hardy flowering bulbs that are easy to care for and can be planted almost any time of the year The plantings can be staggered so they will bloom from May through September Plant lilies in early spring but place a 4 inch layer of mulch over the planting site to protect against hard freezes As the shoots emerge gradually remove the mulch Plant where they will have full sunlight and well-drained soil Beware too much water will rot the bulbs

SPRING 2015 Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

HARDY VEGETABLESBroccoli Cabbage Kohlrabi Onions Lettuce Peas Radish Spinach Turnips

GROWING CONDITIONSCool 60 - 80 degreesLose quality in hot weatherMay be replanted mid-summer for fall harvestMay survive a light frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two-four weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

your best garden

PLANTING GUIDE

Sharing tips from the Colorado Master Gardner program at Colorado State University

SEMI-HARDY VEGETABLESBeets Carrots Cauliflower Parsley Parsnips Potatoes Swiss Chard

GROWING CONDITIONSMinimum daytime temperatures of 40 - 50 degreesLess tolerant of frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

TENDER VEGETABLESBeans Celery Corn Cucumbers Summer Squash

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

VERY TENDER VEGETABLESLima Beans Cantaloupe Eggplant Peppers Pumpkin Winter Squash Pumpkins Tomatoes Watermelon

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 21Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

SPRING 2015

ONWARD LOCAL FLORALS

FRONT RANGEFLORALS

1 Savor the sunshine yellow at Happy Life Gardens in Evans located at the edge of Greeley 2000 37th St 2 Growing season is in full swing at Creekside Gardens in Littleton 5730 W Coal Mine Ave 3 Bright colors bring on spring fever at Sundance Gardens amp Landscaping in Evergreen 27866 Meadow Dr 4 Yard art inspiration at Loveland Garden Center 1801 S Lincoln Ave gtgt

Local greenhouses are gearing up for the summer season ready to provide you with beautiful plants

endless inspiration and extensive know-how for growing your best and brightest beds yet

1

2

SPRING 2015 23

We educate more than 54000 children and serve over 300000 residents in 108 square miles that spread across eight municipalities Cherry Hills Village Centennial Fox-field Glendale Greenwood Village and portions of Aurora Englewood and Denver

The Cherry Creek School District is one of the high-est achieving school districts in the state Cherry Creek Schools students consistently score well above state aver-ages on Colorado standardized assessments and above state and national averages on SAT and ACT exams

The district 2014 graduation rate is 87 compared to the state average of 77 and the national average of 782

The Cherry Creek School District has the third most Na-tional Board Certified Teachers in Colorado

Members of the 2014 graduating class earned more than $54 million in scholarships

SchoolMatchcopy an independent nationwide service has recognized the Cherry Creek School District as among only 16 of school districts nationwide with its ldquoWhat Parents Wantrdquo Award for 20 consecutive years

3037731184 wwwcherrycreekschoolsorg

ldquoTo inspire every student to think to learn to achieve to carerdquo

ldquoAll children deserve a great school in their neighborhood one they can walk or ride the bus to

with their friends These friendships between children and their families

unite communities and make them strongerrdquo

Cherry Creek Schools A Great Neighborhood School

in Every Neighborhood

4

3

SPRING 2015

5 A plethora of pansies at Sturtz amp Copeland in Boulder 2851 Valmont 6 Starting strong plants at Echterrsquos Garden Center in Arvada 5150 Garrison St 7 Itrsquos all about the artful containers at Tagawa Gardens in Parker 7711 S Parker Rd 8 Tulips in bloom at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Lakewood 1404 Quail St 9 Houseplants and hanging baskets abound at Golden City Floral in Golden 5331 Quaker St 10 Helpful and ready to share their knowledge at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Westminster 9400 Wadsworth 11 Striking and contemporary garden art at the Bath Garden Center Nursery in Fort Collins where they grow all their own plants organically 2000 E Prospect Rd

5

6

8

7

SPRING 2015 25

9

10 11

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

OVERVIEWThe strawberry plant is a hardy perennial that dies back in the winter and returns in the spring when the weather gets warm After bearing fruit many types of strawberries will produce runners called daughter plants Runners often root nearby attached to the mother plant To keep the mother plant strong and healthy only allow three daughter plants to remain attached clipping the others to plant somewhere else Strawberries will have a resting period after their first big harvest of the season but most plants will produce again in the fall if you keep them watered and weeded

If you live in Zone 6 or further north your strawberries should be planted in the spring so they will be well rooted by the following winter They can be replanted in late summer and moved to a cool protected place such as an unheated garage during the winter months Most sweet fruits require an abundance of sunshine Strawberries require at least 8 hours daily of full sun

Homegrown strawberries just may be the sweetest juiciest and most aromatic berries you will ever taste An easy to grow fruit their crop will reward the home gardener with ample harvests for many years

and prefer a slightly acidic soil If you soil is slightly alkaline it would be better to grow the berries in large containers filled with potting mix The plants wonrsquot do well in clay soil but by mixing in 4 inches of compost they will be fine If you are planting directly into the ground space your plants 18 inches apart making room for runners Be sure to set plants so that their roots are well covered with soil but the central bud or crown is exposed to light and air If you bury the crown your plant could rot

Mulch between plants after planting to keep the soil temperature cool deter weeds and to keep the fruit off the soil Straw is the traditional strawberry mulch Do not use black plastic since it will raise the soil temperature and optimal fruit production requires cool soil Plants will start blooming in early spring and they must be visited by the bees or other pollinating insects before they can set fruit In warm weather you should have ripe fruit about 30 days after blossoms are fertilized

STRAWBERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015 27

GROWING TIPSbull Well drained sandy loam with a

soil pH from 58 to 62 is idealbull Donrsquot plant where tomatoes

potatoes peppers or eggplant have been grown recently (verticillium rot)

bull Be sure you have certified disease-free plants

bull Select plants with large crowns and healthy light-colored roots

bull Amend soil with 1-2 inches of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure

bull Keep weeds from competing with your strawberry plants

bull Make a hole large enough to spread the roots Hill the center of the hole and place the crown slightly above soil level Spread the roots downward on the hill Fill the hole making sure the soil only goes halfway up the crown

bull Do not over fertilize or you will have excessive leaf growth and poor flowering Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting at the rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet

CHOOSING YOUR PLANTSThere are basically 3 types of strawberry plants to choose from June bearing Everbearing and Day Neutral

JUNE BEARINGJune Bearing strawberries produce a single large crop per year during a 2 - 3 week period in the spring June bearers are the traditionally grown plants producing a single flush of flowers and many runners They are classified into early mid-season and late varieties The largest fruits are generally from June bearing varieties

EVERBEARINGEverbearing strawberries produce two to three harvests of fruit intermittently during the spring summer and fall Everbearing plants do not send out many runners

DAY NEUTRALDay Neutral strawberries will produce fruit throughout the growing season These strawberries also produce few runners Everbearing and day neutral strawberries are great when space is limited but the fruits are usually somewhat smaller than June bearers

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

STRAWBERRY RECIPESSavor the bounty of your strawberry crop by indulging in these red berry recipes perfect for fresh spring eating

STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE ICE BOX CAKE

2 lb fresh strawberries2 sleeves graham crackers1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened1 - 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk2 - 34 oz instant cheesecake flavored pudding3 C milk1 - 12 oz carton frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip)

1 Clean and thinly slice strawberries set aside

2 Line the bottom of a 9x13 pan with graham crackers You may need to break some of the crackers to fit them in the pan

3 Combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl beat until creamy Add pudding mix and additional 3 C milk beat until mixture starts to thicken Fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping just until combined

4 Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers Smooth it out and place a layer of strawberries on top Add another layer of graham crackers top with remaining cream cheese mixture and strawberries Cover and refrigerate for 6-8 hours

5 When ready to serve top with remaining whipped topping Garnish with any remaining strawberries and graham cracker crumbs If the strawberries leave extra moisture from setting overnight dab the excess with a paper towel before adding final toppings

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE

(serves 4-6)6 - 7 C baby spinach2 C strawberries hulled and sliced1 C blueberries (optional)12 C toasted chopped pecans4 oz goat cheese (or other favorite soft white cheese)

2 12 Tbsp raspberry vinegar6 Tbsp vegetable oil14 C honey12 tsp dijon mustard2 Tbsp finely minced shallots14 tsp salt18 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 Toast the pecans by placing in a skillet over medium heat Stir or toss so they wonrsquot burn 1-2 minutes or until fragrant Mix with the spinach and berries

2 Whisk all the dressing ingredients together blending well so the honey doesnrsquot settle to the bottom

3 Just before serving toss the spinach mix with the dressing and top with cheese or pass the dressing and cheese separately for individual topping

TRIPLE DECKER STRAWBERRY CLUB SANDWICH

makes 4 large sandwiches

1 lb bacon2 lbs (4 pieces) boneless skinless chicken breast halvessalt and pepper1 avocado2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice13 C mayo12 slices whole wheat bread2 C baby spinach1 12 C strawberries hulled and sliced

1 Fry the bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet and adjust to medium-high heat Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper add to skillet and partially cover Cook until both sides are golden about 10 minutes turning once Let rest 5-10 minutes and thinly slice

2 Mash the avocado with lemon juice and stir in the mayo season with salt and peper

3 Toast the bread slices and spread each with 1 tablespoon avocado mixture Divide the chicken among 4 slices of toast and top each with several slices of bacon Cover each stack with another toast slice layer with spinach sliced strawberries and remaining toast slice Cut into quarters

SPRING 2015 29

FASHION

spring huesGO BOLD WITH MODERN COLOR TRENDS LIKE RED AND NAVY THIS SEASON gtgt

SPRING 2015

5

MODERN SPRING HUES [1] Roll Sleeve Slim Dress Equipment $25800 scoopnyccom [2] Shredded Jersey Tank Raquel Allegra $6600 theoutnetcom [3] Kale Watch WeWood $12000 amazoncom [4] Gold Batik Scarf Color Island $8100 shoptiquescom [5] Skyler Hat Brixton X UO $6000 urbanoutfitterscom

1

4

Spring Into The UNCONVENTIONAL

A mix of classic neutrals and unconventional pops of color make springrsquos go-to color palette a cool and

modern mix of old and new

3

FASHION

NAVY

MILITARYGREEN

GOLDENRODYELLOW

BURNTORANGE

2

SPRING 2015 31

1

[1] Striped Mini Skirt T by Alexander Wang $12500 net-a-portercom [2] Techno Paisley Lace Dress House of Holland $66300 luisaviaromacom [3] Striped Kimono Front Trouser Chloe $171600 matchesoffashioncom [4] Emerald Catrsquos Eye Charm Kendra Scott $2000 neimanmarcuscom

RED

PACIFICBLUE

EMERALD

2

3

4

Shibori TIE-DYE

The seasonrsquos must-have print inspired by a tradi-tional Japanese method of tie-dying fabrics using

various binding techniques to create different pat-terns Look to add a Shibori dyed scarf or tote bag

to your closet this seasonShibori Tie Dye Scarf HSSS Artisans uncommongoodscom

Blue market Tote Bag AikoThreads $2100 etsycomshopAikoThreads

SPRING 2015 33

SPRING 2015 3333

DRAGONFLY APPAREL3615 W 32ND AVE

DENVER CO 80211303-433-6331

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 35

FOOD ETCLIGHTER FARE RECIPES A PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN DECADENT CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE AND FUN RECIPES FOR THE KIDS

FRESH FRUIT SALSA WITH BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS

Skip the chocolate-heavy desserts and opt for this fresh and incredibly satisfying sweet treat

2 lb fresh strawberries chopped8 oz fresh raspberries2 kiwis peeled and diced2 apples diced1 Tbsp brown sugar2 Tbsp granulated sugar3 Tbsp fruit preserves your choice of flavor

4 flour tortillas4 Tbsp granulated sugar1 12 tsp cinnamonbutter flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix up the fruit salsa by combining all ingredients and chill-ing in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes

Combine the cinnamon and sugar spray one side of each flour tortilla with the cooking spray stack and cut into wedges Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (as much as you like) Give the chips another light coat of cooking spray be-fore baking in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes Watch closely so they donrsquot get too brown Let cool before serving with fresh fruit salsa

Lighter FARE

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

They require great people as well as great rates

Meet our great people

Mortgages are far more than numbers

At Hallmark Home Mortgage Weve Got Both We have some of Denverrsquos most recognized mortgage professionals on our TEAM and we serve some of Denverrsquos most recognized Realtors And we are rate competitive day in day out Not only that but unlike other lenders our performance is Guaranteed

At Hallmark Home Mortgage we love Realtors and any experienced Realtor will tell you that if itrsquos between mortgage rates and great mortgage people who close loans theyrsquoll take the people any day But why not both

Contact us today to discuss your home financing possibilities our Signature Performance Guarantees and Pre-Approval Guarantee Let us put a piece of paper in your hand thatrsquos worth something Your Hallmark Signature Pre-Approval Guarantee for the home of your dreams

For use by real estate or mortgage professionals only Not intended for distribution to consumers This information is not intended to be an indication of loan qualification loan approval or a commitment to lend Other limitations may apply copy2014Hallmark Home Mortgage Corporation NMLS ID53441 (wwwnmlsconsumeraccessorg) EQUAL HOUSING LENDER

MAIN OFFICE DEER CREEK10822 W Toller Drive Suite 120

Littleton | CO 80127

Main Office | 3037899933Toll-free | 8662620820

Fax | 3037892299

DENVER TECH CENTER OFFICE6300 S Syracuse Way Suite 130

Centennial | CO 80111DTC Office | 3037899933

WESTMINSTER OFFICE1001 W 120th Ave Suite 214

Westminster | CO 80234Westminster Office | 7205083110

wwwhallmarkwestcom

Are you tired of renting and ready to own Not sure if your credit or income or savings will get you there Call one of our Path2Buy Loan coaches to get started on your plan We have a habit of putting people in homes faster than they thought possible Maybe we can do the same for you Go to wwwdowerentorbuycom

5

SPRING 2015

Local Flavor Littleton

SPRING 2015 7

Botanic Beauties Spring fever is in full bloom at these local Littleton greenhouses Stop by Jaredrsquos Nursery amp Gift Garden at 10500 W Bowles Avenue or Creekside

Gardens at 5730 W Coal Mine Avenue and get an early start on garden planning and bloom swooning

Seasonal Trends

SPRING 2015

Spring TrendsUpdate your home with some of the seasonrsquos

hottest color trends and patterns

Sunrise views over Denverrsquos Sloan Lake

Benjamin Moore Burnt Sienna 1196 benjaminmoorecom

One of a kind navy grid shibori patch pillow Rebecca Atwood rebeccaatwoodcom $229

Venom coasters Jonathan Adler casacom $78

Zara rug Z Gallerie zgalleriecom

Guggenheim Laguna armchair Dot amp Bo dotandbocom $485

Cambria Collection Z Gallerie zgalleriecom $7995

Sunset bowl Crate amp Barrel crateandbarrelcom $3995

SPRING 2015 9

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 11

CONTENTS

SPRING 2015

Publishing DirectorCasey OrrCreative DirectorKaley RhodesEditorialKelsey Sindorf Kimba Orr Allison Orr Bobby SindorfAdvertising SalesTim Ingle

Contacts Advertising InformationTimLivingInDenverco

Ph 303-955-5036 ADVERTISINGGeneral InquiriesContactMyPelicanMagazinecom

More Information About Pelican PublicationsMagazine Publishing amp Marketing Consulting

Pelican distributes LIVING IN DENVER magazines to Denver NEWCOMERS through real estate agents chambers of commerce and wwwLivingInDenverco

Pelican distributes WILDLIFE maga-zines to WILDLIFE ENTHUSIASTS in Kansas through email subscribers local businesses and wwwMWMKScom

Office7550 W Yale Ave Suite A-100 Denver CO 80227

wwwMyPelicanMagazinecom

copy 2014 Pelican Publications All rights reserved

No part of this magazine may be reproduced stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by no means electronic mechanical photocopying recording or otherwise without prior permission of the publisher

13

14

18

26

29

35

37

40

42

44

46

48

50

55

ONWARD

Spring Forward

Living Inlsquos Months Ahead

Garden Tending

Strawberry Bliss

FASHION

Spring Color Trends

FOOD ETC

Lighter Fare

Perfectly Cooked Chicken

Try Something New

Fun With The Kids

WELCOME HOME

The 6 Steps To Buying A Home

Mortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House Hunting

Design Files High Style Prairie Design

GIVING BACK

Summer School Lunch Programs

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 13

ONWARDNOTEWORTHY DATES HELPFUL TIPS amp REMINDERS TO LIVE YOUR BEST SPRING MONTHS AHEAD

SpringFORWARD

1 Clean gutters downspouts and donrsquot forget the birds Clean out their feeders and houses and re-fill with fresh food

2 Check to see if any tree bran-ches broke over the winter and cut them back Trim the bushes around the house within five feet to help with ventilation and drying out of surfaces

3 Seal any cracks in your driveway and sidewalk or other cement surfaces

4 Power wash your deck or patio get out stored patio furnitures and wipe down

5 Inspect all garden hoses and exterior faucets for possible freeze damage from winter weather

6 Be sure to check your roof for missing shingles or other damage that may have occurred over the winter Consider hiring a professional for this job

7 Remove dead flowers and weed garden beds fre-quently Give young trees standard shrubs and roses extra support with stakes

8 Once May arrives check your garden plants regular-ly for snails and slugs tidy up early-flowering Clematis and place supports bet-ween tall perennials

Warm weather fever has hit ready your home and garden with these eight easy preparations

plusCELEBRATE MAY DAYGARDEN TENDINGSWEET BERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015

LIVING INrsquoS MONTHS AHEAD

Spring2015 find more online

l i v i n g i n d e n v e r c oco

ldquoHappiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already haverdquo

APRIL

april foolrsquos dayWednesday 040115

Popular since the 19th century it is not a national holiday but is celebrated as a day to play practical jokes and hoaxes on each

other

birthstoneDiamond and Crystal

flowerDaisy and Sweet Pea

fRUITS amp VEGGIESStrawberry Asian Pear Tomatillos

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNSAries (until the 19th)

Taurus (begins the 20th)

NATURAL SPRING REMEDIES

gtgt To ease anxiety massage thetemples with lavender oil or

drink chamomile tea

gtgt Drink rosemary tea to alleviatemelancholy or depression

gtgt Trying to remain relaxed butalert Some studies suggest thatthe smell of apples apple cidervinegar or spiced apples (as in

mulled cider) have this effect

gtgt A tea of elderberry flowers isconsidered relaxing to the nerves

and is sleep inducing

gtgt For insomnia drink bee balmor chamomile tea and eat mandarin

oranges

MAY

MAY DAY Thursday 010115

CINCO DE MAYO Tuesday 050515

MOTHERS DAY Sunday 051015

ARMED FORCES DAY Saturday 051615

MEMORIAL DAY Monday 052515

birthstoneEmerald

fRUITS amp VEGGIESMango Limes Potatoes

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNSTaurus (until the 20th)Gemini (begins the 21st)

JUNE

FLAG DAY Sunday 061415

INTERNATIONAL PICNIC DAY

Thursday 061815

SUMMER SOLSTICESunday 062115

FATHERS DAY Sunday 062115

NATIONAL PINK DAYTuesday 062315

birthstoneAlexandrite Pearl amp Moonstone

fRUITS amp VEGGIESCherries Plums Pluot Okra

summer solsticeSunday 062115

The longest day of the year and the official start of summer it is often a time for festivals feasts

and celebrations

APRIL FOOLrsquoS DAY Wednesday 040115

GOOD FRIDAYFriday 040315

EASTER Sunday 040515

WORLD HEALTH DAY Tuesday 040715

TAX DAY Wednesday 041515

ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALrsquoS DAY

Wednesday 042215

EARTH DAY Wednesday 042215

ARBOR DAY Friday 042415

PASS THE SALT

gtgt Rub salt on fruitstains while still wet then

put them in the wash

gtgt To remove mildewspots rub in salt and some buttermilk

then let dry in the sun

gtgt If you spill wine or fruit juice on your tablecloth pour salt on the spot

at once to absorb the stain

gtgt Apply a paste of salt and olive oil to ugly heat rings on your table Let

sit for about an hour and then wipe off with a soft cloth

gtgt To restore some of the color to fadedfabric soak it in a strong solution of

salt and water

gtgt Discharge evil spells by throwing apinch of salt over your left shoulder

gtgt Mix a tablespoon of salt into the water of a vase of cut flowers to keep

them fresh longer

gtgt A mixture of salt and vinegar willclean brass

SPRING 2015 15

SPRING 2015

HappyMAY DAYThough May 1st comes closer to the start of spring many cultures have celebrated May Day as the first dsy of summer Either way it is a time to say goodbye to the cold winter and to welcome flow-ers dancing singing and yes flirting

Dancing around the maypole is probably the oldest known tradi-tion associated with May Day A

maypole is a tall wooden pole erected as a part of various European folk fe-stivals around which a maypole dance often takes place Another tradition popular with children and adults alike is to deliver baskets filled with flowers sweets or whatever other treats you like to a special friendrsquos house The tra-dition is to leave their May basket on the porch or in front of their door and ring the door bell When they open the door to find their basket the giver starts running - if your special friend catches you they get to kiss you

ONWARD CELEBRATE

SPRING 2015 17

Recycled cans are an inexpensive and resourceful way to make a special basket Save and clean a tall tin can (the ones pasta sauce comes in) and hammer nails into the sides to create ho-les Shape a wire hanger into the handle making sure it is long enough to fit over a door knob once it is filled with flowers or goodies Cut brown paper from a bag and use twine or decora-tive ribbon to dress it up Let your children do their own unique designing using paint paper and glue

Recycled May Day Baskets

Start A New Family

TraditionGet the kids involved in a fun project they will love and create lasting memories in the process The beauty of a May Day basket is in its hand-made simplicity so break out the crafting materials and get creative

SPRING 2015

HOT WEATHER

WATERINGWhen rain is scarce you need to make sure your garden is getting the water it needs Vegetables need water to produce so it is crucial to give them a drink when it is dry

Vegetables should be watered two or three times a week during really hot weather Watering the garden deeply

is critical you need the water to go down deep to encourage deep roots and get away from the hot soil surface Put a small cup or can in the garden soil and water until it has collected at least an inch from a sprinkler If you have planted your garden in containers they will probably need to be watered every day as container gardens seem to dry out faster than the ground If you are watering your garden by hand use a nozzle turned to the shower setting for rain-like watering If the water starts to puddle move on and come back several times to make sure the water is soaking in and the soil is thoroughly moist

Big leaf plants such as cucumbers squash and melons lose moisture fast Wilting plants are a good indication that your garden needs water - however in very hot weather these plants will wilt some during mid-day no matter what perking back up in the evening Try and avoid getting the plant leaves wet but if you are using a sprinkler it is impossible not to In this case you should water early in the morning so that the foliage will dry out quickly and minimize disease

Tomatoes are a thirsty breed and do not like to dry out If you let them go from dry to wet they will get blossom-end rot as well as cracks in the fruit from expanding too fast To avoid these problems keep the soil consistently moist

Keep your ground moist by using an organic mulch such as wheat straw finely ground bark pine needles or chopped leaves Spread mulch on the ground around and under plants This will protect the soil and roots from the hot sun A two to three inch layer of mulch makes a huge difference in the hot weather Without mulch the sun bakes the soil and you end up watering even more

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 19

Spring Planting

Many flowers can be planted as soon as the ground is soft enough to work in the

spring Some varieties can even survive a late freeze While annual flowers will give

you blossoms early perennials will not bloom right away and instead show their

colors in summer and early fall To ensure continuous color all season do some

research on blooming times

Roses are a perennial that should be planted early All roses thrive in rich well-draining soil and full sunlight

Snapdragons are an easy to grow annual that love cooler climates You can plant these in early spring when the ground is cool as they will survive a light frost They grow best in full sun and well-drained soil

Pansies are another cool season annual and extremely cold-hardy flower They can freeze thaw and continue blooming Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist but well-draining soil They will bloom until it gets too hot then they will fade and need to be replaced

Lilies are hardy flowering bulbs that are easy to care for and can be planted almost any time of the year The plantings can be staggered so they will bloom from May through September Plant lilies in early spring but place a 4 inch layer of mulch over the planting site to protect against hard freezes As the shoots emerge gradually remove the mulch Plant where they will have full sunlight and well-drained soil Beware too much water will rot the bulbs

SPRING 2015 Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

HARDY VEGETABLESBroccoli Cabbage Kohlrabi Onions Lettuce Peas Radish Spinach Turnips

GROWING CONDITIONSCool 60 - 80 degreesLose quality in hot weatherMay be replanted mid-summer for fall harvestMay survive a light frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two-four weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

your best garden

PLANTING GUIDE

Sharing tips from the Colorado Master Gardner program at Colorado State University

SEMI-HARDY VEGETABLESBeets Carrots Cauliflower Parsley Parsnips Potatoes Swiss Chard

GROWING CONDITIONSMinimum daytime temperatures of 40 - 50 degreesLess tolerant of frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

TENDER VEGETABLESBeans Celery Corn Cucumbers Summer Squash

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

VERY TENDER VEGETABLESLima Beans Cantaloupe Eggplant Peppers Pumpkin Winter Squash Pumpkins Tomatoes Watermelon

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 21Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

SPRING 2015

ONWARD LOCAL FLORALS

FRONT RANGEFLORALS

1 Savor the sunshine yellow at Happy Life Gardens in Evans located at the edge of Greeley 2000 37th St 2 Growing season is in full swing at Creekside Gardens in Littleton 5730 W Coal Mine Ave 3 Bright colors bring on spring fever at Sundance Gardens amp Landscaping in Evergreen 27866 Meadow Dr 4 Yard art inspiration at Loveland Garden Center 1801 S Lincoln Ave gtgt

Local greenhouses are gearing up for the summer season ready to provide you with beautiful plants

endless inspiration and extensive know-how for growing your best and brightest beds yet

1

2

SPRING 2015 23

We educate more than 54000 children and serve over 300000 residents in 108 square miles that spread across eight municipalities Cherry Hills Village Centennial Fox-field Glendale Greenwood Village and portions of Aurora Englewood and Denver

The Cherry Creek School District is one of the high-est achieving school districts in the state Cherry Creek Schools students consistently score well above state aver-ages on Colorado standardized assessments and above state and national averages on SAT and ACT exams

The district 2014 graduation rate is 87 compared to the state average of 77 and the national average of 782

The Cherry Creek School District has the third most Na-tional Board Certified Teachers in Colorado

Members of the 2014 graduating class earned more than $54 million in scholarships

SchoolMatchcopy an independent nationwide service has recognized the Cherry Creek School District as among only 16 of school districts nationwide with its ldquoWhat Parents Wantrdquo Award for 20 consecutive years

3037731184 wwwcherrycreekschoolsorg

ldquoTo inspire every student to think to learn to achieve to carerdquo

ldquoAll children deserve a great school in their neighborhood one they can walk or ride the bus to

with their friends These friendships between children and their families

unite communities and make them strongerrdquo

Cherry Creek Schools A Great Neighborhood School

in Every Neighborhood

4

3

SPRING 2015

5 A plethora of pansies at Sturtz amp Copeland in Boulder 2851 Valmont 6 Starting strong plants at Echterrsquos Garden Center in Arvada 5150 Garrison St 7 Itrsquos all about the artful containers at Tagawa Gardens in Parker 7711 S Parker Rd 8 Tulips in bloom at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Lakewood 1404 Quail St 9 Houseplants and hanging baskets abound at Golden City Floral in Golden 5331 Quaker St 10 Helpful and ready to share their knowledge at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Westminster 9400 Wadsworth 11 Striking and contemporary garden art at the Bath Garden Center Nursery in Fort Collins where they grow all their own plants organically 2000 E Prospect Rd

5

6

8

7

SPRING 2015 25

9

10 11

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

OVERVIEWThe strawberry plant is a hardy perennial that dies back in the winter and returns in the spring when the weather gets warm After bearing fruit many types of strawberries will produce runners called daughter plants Runners often root nearby attached to the mother plant To keep the mother plant strong and healthy only allow three daughter plants to remain attached clipping the others to plant somewhere else Strawberries will have a resting period after their first big harvest of the season but most plants will produce again in the fall if you keep them watered and weeded

If you live in Zone 6 or further north your strawberries should be planted in the spring so they will be well rooted by the following winter They can be replanted in late summer and moved to a cool protected place such as an unheated garage during the winter months Most sweet fruits require an abundance of sunshine Strawberries require at least 8 hours daily of full sun

Homegrown strawberries just may be the sweetest juiciest and most aromatic berries you will ever taste An easy to grow fruit their crop will reward the home gardener with ample harvests for many years

and prefer a slightly acidic soil If you soil is slightly alkaline it would be better to grow the berries in large containers filled with potting mix The plants wonrsquot do well in clay soil but by mixing in 4 inches of compost they will be fine If you are planting directly into the ground space your plants 18 inches apart making room for runners Be sure to set plants so that their roots are well covered with soil but the central bud or crown is exposed to light and air If you bury the crown your plant could rot

Mulch between plants after planting to keep the soil temperature cool deter weeds and to keep the fruit off the soil Straw is the traditional strawberry mulch Do not use black plastic since it will raise the soil temperature and optimal fruit production requires cool soil Plants will start blooming in early spring and they must be visited by the bees or other pollinating insects before they can set fruit In warm weather you should have ripe fruit about 30 days after blossoms are fertilized

STRAWBERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015 27

GROWING TIPSbull Well drained sandy loam with a

soil pH from 58 to 62 is idealbull Donrsquot plant where tomatoes

potatoes peppers or eggplant have been grown recently (verticillium rot)

bull Be sure you have certified disease-free plants

bull Select plants with large crowns and healthy light-colored roots

bull Amend soil with 1-2 inches of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure

bull Keep weeds from competing with your strawberry plants

bull Make a hole large enough to spread the roots Hill the center of the hole and place the crown slightly above soil level Spread the roots downward on the hill Fill the hole making sure the soil only goes halfway up the crown

bull Do not over fertilize or you will have excessive leaf growth and poor flowering Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting at the rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet

CHOOSING YOUR PLANTSThere are basically 3 types of strawberry plants to choose from June bearing Everbearing and Day Neutral

JUNE BEARINGJune Bearing strawberries produce a single large crop per year during a 2 - 3 week period in the spring June bearers are the traditionally grown plants producing a single flush of flowers and many runners They are classified into early mid-season and late varieties The largest fruits are generally from June bearing varieties

EVERBEARINGEverbearing strawberries produce two to three harvests of fruit intermittently during the spring summer and fall Everbearing plants do not send out many runners

DAY NEUTRALDay Neutral strawberries will produce fruit throughout the growing season These strawberries also produce few runners Everbearing and day neutral strawberries are great when space is limited but the fruits are usually somewhat smaller than June bearers

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

STRAWBERRY RECIPESSavor the bounty of your strawberry crop by indulging in these red berry recipes perfect for fresh spring eating

STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE ICE BOX CAKE

2 lb fresh strawberries2 sleeves graham crackers1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened1 - 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk2 - 34 oz instant cheesecake flavored pudding3 C milk1 - 12 oz carton frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip)

1 Clean and thinly slice strawberries set aside

2 Line the bottom of a 9x13 pan with graham crackers You may need to break some of the crackers to fit them in the pan

3 Combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl beat until creamy Add pudding mix and additional 3 C milk beat until mixture starts to thicken Fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping just until combined

4 Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers Smooth it out and place a layer of strawberries on top Add another layer of graham crackers top with remaining cream cheese mixture and strawberries Cover and refrigerate for 6-8 hours

5 When ready to serve top with remaining whipped topping Garnish with any remaining strawberries and graham cracker crumbs If the strawberries leave extra moisture from setting overnight dab the excess with a paper towel before adding final toppings

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE

(serves 4-6)6 - 7 C baby spinach2 C strawberries hulled and sliced1 C blueberries (optional)12 C toasted chopped pecans4 oz goat cheese (or other favorite soft white cheese)

2 12 Tbsp raspberry vinegar6 Tbsp vegetable oil14 C honey12 tsp dijon mustard2 Tbsp finely minced shallots14 tsp salt18 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 Toast the pecans by placing in a skillet over medium heat Stir or toss so they wonrsquot burn 1-2 minutes or until fragrant Mix with the spinach and berries

2 Whisk all the dressing ingredients together blending well so the honey doesnrsquot settle to the bottom

3 Just before serving toss the spinach mix with the dressing and top with cheese or pass the dressing and cheese separately for individual topping

TRIPLE DECKER STRAWBERRY CLUB SANDWICH

makes 4 large sandwiches

1 lb bacon2 lbs (4 pieces) boneless skinless chicken breast halvessalt and pepper1 avocado2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice13 C mayo12 slices whole wheat bread2 C baby spinach1 12 C strawberries hulled and sliced

1 Fry the bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet and adjust to medium-high heat Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper add to skillet and partially cover Cook until both sides are golden about 10 minutes turning once Let rest 5-10 minutes and thinly slice

2 Mash the avocado with lemon juice and stir in the mayo season with salt and peper

3 Toast the bread slices and spread each with 1 tablespoon avocado mixture Divide the chicken among 4 slices of toast and top each with several slices of bacon Cover each stack with another toast slice layer with spinach sliced strawberries and remaining toast slice Cut into quarters

SPRING 2015 29

FASHION

spring huesGO BOLD WITH MODERN COLOR TRENDS LIKE RED AND NAVY THIS SEASON gtgt

SPRING 2015

5

MODERN SPRING HUES [1] Roll Sleeve Slim Dress Equipment $25800 scoopnyccom [2] Shredded Jersey Tank Raquel Allegra $6600 theoutnetcom [3] Kale Watch WeWood $12000 amazoncom [4] Gold Batik Scarf Color Island $8100 shoptiquescom [5] Skyler Hat Brixton X UO $6000 urbanoutfitterscom

1

4

Spring Into The UNCONVENTIONAL

A mix of classic neutrals and unconventional pops of color make springrsquos go-to color palette a cool and

modern mix of old and new

3

FASHION

NAVY

MILITARYGREEN

GOLDENRODYELLOW

BURNTORANGE

2

SPRING 2015 31

1

[1] Striped Mini Skirt T by Alexander Wang $12500 net-a-portercom [2] Techno Paisley Lace Dress House of Holland $66300 luisaviaromacom [3] Striped Kimono Front Trouser Chloe $171600 matchesoffashioncom [4] Emerald Catrsquos Eye Charm Kendra Scott $2000 neimanmarcuscom

RED

PACIFICBLUE

EMERALD

2

3

4

Shibori TIE-DYE

The seasonrsquos must-have print inspired by a tradi-tional Japanese method of tie-dying fabrics using

various binding techniques to create different pat-terns Look to add a Shibori dyed scarf or tote bag

to your closet this seasonShibori Tie Dye Scarf HSSS Artisans uncommongoodscom

Blue market Tote Bag AikoThreads $2100 etsycomshopAikoThreads

SPRING 2015 33

SPRING 2015 3333

DRAGONFLY APPAREL3615 W 32ND AVE

DENVER CO 80211303-433-6331

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 35

FOOD ETCLIGHTER FARE RECIPES A PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN DECADENT CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE AND FUN RECIPES FOR THE KIDS

FRESH FRUIT SALSA WITH BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS

Skip the chocolate-heavy desserts and opt for this fresh and incredibly satisfying sweet treat

2 lb fresh strawberries chopped8 oz fresh raspberries2 kiwis peeled and diced2 apples diced1 Tbsp brown sugar2 Tbsp granulated sugar3 Tbsp fruit preserves your choice of flavor

4 flour tortillas4 Tbsp granulated sugar1 12 tsp cinnamonbutter flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix up the fruit salsa by combining all ingredients and chill-ing in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes

Combine the cinnamon and sugar spray one side of each flour tortilla with the cooking spray stack and cut into wedges Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (as much as you like) Give the chips another light coat of cooking spray be-fore baking in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes Watch closely so they donrsquot get too brown Let cool before serving with fresh fruit salsa

Lighter FARE

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

5

SPRING 2015

Local Flavor Littleton

SPRING 2015 7

Botanic Beauties Spring fever is in full bloom at these local Littleton greenhouses Stop by Jaredrsquos Nursery amp Gift Garden at 10500 W Bowles Avenue or Creekside

Gardens at 5730 W Coal Mine Avenue and get an early start on garden planning and bloom swooning

Seasonal Trends

SPRING 2015

Spring TrendsUpdate your home with some of the seasonrsquos

hottest color trends and patterns

Sunrise views over Denverrsquos Sloan Lake

Benjamin Moore Burnt Sienna 1196 benjaminmoorecom

One of a kind navy grid shibori patch pillow Rebecca Atwood rebeccaatwoodcom $229

Venom coasters Jonathan Adler casacom $78

Zara rug Z Gallerie zgalleriecom

Guggenheim Laguna armchair Dot amp Bo dotandbocom $485

Cambria Collection Z Gallerie zgalleriecom $7995

Sunset bowl Crate amp Barrel crateandbarrelcom $3995

SPRING 2015 9

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 11

CONTENTS

SPRING 2015

Publishing DirectorCasey OrrCreative DirectorKaley RhodesEditorialKelsey Sindorf Kimba Orr Allison Orr Bobby SindorfAdvertising SalesTim Ingle

Contacts Advertising InformationTimLivingInDenverco

Ph 303-955-5036 ADVERTISINGGeneral InquiriesContactMyPelicanMagazinecom

More Information About Pelican PublicationsMagazine Publishing amp Marketing Consulting

Pelican distributes LIVING IN DENVER magazines to Denver NEWCOMERS through real estate agents chambers of commerce and wwwLivingInDenverco

Pelican distributes WILDLIFE maga-zines to WILDLIFE ENTHUSIASTS in Kansas through email subscribers local businesses and wwwMWMKScom

Office7550 W Yale Ave Suite A-100 Denver CO 80227

wwwMyPelicanMagazinecom

copy 2014 Pelican Publications All rights reserved

No part of this magazine may be reproduced stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by no means electronic mechanical photocopying recording or otherwise without prior permission of the publisher

13

14

18

26

29

35

37

40

42

44

46

48

50

55

ONWARD

Spring Forward

Living Inlsquos Months Ahead

Garden Tending

Strawberry Bliss

FASHION

Spring Color Trends

FOOD ETC

Lighter Fare

Perfectly Cooked Chicken

Try Something New

Fun With The Kids

WELCOME HOME

The 6 Steps To Buying A Home

Mortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House Hunting

Design Files High Style Prairie Design

GIVING BACK

Summer School Lunch Programs

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 13

ONWARDNOTEWORTHY DATES HELPFUL TIPS amp REMINDERS TO LIVE YOUR BEST SPRING MONTHS AHEAD

SpringFORWARD

1 Clean gutters downspouts and donrsquot forget the birds Clean out their feeders and houses and re-fill with fresh food

2 Check to see if any tree bran-ches broke over the winter and cut them back Trim the bushes around the house within five feet to help with ventilation and drying out of surfaces

3 Seal any cracks in your driveway and sidewalk or other cement surfaces

4 Power wash your deck or patio get out stored patio furnitures and wipe down

5 Inspect all garden hoses and exterior faucets for possible freeze damage from winter weather

6 Be sure to check your roof for missing shingles or other damage that may have occurred over the winter Consider hiring a professional for this job

7 Remove dead flowers and weed garden beds fre-quently Give young trees standard shrubs and roses extra support with stakes

8 Once May arrives check your garden plants regular-ly for snails and slugs tidy up early-flowering Clematis and place supports bet-ween tall perennials

Warm weather fever has hit ready your home and garden with these eight easy preparations

plusCELEBRATE MAY DAYGARDEN TENDINGSWEET BERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015

LIVING INrsquoS MONTHS AHEAD

Spring2015 find more online

l i v i n g i n d e n v e r c oco

ldquoHappiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already haverdquo

APRIL

april foolrsquos dayWednesday 040115

Popular since the 19th century it is not a national holiday but is celebrated as a day to play practical jokes and hoaxes on each

other

birthstoneDiamond and Crystal

flowerDaisy and Sweet Pea

fRUITS amp VEGGIESStrawberry Asian Pear Tomatillos

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNSAries (until the 19th)

Taurus (begins the 20th)

NATURAL SPRING REMEDIES

gtgt To ease anxiety massage thetemples with lavender oil or

drink chamomile tea

gtgt Drink rosemary tea to alleviatemelancholy or depression

gtgt Trying to remain relaxed butalert Some studies suggest thatthe smell of apples apple cidervinegar or spiced apples (as in

mulled cider) have this effect

gtgt A tea of elderberry flowers isconsidered relaxing to the nerves

and is sleep inducing

gtgt For insomnia drink bee balmor chamomile tea and eat mandarin

oranges

MAY

MAY DAY Thursday 010115

CINCO DE MAYO Tuesday 050515

MOTHERS DAY Sunday 051015

ARMED FORCES DAY Saturday 051615

MEMORIAL DAY Monday 052515

birthstoneEmerald

fRUITS amp VEGGIESMango Limes Potatoes

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNSTaurus (until the 20th)Gemini (begins the 21st)

JUNE

FLAG DAY Sunday 061415

INTERNATIONAL PICNIC DAY

Thursday 061815

SUMMER SOLSTICESunday 062115

FATHERS DAY Sunday 062115

NATIONAL PINK DAYTuesday 062315

birthstoneAlexandrite Pearl amp Moonstone

fRUITS amp VEGGIESCherries Plums Pluot Okra

summer solsticeSunday 062115

The longest day of the year and the official start of summer it is often a time for festivals feasts

and celebrations

APRIL FOOLrsquoS DAY Wednesday 040115

GOOD FRIDAYFriday 040315

EASTER Sunday 040515

WORLD HEALTH DAY Tuesday 040715

TAX DAY Wednesday 041515

ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALrsquoS DAY

Wednesday 042215

EARTH DAY Wednesday 042215

ARBOR DAY Friday 042415

PASS THE SALT

gtgt Rub salt on fruitstains while still wet then

put them in the wash

gtgt To remove mildewspots rub in salt and some buttermilk

then let dry in the sun

gtgt If you spill wine or fruit juice on your tablecloth pour salt on the spot

at once to absorb the stain

gtgt Apply a paste of salt and olive oil to ugly heat rings on your table Let

sit for about an hour and then wipe off with a soft cloth

gtgt To restore some of the color to fadedfabric soak it in a strong solution of

salt and water

gtgt Discharge evil spells by throwing apinch of salt over your left shoulder

gtgt Mix a tablespoon of salt into the water of a vase of cut flowers to keep

them fresh longer

gtgt A mixture of salt and vinegar willclean brass

SPRING 2015 15

SPRING 2015

HappyMAY DAYThough May 1st comes closer to the start of spring many cultures have celebrated May Day as the first dsy of summer Either way it is a time to say goodbye to the cold winter and to welcome flow-ers dancing singing and yes flirting

Dancing around the maypole is probably the oldest known tradi-tion associated with May Day A

maypole is a tall wooden pole erected as a part of various European folk fe-stivals around which a maypole dance often takes place Another tradition popular with children and adults alike is to deliver baskets filled with flowers sweets or whatever other treats you like to a special friendrsquos house The tra-dition is to leave their May basket on the porch or in front of their door and ring the door bell When they open the door to find their basket the giver starts running - if your special friend catches you they get to kiss you

ONWARD CELEBRATE

SPRING 2015 17

Recycled cans are an inexpensive and resourceful way to make a special basket Save and clean a tall tin can (the ones pasta sauce comes in) and hammer nails into the sides to create ho-les Shape a wire hanger into the handle making sure it is long enough to fit over a door knob once it is filled with flowers or goodies Cut brown paper from a bag and use twine or decora-tive ribbon to dress it up Let your children do their own unique designing using paint paper and glue

Recycled May Day Baskets

Start A New Family

TraditionGet the kids involved in a fun project they will love and create lasting memories in the process The beauty of a May Day basket is in its hand-made simplicity so break out the crafting materials and get creative

SPRING 2015

HOT WEATHER

WATERINGWhen rain is scarce you need to make sure your garden is getting the water it needs Vegetables need water to produce so it is crucial to give them a drink when it is dry

Vegetables should be watered two or three times a week during really hot weather Watering the garden deeply

is critical you need the water to go down deep to encourage deep roots and get away from the hot soil surface Put a small cup or can in the garden soil and water until it has collected at least an inch from a sprinkler If you have planted your garden in containers they will probably need to be watered every day as container gardens seem to dry out faster than the ground If you are watering your garden by hand use a nozzle turned to the shower setting for rain-like watering If the water starts to puddle move on and come back several times to make sure the water is soaking in and the soil is thoroughly moist

Big leaf plants such as cucumbers squash and melons lose moisture fast Wilting plants are a good indication that your garden needs water - however in very hot weather these plants will wilt some during mid-day no matter what perking back up in the evening Try and avoid getting the plant leaves wet but if you are using a sprinkler it is impossible not to In this case you should water early in the morning so that the foliage will dry out quickly and minimize disease

Tomatoes are a thirsty breed and do not like to dry out If you let them go from dry to wet they will get blossom-end rot as well as cracks in the fruit from expanding too fast To avoid these problems keep the soil consistently moist

Keep your ground moist by using an organic mulch such as wheat straw finely ground bark pine needles or chopped leaves Spread mulch on the ground around and under plants This will protect the soil and roots from the hot sun A two to three inch layer of mulch makes a huge difference in the hot weather Without mulch the sun bakes the soil and you end up watering even more

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 19

Spring Planting

Many flowers can be planted as soon as the ground is soft enough to work in the

spring Some varieties can even survive a late freeze While annual flowers will give

you blossoms early perennials will not bloom right away and instead show their

colors in summer and early fall To ensure continuous color all season do some

research on blooming times

Roses are a perennial that should be planted early All roses thrive in rich well-draining soil and full sunlight

Snapdragons are an easy to grow annual that love cooler climates You can plant these in early spring when the ground is cool as they will survive a light frost They grow best in full sun and well-drained soil

Pansies are another cool season annual and extremely cold-hardy flower They can freeze thaw and continue blooming Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist but well-draining soil They will bloom until it gets too hot then they will fade and need to be replaced

Lilies are hardy flowering bulbs that are easy to care for and can be planted almost any time of the year The plantings can be staggered so they will bloom from May through September Plant lilies in early spring but place a 4 inch layer of mulch over the planting site to protect against hard freezes As the shoots emerge gradually remove the mulch Plant where they will have full sunlight and well-drained soil Beware too much water will rot the bulbs

SPRING 2015 Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

HARDY VEGETABLESBroccoli Cabbage Kohlrabi Onions Lettuce Peas Radish Spinach Turnips

GROWING CONDITIONSCool 60 - 80 degreesLose quality in hot weatherMay be replanted mid-summer for fall harvestMay survive a light frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two-four weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

your best garden

PLANTING GUIDE

Sharing tips from the Colorado Master Gardner program at Colorado State University

SEMI-HARDY VEGETABLESBeets Carrots Cauliflower Parsley Parsnips Potatoes Swiss Chard

GROWING CONDITIONSMinimum daytime temperatures of 40 - 50 degreesLess tolerant of frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

TENDER VEGETABLESBeans Celery Corn Cucumbers Summer Squash

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

VERY TENDER VEGETABLESLima Beans Cantaloupe Eggplant Peppers Pumpkin Winter Squash Pumpkins Tomatoes Watermelon

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 21Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

SPRING 2015

ONWARD LOCAL FLORALS

FRONT RANGEFLORALS

1 Savor the sunshine yellow at Happy Life Gardens in Evans located at the edge of Greeley 2000 37th St 2 Growing season is in full swing at Creekside Gardens in Littleton 5730 W Coal Mine Ave 3 Bright colors bring on spring fever at Sundance Gardens amp Landscaping in Evergreen 27866 Meadow Dr 4 Yard art inspiration at Loveland Garden Center 1801 S Lincoln Ave gtgt

Local greenhouses are gearing up for the summer season ready to provide you with beautiful plants

endless inspiration and extensive know-how for growing your best and brightest beds yet

1

2

SPRING 2015 23

We educate more than 54000 children and serve over 300000 residents in 108 square miles that spread across eight municipalities Cherry Hills Village Centennial Fox-field Glendale Greenwood Village and portions of Aurora Englewood and Denver

The Cherry Creek School District is one of the high-est achieving school districts in the state Cherry Creek Schools students consistently score well above state aver-ages on Colorado standardized assessments and above state and national averages on SAT and ACT exams

The district 2014 graduation rate is 87 compared to the state average of 77 and the national average of 782

The Cherry Creek School District has the third most Na-tional Board Certified Teachers in Colorado

Members of the 2014 graduating class earned more than $54 million in scholarships

SchoolMatchcopy an independent nationwide service has recognized the Cherry Creek School District as among only 16 of school districts nationwide with its ldquoWhat Parents Wantrdquo Award for 20 consecutive years

3037731184 wwwcherrycreekschoolsorg

ldquoTo inspire every student to think to learn to achieve to carerdquo

ldquoAll children deserve a great school in their neighborhood one they can walk or ride the bus to

with their friends These friendships between children and their families

unite communities and make them strongerrdquo

Cherry Creek Schools A Great Neighborhood School

in Every Neighborhood

4

3

SPRING 2015

5 A plethora of pansies at Sturtz amp Copeland in Boulder 2851 Valmont 6 Starting strong plants at Echterrsquos Garden Center in Arvada 5150 Garrison St 7 Itrsquos all about the artful containers at Tagawa Gardens in Parker 7711 S Parker Rd 8 Tulips in bloom at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Lakewood 1404 Quail St 9 Houseplants and hanging baskets abound at Golden City Floral in Golden 5331 Quaker St 10 Helpful and ready to share their knowledge at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Westminster 9400 Wadsworth 11 Striking and contemporary garden art at the Bath Garden Center Nursery in Fort Collins where they grow all their own plants organically 2000 E Prospect Rd

5

6

8

7

SPRING 2015 25

9

10 11

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

OVERVIEWThe strawberry plant is a hardy perennial that dies back in the winter and returns in the spring when the weather gets warm After bearing fruit many types of strawberries will produce runners called daughter plants Runners often root nearby attached to the mother plant To keep the mother plant strong and healthy only allow three daughter plants to remain attached clipping the others to plant somewhere else Strawberries will have a resting period after their first big harvest of the season but most plants will produce again in the fall if you keep them watered and weeded

If you live in Zone 6 or further north your strawberries should be planted in the spring so they will be well rooted by the following winter They can be replanted in late summer and moved to a cool protected place such as an unheated garage during the winter months Most sweet fruits require an abundance of sunshine Strawberries require at least 8 hours daily of full sun

Homegrown strawberries just may be the sweetest juiciest and most aromatic berries you will ever taste An easy to grow fruit their crop will reward the home gardener with ample harvests for many years

and prefer a slightly acidic soil If you soil is slightly alkaline it would be better to grow the berries in large containers filled with potting mix The plants wonrsquot do well in clay soil but by mixing in 4 inches of compost they will be fine If you are planting directly into the ground space your plants 18 inches apart making room for runners Be sure to set plants so that their roots are well covered with soil but the central bud or crown is exposed to light and air If you bury the crown your plant could rot

Mulch between plants after planting to keep the soil temperature cool deter weeds and to keep the fruit off the soil Straw is the traditional strawberry mulch Do not use black plastic since it will raise the soil temperature and optimal fruit production requires cool soil Plants will start blooming in early spring and they must be visited by the bees or other pollinating insects before they can set fruit In warm weather you should have ripe fruit about 30 days after blossoms are fertilized

STRAWBERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015 27

GROWING TIPSbull Well drained sandy loam with a

soil pH from 58 to 62 is idealbull Donrsquot plant where tomatoes

potatoes peppers or eggplant have been grown recently (verticillium rot)

bull Be sure you have certified disease-free plants

bull Select plants with large crowns and healthy light-colored roots

bull Amend soil with 1-2 inches of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure

bull Keep weeds from competing with your strawberry plants

bull Make a hole large enough to spread the roots Hill the center of the hole and place the crown slightly above soil level Spread the roots downward on the hill Fill the hole making sure the soil only goes halfway up the crown

bull Do not over fertilize or you will have excessive leaf growth and poor flowering Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting at the rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet

CHOOSING YOUR PLANTSThere are basically 3 types of strawberry plants to choose from June bearing Everbearing and Day Neutral

JUNE BEARINGJune Bearing strawberries produce a single large crop per year during a 2 - 3 week period in the spring June bearers are the traditionally grown plants producing a single flush of flowers and many runners They are classified into early mid-season and late varieties The largest fruits are generally from June bearing varieties

EVERBEARINGEverbearing strawberries produce two to three harvests of fruit intermittently during the spring summer and fall Everbearing plants do not send out many runners

DAY NEUTRALDay Neutral strawberries will produce fruit throughout the growing season These strawberries also produce few runners Everbearing and day neutral strawberries are great when space is limited but the fruits are usually somewhat smaller than June bearers

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

STRAWBERRY RECIPESSavor the bounty of your strawberry crop by indulging in these red berry recipes perfect for fresh spring eating

STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE ICE BOX CAKE

2 lb fresh strawberries2 sleeves graham crackers1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened1 - 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk2 - 34 oz instant cheesecake flavored pudding3 C milk1 - 12 oz carton frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip)

1 Clean and thinly slice strawberries set aside

2 Line the bottom of a 9x13 pan with graham crackers You may need to break some of the crackers to fit them in the pan

3 Combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl beat until creamy Add pudding mix and additional 3 C milk beat until mixture starts to thicken Fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping just until combined

4 Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers Smooth it out and place a layer of strawberries on top Add another layer of graham crackers top with remaining cream cheese mixture and strawberries Cover and refrigerate for 6-8 hours

5 When ready to serve top with remaining whipped topping Garnish with any remaining strawberries and graham cracker crumbs If the strawberries leave extra moisture from setting overnight dab the excess with a paper towel before adding final toppings

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE

(serves 4-6)6 - 7 C baby spinach2 C strawberries hulled and sliced1 C blueberries (optional)12 C toasted chopped pecans4 oz goat cheese (or other favorite soft white cheese)

2 12 Tbsp raspberry vinegar6 Tbsp vegetable oil14 C honey12 tsp dijon mustard2 Tbsp finely minced shallots14 tsp salt18 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 Toast the pecans by placing in a skillet over medium heat Stir or toss so they wonrsquot burn 1-2 minutes or until fragrant Mix with the spinach and berries

2 Whisk all the dressing ingredients together blending well so the honey doesnrsquot settle to the bottom

3 Just before serving toss the spinach mix with the dressing and top with cheese or pass the dressing and cheese separately for individual topping

TRIPLE DECKER STRAWBERRY CLUB SANDWICH

makes 4 large sandwiches

1 lb bacon2 lbs (4 pieces) boneless skinless chicken breast halvessalt and pepper1 avocado2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice13 C mayo12 slices whole wheat bread2 C baby spinach1 12 C strawberries hulled and sliced

1 Fry the bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet and adjust to medium-high heat Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper add to skillet and partially cover Cook until both sides are golden about 10 minutes turning once Let rest 5-10 minutes and thinly slice

2 Mash the avocado with lemon juice and stir in the mayo season with salt and peper

3 Toast the bread slices and spread each with 1 tablespoon avocado mixture Divide the chicken among 4 slices of toast and top each with several slices of bacon Cover each stack with another toast slice layer with spinach sliced strawberries and remaining toast slice Cut into quarters

SPRING 2015 29

FASHION

spring huesGO BOLD WITH MODERN COLOR TRENDS LIKE RED AND NAVY THIS SEASON gtgt

SPRING 2015

5

MODERN SPRING HUES [1] Roll Sleeve Slim Dress Equipment $25800 scoopnyccom [2] Shredded Jersey Tank Raquel Allegra $6600 theoutnetcom [3] Kale Watch WeWood $12000 amazoncom [4] Gold Batik Scarf Color Island $8100 shoptiquescom [5] Skyler Hat Brixton X UO $6000 urbanoutfitterscom

1

4

Spring Into The UNCONVENTIONAL

A mix of classic neutrals and unconventional pops of color make springrsquos go-to color palette a cool and

modern mix of old and new

3

FASHION

NAVY

MILITARYGREEN

GOLDENRODYELLOW

BURNTORANGE

2

SPRING 2015 31

1

[1] Striped Mini Skirt T by Alexander Wang $12500 net-a-portercom [2] Techno Paisley Lace Dress House of Holland $66300 luisaviaromacom [3] Striped Kimono Front Trouser Chloe $171600 matchesoffashioncom [4] Emerald Catrsquos Eye Charm Kendra Scott $2000 neimanmarcuscom

RED

PACIFICBLUE

EMERALD

2

3

4

Shibori TIE-DYE

The seasonrsquos must-have print inspired by a tradi-tional Japanese method of tie-dying fabrics using

various binding techniques to create different pat-terns Look to add a Shibori dyed scarf or tote bag

to your closet this seasonShibori Tie Dye Scarf HSSS Artisans uncommongoodscom

Blue market Tote Bag AikoThreads $2100 etsycomshopAikoThreads

SPRING 2015 33

SPRING 2015 3333

DRAGONFLY APPAREL3615 W 32ND AVE

DENVER CO 80211303-433-6331

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 35

FOOD ETCLIGHTER FARE RECIPES A PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN DECADENT CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE AND FUN RECIPES FOR THE KIDS

FRESH FRUIT SALSA WITH BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS

Skip the chocolate-heavy desserts and opt for this fresh and incredibly satisfying sweet treat

2 lb fresh strawberries chopped8 oz fresh raspberries2 kiwis peeled and diced2 apples diced1 Tbsp brown sugar2 Tbsp granulated sugar3 Tbsp fruit preserves your choice of flavor

4 flour tortillas4 Tbsp granulated sugar1 12 tsp cinnamonbutter flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix up the fruit salsa by combining all ingredients and chill-ing in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes

Combine the cinnamon and sugar spray one side of each flour tortilla with the cooking spray stack and cut into wedges Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (as much as you like) Give the chips another light coat of cooking spray be-fore baking in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes Watch closely so they donrsquot get too brown Let cool before serving with fresh fruit salsa

Lighter FARE

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015

Local Flavor Littleton

SPRING 2015 7

Botanic Beauties Spring fever is in full bloom at these local Littleton greenhouses Stop by Jaredrsquos Nursery amp Gift Garden at 10500 W Bowles Avenue or Creekside

Gardens at 5730 W Coal Mine Avenue and get an early start on garden planning and bloom swooning

Seasonal Trends

SPRING 2015

Spring TrendsUpdate your home with some of the seasonrsquos

hottest color trends and patterns

Sunrise views over Denverrsquos Sloan Lake

Benjamin Moore Burnt Sienna 1196 benjaminmoorecom

One of a kind navy grid shibori patch pillow Rebecca Atwood rebeccaatwoodcom $229

Venom coasters Jonathan Adler casacom $78

Zara rug Z Gallerie zgalleriecom

Guggenheim Laguna armchair Dot amp Bo dotandbocom $485

Cambria Collection Z Gallerie zgalleriecom $7995

Sunset bowl Crate amp Barrel crateandbarrelcom $3995

SPRING 2015 9

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 11

CONTENTS

SPRING 2015

Publishing DirectorCasey OrrCreative DirectorKaley RhodesEditorialKelsey Sindorf Kimba Orr Allison Orr Bobby SindorfAdvertising SalesTim Ingle

Contacts Advertising InformationTimLivingInDenverco

Ph 303-955-5036 ADVERTISINGGeneral InquiriesContactMyPelicanMagazinecom

More Information About Pelican PublicationsMagazine Publishing amp Marketing Consulting

Pelican distributes LIVING IN DENVER magazines to Denver NEWCOMERS through real estate agents chambers of commerce and wwwLivingInDenverco

Pelican distributes WILDLIFE maga-zines to WILDLIFE ENTHUSIASTS in Kansas through email subscribers local businesses and wwwMWMKScom

Office7550 W Yale Ave Suite A-100 Denver CO 80227

wwwMyPelicanMagazinecom

copy 2014 Pelican Publications All rights reserved

No part of this magazine may be reproduced stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by no means electronic mechanical photocopying recording or otherwise without prior permission of the publisher

13

14

18

26

29

35

37

40

42

44

46

48

50

55

ONWARD

Spring Forward

Living Inlsquos Months Ahead

Garden Tending

Strawberry Bliss

FASHION

Spring Color Trends

FOOD ETC

Lighter Fare

Perfectly Cooked Chicken

Try Something New

Fun With The Kids

WELCOME HOME

The 6 Steps To Buying A Home

Mortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House Hunting

Design Files High Style Prairie Design

GIVING BACK

Summer School Lunch Programs

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 13

ONWARDNOTEWORTHY DATES HELPFUL TIPS amp REMINDERS TO LIVE YOUR BEST SPRING MONTHS AHEAD

SpringFORWARD

1 Clean gutters downspouts and donrsquot forget the birds Clean out their feeders and houses and re-fill with fresh food

2 Check to see if any tree bran-ches broke over the winter and cut them back Trim the bushes around the house within five feet to help with ventilation and drying out of surfaces

3 Seal any cracks in your driveway and sidewalk or other cement surfaces

4 Power wash your deck or patio get out stored patio furnitures and wipe down

5 Inspect all garden hoses and exterior faucets for possible freeze damage from winter weather

6 Be sure to check your roof for missing shingles or other damage that may have occurred over the winter Consider hiring a professional for this job

7 Remove dead flowers and weed garden beds fre-quently Give young trees standard shrubs and roses extra support with stakes

8 Once May arrives check your garden plants regular-ly for snails and slugs tidy up early-flowering Clematis and place supports bet-ween tall perennials

Warm weather fever has hit ready your home and garden with these eight easy preparations

plusCELEBRATE MAY DAYGARDEN TENDINGSWEET BERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015

LIVING INrsquoS MONTHS AHEAD

Spring2015 find more online

l i v i n g i n d e n v e r c oco

ldquoHappiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already haverdquo

APRIL

april foolrsquos dayWednesday 040115

Popular since the 19th century it is not a national holiday but is celebrated as a day to play practical jokes and hoaxes on each

other

birthstoneDiamond and Crystal

flowerDaisy and Sweet Pea

fRUITS amp VEGGIESStrawberry Asian Pear Tomatillos

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNSAries (until the 19th)

Taurus (begins the 20th)

NATURAL SPRING REMEDIES

gtgt To ease anxiety massage thetemples with lavender oil or

drink chamomile tea

gtgt Drink rosemary tea to alleviatemelancholy or depression

gtgt Trying to remain relaxed butalert Some studies suggest thatthe smell of apples apple cidervinegar or spiced apples (as in

mulled cider) have this effect

gtgt A tea of elderberry flowers isconsidered relaxing to the nerves

and is sleep inducing

gtgt For insomnia drink bee balmor chamomile tea and eat mandarin

oranges

MAY

MAY DAY Thursday 010115

CINCO DE MAYO Tuesday 050515

MOTHERS DAY Sunday 051015

ARMED FORCES DAY Saturday 051615

MEMORIAL DAY Monday 052515

birthstoneEmerald

fRUITS amp VEGGIESMango Limes Potatoes

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNSTaurus (until the 20th)Gemini (begins the 21st)

JUNE

FLAG DAY Sunday 061415

INTERNATIONAL PICNIC DAY

Thursday 061815

SUMMER SOLSTICESunday 062115

FATHERS DAY Sunday 062115

NATIONAL PINK DAYTuesday 062315

birthstoneAlexandrite Pearl amp Moonstone

fRUITS amp VEGGIESCherries Plums Pluot Okra

summer solsticeSunday 062115

The longest day of the year and the official start of summer it is often a time for festivals feasts

and celebrations

APRIL FOOLrsquoS DAY Wednesday 040115

GOOD FRIDAYFriday 040315

EASTER Sunday 040515

WORLD HEALTH DAY Tuesday 040715

TAX DAY Wednesday 041515

ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALrsquoS DAY

Wednesday 042215

EARTH DAY Wednesday 042215

ARBOR DAY Friday 042415

PASS THE SALT

gtgt Rub salt on fruitstains while still wet then

put them in the wash

gtgt To remove mildewspots rub in salt and some buttermilk

then let dry in the sun

gtgt If you spill wine or fruit juice on your tablecloth pour salt on the spot

at once to absorb the stain

gtgt Apply a paste of salt and olive oil to ugly heat rings on your table Let

sit for about an hour and then wipe off with a soft cloth

gtgt To restore some of the color to fadedfabric soak it in a strong solution of

salt and water

gtgt Discharge evil spells by throwing apinch of salt over your left shoulder

gtgt Mix a tablespoon of salt into the water of a vase of cut flowers to keep

them fresh longer

gtgt A mixture of salt and vinegar willclean brass

SPRING 2015 15

SPRING 2015

HappyMAY DAYThough May 1st comes closer to the start of spring many cultures have celebrated May Day as the first dsy of summer Either way it is a time to say goodbye to the cold winter and to welcome flow-ers dancing singing and yes flirting

Dancing around the maypole is probably the oldest known tradi-tion associated with May Day A

maypole is a tall wooden pole erected as a part of various European folk fe-stivals around which a maypole dance often takes place Another tradition popular with children and adults alike is to deliver baskets filled with flowers sweets or whatever other treats you like to a special friendrsquos house The tra-dition is to leave their May basket on the porch or in front of their door and ring the door bell When they open the door to find their basket the giver starts running - if your special friend catches you they get to kiss you

ONWARD CELEBRATE

SPRING 2015 17

Recycled cans are an inexpensive and resourceful way to make a special basket Save and clean a tall tin can (the ones pasta sauce comes in) and hammer nails into the sides to create ho-les Shape a wire hanger into the handle making sure it is long enough to fit over a door knob once it is filled with flowers or goodies Cut brown paper from a bag and use twine or decora-tive ribbon to dress it up Let your children do their own unique designing using paint paper and glue

Recycled May Day Baskets

Start A New Family

TraditionGet the kids involved in a fun project they will love and create lasting memories in the process The beauty of a May Day basket is in its hand-made simplicity so break out the crafting materials and get creative

SPRING 2015

HOT WEATHER

WATERINGWhen rain is scarce you need to make sure your garden is getting the water it needs Vegetables need water to produce so it is crucial to give them a drink when it is dry

Vegetables should be watered two or three times a week during really hot weather Watering the garden deeply

is critical you need the water to go down deep to encourage deep roots and get away from the hot soil surface Put a small cup or can in the garden soil and water until it has collected at least an inch from a sprinkler If you have planted your garden in containers they will probably need to be watered every day as container gardens seem to dry out faster than the ground If you are watering your garden by hand use a nozzle turned to the shower setting for rain-like watering If the water starts to puddle move on and come back several times to make sure the water is soaking in and the soil is thoroughly moist

Big leaf plants such as cucumbers squash and melons lose moisture fast Wilting plants are a good indication that your garden needs water - however in very hot weather these plants will wilt some during mid-day no matter what perking back up in the evening Try and avoid getting the plant leaves wet but if you are using a sprinkler it is impossible not to In this case you should water early in the morning so that the foliage will dry out quickly and minimize disease

Tomatoes are a thirsty breed and do not like to dry out If you let them go from dry to wet they will get blossom-end rot as well as cracks in the fruit from expanding too fast To avoid these problems keep the soil consistently moist

Keep your ground moist by using an organic mulch such as wheat straw finely ground bark pine needles or chopped leaves Spread mulch on the ground around and under plants This will protect the soil and roots from the hot sun A two to three inch layer of mulch makes a huge difference in the hot weather Without mulch the sun bakes the soil and you end up watering even more

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 19

Spring Planting

Many flowers can be planted as soon as the ground is soft enough to work in the

spring Some varieties can even survive a late freeze While annual flowers will give

you blossoms early perennials will not bloom right away and instead show their

colors in summer and early fall To ensure continuous color all season do some

research on blooming times

Roses are a perennial that should be planted early All roses thrive in rich well-draining soil and full sunlight

Snapdragons are an easy to grow annual that love cooler climates You can plant these in early spring when the ground is cool as they will survive a light frost They grow best in full sun and well-drained soil

Pansies are another cool season annual and extremely cold-hardy flower They can freeze thaw and continue blooming Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist but well-draining soil They will bloom until it gets too hot then they will fade and need to be replaced

Lilies are hardy flowering bulbs that are easy to care for and can be planted almost any time of the year The plantings can be staggered so they will bloom from May through September Plant lilies in early spring but place a 4 inch layer of mulch over the planting site to protect against hard freezes As the shoots emerge gradually remove the mulch Plant where they will have full sunlight and well-drained soil Beware too much water will rot the bulbs

SPRING 2015 Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

HARDY VEGETABLESBroccoli Cabbage Kohlrabi Onions Lettuce Peas Radish Spinach Turnips

GROWING CONDITIONSCool 60 - 80 degreesLose quality in hot weatherMay be replanted mid-summer for fall harvestMay survive a light frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two-four weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

your best garden

PLANTING GUIDE

Sharing tips from the Colorado Master Gardner program at Colorado State University

SEMI-HARDY VEGETABLESBeets Carrots Cauliflower Parsley Parsnips Potatoes Swiss Chard

GROWING CONDITIONSMinimum daytime temperatures of 40 - 50 degreesLess tolerant of frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

TENDER VEGETABLESBeans Celery Corn Cucumbers Summer Squash

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

VERY TENDER VEGETABLESLima Beans Cantaloupe Eggplant Peppers Pumpkin Winter Squash Pumpkins Tomatoes Watermelon

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 21Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

SPRING 2015

ONWARD LOCAL FLORALS

FRONT RANGEFLORALS

1 Savor the sunshine yellow at Happy Life Gardens in Evans located at the edge of Greeley 2000 37th St 2 Growing season is in full swing at Creekside Gardens in Littleton 5730 W Coal Mine Ave 3 Bright colors bring on spring fever at Sundance Gardens amp Landscaping in Evergreen 27866 Meadow Dr 4 Yard art inspiration at Loveland Garden Center 1801 S Lincoln Ave gtgt

Local greenhouses are gearing up for the summer season ready to provide you with beautiful plants

endless inspiration and extensive know-how for growing your best and brightest beds yet

1

2

SPRING 2015 23

We educate more than 54000 children and serve over 300000 residents in 108 square miles that spread across eight municipalities Cherry Hills Village Centennial Fox-field Glendale Greenwood Village and portions of Aurora Englewood and Denver

The Cherry Creek School District is one of the high-est achieving school districts in the state Cherry Creek Schools students consistently score well above state aver-ages on Colorado standardized assessments and above state and national averages on SAT and ACT exams

The district 2014 graduation rate is 87 compared to the state average of 77 and the national average of 782

The Cherry Creek School District has the third most Na-tional Board Certified Teachers in Colorado

Members of the 2014 graduating class earned more than $54 million in scholarships

SchoolMatchcopy an independent nationwide service has recognized the Cherry Creek School District as among only 16 of school districts nationwide with its ldquoWhat Parents Wantrdquo Award for 20 consecutive years

3037731184 wwwcherrycreekschoolsorg

ldquoTo inspire every student to think to learn to achieve to carerdquo

ldquoAll children deserve a great school in their neighborhood one they can walk or ride the bus to

with their friends These friendships between children and their families

unite communities and make them strongerrdquo

Cherry Creek Schools A Great Neighborhood School

in Every Neighborhood

4

3

SPRING 2015

5 A plethora of pansies at Sturtz amp Copeland in Boulder 2851 Valmont 6 Starting strong plants at Echterrsquos Garden Center in Arvada 5150 Garrison St 7 Itrsquos all about the artful containers at Tagawa Gardens in Parker 7711 S Parker Rd 8 Tulips in bloom at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Lakewood 1404 Quail St 9 Houseplants and hanging baskets abound at Golden City Floral in Golden 5331 Quaker St 10 Helpful and ready to share their knowledge at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Westminster 9400 Wadsworth 11 Striking and contemporary garden art at the Bath Garden Center Nursery in Fort Collins where they grow all their own plants organically 2000 E Prospect Rd

5

6

8

7

SPRING 2015 25

9

10 11

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

OVERVIEWThe strawberry plant is a hardy perennial that dies back in the winter and returns in the spring when the weather gets warm After bearing fruit many types of strawberries will produce runners called daughter plants Runners often root nearby attached to the mother plant To keep the mother plant strong and healthy only allow three daughter plants to remain attached clipping the others to plant somewhere else Strawberries will have a resting period after their first big harvest of the season but most plants will produce again in the fall if you keep them watered and weeded

If you live in Zone 6 or further north your strawberries should be planted in the spring so they will be well rooted by the following winter They can be replanted in late summer and moved to a cool protected place such as an unheated garage during the winter months Most sweet fruits require an abundance of sunshine Strawberries require at least 8 hours daily of full sun

Homegrown strawberries just may be the sweetest juiciest and most aromatic berries you will ever taste An easy to grow fruit their crop will reward the home gardener with ample harvests for many years

and prefer a slightly acidic soil If you soil is slightly alkaline it would be better to grow the berries in large containers filled with potting mix The plants wonrsquot do well in clay soil but by mixing in 4 inches of compost they will be fine If you are planting directly into the ground space your plants 18 inches apart making room for runners Be sure to set plants so that their roots are well covered with soil but the central bud or crown is exposed to light and air If you bury the crown your plant could rot

Mulch between plants after planting to keep the soil temperature cool deter weeds and to keep the fruit off the soil Straw is the traditional strawberry mulch Do not use black plastic since it will raise the soil temperature and optimal fruit production requires cool soil Plants will start blooming in early spring and they must be visited by the bees or other pollinating insects before they can set fruit In warm weather you should have ripe fruit about 30 days after blossoms are fertilized

STRAWBERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015 27

GROWING TIPSbull Well drained sandy loam with a

soil pH from 58 to 62 is idealbull Donrsquot plant where tomatoes

potatoes peppers or eggplant have been grown recently (verticillium rot)

bull Be sure you have certified disease-free plants

bull Select plants with large crowns and healthy light-colored roots

bull Amend soil with 1-2 inches of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure

bull Keep weeds from competing with your strawberry plants

bull Make a hole large enough to spread the roots Hill the center of the hole and place the crown slightly above soil level Spread the roots downward on the hill Fill the hole making sure the soil only goes halfway up the crown

bull Do not over fertilize or you will have excessive leaf growth and poor flowering Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting at the rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet

CHOOSING YOUR PLANTSThere are basically 3 types of strawberry plants to choose from June bearing Everbearing and Day Neutral

JUNE BEARINGJune Bearing strawberries produce a single large crop per year during a 2 - 3 week period in the spring June bearers are the traditionally grown plants producing a single flush of flowers and many runners They are classified into early mid-season and late varieties The largest fruits are generally from June bearing varieties

EVERBEARINGEverbearing strawberries produce two to three harvests of fruit intermittently during the spring summer and fall Everbearing plants do not send out many runners

DAY NEUTRALDay Neutral strawberries will produce fruit throughout the growing season These strawberries also produce few runners Everbearing and day neutral strawberries are great when space is limited but the fruits are usually somewhat smaller than June bearers

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

STRAWBERRY RECIPESSavor the bounty of your strawberry crop by indulging in these red berry recipes perfect for fresh spring eating

STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE ICE BOX CAKE

2 lb fresh strawberries2 sleeves graham crackers1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened1 - 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk2 - 34 oz instant cheesecake flavored pudding3 C milk1 - 12 oz carton frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip)

1 Clean and thinly slice strawberries set aside

2 Line the bottom of a 9x13 pan with graham crackers You may need to break some of the crackers to fit them in the pan

3 Combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl beat until creamy Add pudding mix and additional 3 C milk beat until mixture starts to thicken Fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping just until combined

4 Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers Smooth it out and place a layer of strawberries on top Add another layer of graham crackers top with remaining cream cheese mixture and strawberries Cover and refrigerate for 6-8 hours

5 When ready to serve top with remaining whipped topping Garnish with any remaining strawberries and graham cracker crumbs If the strawberries leave extra moisture from setting overnight dab the excess with a paper towel before adding final toppings

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE

(serves 4-6)6 - 7 C baby spinach2 C strawberries hulled and sliced1 C blueberries (optional)12 C toasted chopped pecans4 oz goat cheese (or other favorite soft white cheese)

2 12 Tbsp raspberry vinegar6 Tbsp vegetable oil14 C honey12 tsp dijon mustard2 Tbsp finely minced shallots14 tsp salt18 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 Toast the pecans by placing in a skillet over medium heat Stir or toss so they wonrsquot burn 1-2 minutes or until fragrant Mix with the spinach and berries

2 Whisk all the dressing ingredients together blending well so the honey doesnrsquot settle to the bottom

3 Just before serving toss the spinach mix with the dressing and top with cheese or pass the dressing and cheese separately for individual topping

TRIPLE DECKER STRAWBERRY CLUB SANDWICH

makes 4 large sandwiches

1 lb bacon2 lbs (4 pieces) boneless skinless chicken breast halvessalt and pepper1 avocado2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice13 C mayo12 slices whole wheat bread2 C baby spinach1 12 C strawberries hulled and sliced

1 Fry the bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet and adjust to medium-high heat Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper add to skillet and partially cover Cook until both sides are golden about 10 minutes turning once Let rest 5-10 minutes and thinly slice

2 Mash the avocado with lemon juice and stir in the mayo season with salt and peper

3 Toast the bread slices and spread each with 1 tablespoon avocado mixture Divide the chicken among 4 slices of toast and top each with several slices of bacon Cover each stack with another toast slice layer with spinach sliced strawberries and remaining toast slice Cut into quarters

SPRING 2015 29

FASHION

spring huesGO BOLD WITH MODERN COLOR TRENDS LIKE RED AND NAVY THIS SEASON gtgt

SPRING 2015

5

MODERN SPRING HUES [1] Roll Sleeve Slim Dress Equipment $25800 scoopnyccom [2] Shredded Jersey Tank Raquel Allegra $6600 theoutnetcom [3] Kale Watch WeWood $12000 amazoncom [4] Gold Batik Scarf Color Island $8100 shoptiquescom [5] Skyler Hat Brixton X UO $6000 urbanoutfitterscom

1

4

Spring Into The UNCONVENTIONAL

A mix of classic neutrals and unconventional pops of color make springrsquos go-to color palette a cool and

modern mix of old and new

3

FASHION

NAVY

MILITARYGREEN

GOLDENRODYELLOW

BURNTORANGE

2

SPRING 2015 31

1

[1] Striped Mini Skirt T by Alexander Wang $12500 net-a-portercom [2] Techno Paisley Lace Dress House of Holland $66300 luisaviaromacom [3] Striped Kimono Front Trouser Chloe $171600 matchesoffashioncom [4] Emerald Catrsquos Eye Charm Kendra Scott $2000 neimanmarcuscom

RED

PACIFICBLUE

EMERALD

2

3

4

Shibori TIE-DYE

The seasonrsquos must-have print inspired by a tradi-tional Japanese method of tie-dying fabrics using

various binding techniques to create different pat-terns Look to add a Shibori dyed scarf or tote bag

to your closet this seasonShibori Tie Dye Scarf HSSS Artisans uncommongoodscom

Blue market Tote Bag AikoThreads $2100 etsycomshopAikoThreads

SPRING 2015 33

SPRING 2015 3333

DRAGONFLY APPAREL3615 W 32ND AVE

DENVER CO 80211303-433-6331

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 35

FOOD ETCLIGHTER FARE RECIPES A PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN DECADENT CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE AND FUN RECIPES FOR THE KIDS

FRESH FRUIT SALSA WITH BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS

Skip the chocolate-heavy desserts and opt for this fresh and incredibly satisfying sweet treat

2 lb fresh strawberries chopped8 oz fresh raspberries2 kiwis peeled and diced2 apples diced1 Tbsp brown sugar2 Tbsp granulated sugar3 Tbsp fruit preserves your choice of flavor

4 flour tortillas4 Tbsp granulated sugar1 12 tsp cinnamonbutter flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix up the fruit salsa by combining all ingredients and chill-ing in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes

Combine the cinnamon and sugar spray one side of each flour tortilla with the cooking spray stack and cut into wedges Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (as much as you like) Give the chips another light coat of cooking spray be-fore baking in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes Watch closely so they donrsquot get too brown Let cool before serving with fresh fruit salsa

Lighter FARE

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015 7

Botanic Beauties Spring fever is in full bloom at these local Littleton greenhouses Stop by Jaredrsquos Nursery amp Gift Garden at 10500 W Bowles Avenue or Creekside

Gardens at 5730 W Coal Mine Avenue and get an early start on garden planning and bloom swooning

Seasonal Trends

SPRING 2015

Spring TrendsUpdate your home with some of the seasonrsquos

hottest color trends and patterns

Sunrise views over Denverrsquos Sloan Lake

Benjamin Moore Burnt Sienna 1196 benjaminmoorecom

One of a kind navy grid shibori patch pillow Rebecca Atwood rebeccaatwoodcom $229

Venom coasters Jonathan Adler casacom $78

Zara rug Z Gallerie zgalleriecom

Guggenheim Laguna armchair Dot amp Bo dotandbocom $485

Cambria Collection Z Gallerie zgalleriecom $7995

Sunset bowl Crate amp Barrel crateandbarrelcom $3995

SPRING 2015 9

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 11

CONTENTS

SPRING 2015

Publishing DirectorCasey OrrCreative DirectorKaley RhodesEditorialKelsey Sindorf Kimba Orr Allison Orr Bobby SindorfAdvertising SalesTim Ingle

Contacts Advertising InformationTimLivingInDenverco

Ph 303-955-5036 ADVERTISINGGeneral InquiriesContactMyPelicanMagazinecom

More Information About Pelican PublicationsMagazine Publishing amp Marketing Consulting

Pelican distributes LIVING IN DENVER magazines to Denver NEWCOMERS through real estate agents chambers of commerce and wwwLivingInDenverco

Pelican distributes WILDLIFE maga-zines to WILDLIFE ENTHUSIASTS in Kansas through email subscribers local businesses and wwwMWMKScom

Office7550 W Yale Ave Suite A-100 Denver CO 80227

wwwMyPelicanMagazinecom

copy 2014 Pelican Publications All rights reserved

No part of this magazine may be reproduced stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by no means electronic mechanical photocopying recording or otherwise without prior permission of the publisher

13

14

18

26

29

35

37

40

42

44

46

48

50

55

ONWARD

Spring Forward

Living Inlsquos Months Ahead

Garden Tending

Strawberry Bliss

FASHION

Spring Color Trends

FOOD ETC

Lighter Fare

Perfectly Cooked Chicken

Try Something New

Fun With The Kids

WELCOME HOME

The 6 Steps To Buying A Home

Mortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House Hunting

Design Files High Style Prairie Design

GIVING BACK

Summer School Lunch Programs

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 13

ONWARDNOTEWORTHY DATES HELPFUL TIPS amp REMINDERS TO LIVE YOUR BEST SPRING MONTHS AHEAD

SpringFORWARD

1 Clean gutters downspouts and donrsquot forget the birds Clean out their feeders and houses and re-fill with fresh food

2 Check to see if any tree bran-ches broke over the winter and cut them back Trim the bushes around the house within five feet to help with ventilation and drying out of surfaces

3 Seal any cracks in your driveway and sidewalk or other cement surfaces

4 Power wash your deck or patio get out stored patio furnitures and wipe down

5 Inspect all garden hoses and exterior faucets for possible freeze damage from winter weather

6 Be sure to check your roof for missing shingles or other damage that may have occurred over the winter Consider hiring a professional for this job

7 Remove dead flowers and weed garden beds fre-quently Give young trees standard shrubs and roses extra support with stakes

8 Once May arrives check your garden plants regular-ly for snails and slugs tidy up early-flowering Clematis and place supports bet-ween tall perennials

Warm weather fever has hit ready your home and garden with these eight easy preparations

plusCELEBRATE MAY DAYGARDEN TENDINGSWEET BERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015

LIVING INrsquoS MONTHS AHEAD

Spring2015 find more online

l i v i n g i n d e n v e r c oco

ldquoHappiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already haverdquo

APRIL

april foolrsquos dayWednesday 040115

Popular since the 19th century it is not a national holiday but is celebrated as a day to play practical jokes and hoaxes on each

other

birthstoneDiamond and Crystal

flowerDaisy and Sweet Pea

fRUITS amp VEGGIESStrawberry Asian Pear Tomatillos

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNSAries (until the 19th)

Taurus (begins the 20th)

NATURAL SPRING REMEDIES

gtgt To ease anxiety massage thetemples with lavender oil or

drink chamomile tea

gtgt Drink rosemary tea to alleviatemelancholy or depression

gtgt Trying to remain relaxed butalert Some studies suggest thatthe smell of apples apple cidervinegar or spiced apples (as in

mulled cider) have this effect

gtgt A tea of elderberry flowers isconsidered relaxing to the nerves

and is sleep inducing

gtgt For insomnia drink bee balmor chamomile tea and eat mandarin

oranges

MAY

MAY DAY Thursday 010115

CINCO DE MAYO Tuesday 050515

MOTHERS DAY Sunday 051015

ARMED FORCES DAY Saturday 051615

MEMORIAL DAY Monday 052515

birthstoneEmerald

fRUITS amp VEGGIESMango Limes Potatoes

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNSTaurus (until the 20th)Gemini (begins the 21st)

JUNE

FLAG DAY Sunday 061415

INTERNATIONAL PICNIC DAY

Thursday 061815

SUMMER SOLSTICESunday 062115

FATHERS DAY Sunday 062115

NATIONAL PINK DAYTuesday 062315

birthstoneAlexandrite Pearl amp Moonstone

fRUITS amp VEGGIESCherries Plums Pluot Okra

summer solsticeSunday 062115

The longest day of the year and the official start of summer it is often a time for festivals feasts

and celebrations

APRIL FOOLrsquoS DAY Wednesday 040115

GOOD FRIDAYFriday 040315

EASTER Sunday 040515

WORLD HEALTH DAY Tuesday 040715

TAX DAY Wednesday 041515

ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALrsquoS DAY

Wednesday 042215

EARTH DAY Wednesday 042215

ARBOR DAY Friday 042415

PASS THE SALT

gtgt Rub salt on fruitstains while still wet then

put them in the wash

gtgt To remove mildewspots rub in salt and some buttermilk

then let dry in the sun

gtgt If you spill wine or fruit juice on your tablecloth pour salt on the spot

at once to absorb the stain

gtgt Apply a paste of salt and olive oil to ugly heat rings on your table Let

sit for about an hour and then wipe off with a soft cloth

gtgt To restore some of the color to fadedfabric soak it in a strong solution of

salt and water

gtgt Discharge evil spells by throwing apinch of salt over your left shoulder

gtgt Mix a tablespoon of salt into the water of a vase of cut flowers to keep

them fresh longer

gtgt A mixture of salt and vinegar willclean brass

SPRING 2015 15

SPRING 2015

HappyMAY DAYThough May 1st comes closer to the start of spring many cultures have celebrated May Day as the first dsy of summer Either way it is a time to say goodbye to the cold winter and to welcome flow-ers dancing singing and yes flirting

Dancing around the maypole is probably the oldest known tradi-tion associated with May Day A

maypole is a tall wooden pole erected as a part of various European folk fe-stivals around which a maypole dance often takes place Another tradition popular with children and adults alike is to deliver baskets filled with flowers sweets or whatever other treats you like to a special friendrsquos house The tra-dition is to leave their May basket on the porch or in front of their door and ring the door bell When they open the door to find their basket the giver starts running - if your special friend catches you they get to kiss you

ONWARD CELEBRATE

SPRING 2015 17

Recycled cans are an inexpensive and resourceful way to make a special basket Save and clean a tall tin can (the ones pasta sauce comes in) and hammer nails into the sides to create ho-les Shape a wire hanger into the handle making sure it is long enough to fit over a door knob once it is filled with flowers or goodies Cut brown paper from a bag and use twine or decora-tive ribbon to dress it up Let your children do their own unique designing using paint paper and glue

Recycled May Day Baskets

Start A New Family

TraditionGet the kids involved in a fun project they will love and create lasting memories in the process The beauty of a May Day basket is in its hand-made simplicity so break out the crafting materials and get creative

SPRING 2015

HOT WEATHER

WATERINGWhen rain is scarce you need to make sure your garden is getting the water it needs Vegetables need water to produce so it is crucial to give them a drink when it is dry

Vegetables should be watered two or three times a week during really hot weather Watering the garden deeply

is critical you need the water to go down deep to encourage deep roots and get away from the hot soil surface Put a small cup or can in the garden soil and water until it has collected at least an inch from a sprinkler If you have planted your garden in containers they will probably need to be watered every day as container gardens seem to dry out faster than the ground If you are watering your garden by hand use a nozzle turned to the shower setting for rain-like watering If the water starts to puddle move on and come back several times to make sure the water is soaking in and the soil is thoroughly moist

Big leaf plants such as cucumbers squash and melons lose moisture fast Wilting plants are a good indication that your garden needs water - however in very hot weather these plants will wilt some during mid-day no matter what perking back up in the evening Try and avoid getting the plant leaves wet but if you are using a sprinkler it is impossible not to In this case you should water early in the morning so that the foliage will dry out quickly and minimize disease

Tomatoes are a thirsty breed and do not like to dry out If you let them go from dry to wet they will get blossom-end rot as well as cracks in the fruit from expanding too fast To avoid these problems keep the soil consistently moist

Keep your ground moist by using an organic mulch such as wheat straw finely ground bark pine needles or chopped leaves Spread mulch on the ground around and under plants This will protect the soil and roots from the hot sun A two to three inch layer of mulch makes a huge difference in the hot weather Without mulch the sun bakes the soil and you end up watering even more

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 19

Spring Planting

Many flowers can be planted as soon as the ground is soft enough to work in the

spring Some varieties can even survive a late freeze While annual flowers will give

you blossoms early perennials will not bloom right away and instead show their

colors in summer and early fall To ensure continuous color all season do some

research on blooming times

Roses are a perennial that should be planted early All roses thrive in rich well-draining soil and full sunlight

Snapdragons are an easy to grow annual that love cooler climates You can plant these in early spring when the ground is cool as they will survive a light frost They grow best in full sun and well-drained soil

Pansies are another cool season annual and extremely cold-hardy flower They can freeze thaw and continue blooming Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist but well-draining soil They will bloom until it gets too hot then they will fade and need to be replaced

Lilies are hardy flowering bulbs that are easy to care for and can be planted almost any time of the year The plantings can be staggered so they will bloom from May through September Plant lilies in early spring but place a 4 inch layer of mulch over the planting site to protect against hard freezes As the shoots emerge gradually remove the mulch Plant where they will have full sunlight and well-drained soil Beware too much water will rot the bulbs

SPRING 2015 Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

HARDY VEGETABLESBroccoli Cabbage Kohlrabi Onions Lettuce Peas Radish Spinach Turnips

GROWING CONDITIONSCool 60 - 80 degreesLose quality in hot weatherMay be replanted mid-summer for fall harvestMay survive a light frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two-four weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

your best garden

PLANTING GUIDE

Sharing tips from the Colorado Master Gardner program at Colorado State University

SEMI-HARDY VEGETABLESBeets Carrots Cauliflower Parsley Parsnips Potatoes Swiss Chard

GROWING CONDITIONSMinimum daytime temperatures of 40 - 50 degreesLess tolerant of frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

TENDER VEGETABLESBeans Celery Corn Cucumbers Summer Squash

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

VERY TENDER VEGETABLESLima Beans Cantaloupe Eggplant Peppers Pumpkin Winter Squash Pumpkins Tomatoes Watermelon

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 21Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

SPRING 2015

ONWARD LOCAL FLORALS

FRONT RANGEFLORALS

1 Savor the sunshine yellow at Happy Life Gardens in Evans located at the edge of Greeley 2000 37th St 2 Growing season is in full swing at Creekside Gardens in Littleton 5730 W Coal Mine Ave 3 Bright colors bring on spring fever at Sundance Gardens amp Landscaping in Evergreen 27866 Meadow Dr 4 Yard art inspiration at Loveland Garden Center 1801 S Lincoln Ave gtgt

Local greenhouses are gearing up for the summer season ready to provide you with beautiful plants

endless inspiration and extensive know-how for growing your best and brightest beds yet

1

2

SPRING 2015 23

We educate more than 54000 children and serve over 300000 residents in 108 square miles that spread across eight municipalities Cherry Hills Village Centennial Fox-field Glendale Greenwood Village and portions of Aurora Englewood and Denver

The Cherry Creek School District is one of the high-est achieving school districts in the state Cherry Creek Schools students consistently score well above state aver-ages on Colorado standardized assessments and above state and national averages on SAT and ACT exams

The district 2014 graduation rate is 87 compared to the state average of 77 and the national average of 782

The Cherry Creek School District has the third most Na-tional Board Certified Teachers in Colorado

Members of the 2014 graduating class earned more than $54 million in scholarships

SchoolMatchcopy an independent nationwide service has recognized the Cherry Creek School District as among only 16 of school districts nationwide with its ldquoWhat Parents Wantrdquo Award for 20 consecutive years

3037731184 wwwcherrycreekschoolsorg

ldquoTo inspire every student to think to learn to achieve to carerdquo

ldquoAll children deserve a great school in their neighborhood one they can walk or ride the bus to

with their friends These friendships between children and their families

unite communities and make them strongerrdquo

Cherry Creek Schools A Great Neighborhood School

in Every Neighborhood

4

3

SPRING 2015

5 A plethora of pansies at Sturtz amp Copeland in Boulder 2851 Valmont 6 Starting strong plants at Echterrsquos Garden Center in Arvada 5150 Garrison St 7 Itrsquos all about the artful containers at Tagawa Gardens in Parker 7711 S Parker Rd 8 Tulips in bloom at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Lakewood 1404 Quail St 9 Houseplants and hanging baskets abound at Golden City Floral in Golden 5331 Quaker St 10 Helpful and ready to share their knowledge at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Westminster 9400 Wadsworth 11 Striking and contemporary garden art at the Bath Garden Center Nursery in Fort Collins where they grow all their own plants organically 2000 E Prospect Rd

5

6

8

7

SPRING 2015 25

9

10 11

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

OVERVIEWThe strawberry plant is a hardy perennial that dies back in the winter and returns in the spring when the weather gets warm After bearing fruit many types of strawberries will produce runners called daughter plants Runners often root nearby attached to the mother plant To keep the mother plant strong and healthy only allow three daughter plants to remain attached clipping the others to plant somewhere else Strawberries will have a resting period after their first big harvest of the season but most plants will produce again in the fall if you keep them watered and weeded

If you live in Zone 6 or further north your strawberries should be planted in the spring so they will be well rooted by the following winter They can be replanted in late summer and moved to a cool protected place such as an unheated garage during the winter months Most sweet fruits require an abundance of sunshine Strawberries require at least 8 hours daily of full sun

Homegrown strawberries just may be the sweetest juiciest and most aromatic berries you will ever taste An easy to grow fruit their crop will reward the home gardener with ample harvests for many years

and prefer a slightly acidic soil If you soil is slightly alkaline it would be better to grow the berries in large containers filled with potting mix The plants wonrsquot do well in clay soil but by mixing in 4 inches of compost they will be fine If you are planting directly into the ground space your plants 18 inches apart making room for runners Be sure to set plants so that their roots are well covered with soil but the central bud or crown is exposed to light and air If you bury the crown your plant could rot

Mulch between plants after planting to keep the soil temperature cool deter weeds and to keep the fruit off the soil Straw is the traditional strawberry mulch Do not use black plastic since it will raise the soil temperature and optimal fruit production requires cool soil Plants will start blooming in early spring and they must be visited by the bees or other pollinating insects before they can set fruit In warm weather you should have ripe fruit about 30 days after blossoms are fertilized

STRAWBERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015 27

GROWING TIPSbull Well drained sandy loam with a

soil pH from 58 to 62 is idealbull Donrsquot plant where tomatoes

potatoes peppers or eggplant have been grown recently (verticillium rot)

bull Be sure you have certified disease-free plants

bull Select plants with large crowns and healthy light-colored roots

bull Amend soil with 1-2 inches of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure

bull Keep weeds from competing with your strawberry plants

bull Make a hole large enough to spread the roots Hill the center of the hole and place the crown slightly above soil level Spread the roots downward on the hill Fill the hole making sure the soil only goes halfway up the crown

bull Do not over fertilize or you will have excessive leaf growth and poor flowering Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting at the rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet

CHOOSING YOUR PLANTSThere are basically 3 types of strawberry plants to choose from June bearing Everbearing and Day Neutral

JUNE BEARINGJune Bearing strawberries produce a single large crop per year during a 2 - 3 week period in the spring June bearers are the traditionally grown plants producing a single flush of flowers and many runners They are classified into early mid-season and late varieties The largest fruits are generally from June bearing varieties

EVERBEARINGEverbearing strawberries produce two to three harvests of fruit intermittently during the spring summer and fall Everbearing plants do not send out many runners

DAY NEUTRALDay Neutral strawberries will produce fruit throughout the growing season These strawberries also produce few runners Everbearing and day neutral strawberries are great when space is limited but the fruits are usually somewhat smaller than June bearers

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

STRAWBERRY RECIPESSavor the bounty of your strawberry crop by indulging in these red berry recipes perfect for fresh spring eating

STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE ICE BOX CAKE

2 lb fresh strawberries2 sleeves graham crackers1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened1 - 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk2 - 34 oz instant cheesecake flavored pudding3 C milk1 - 12 oz carton frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip)

1 Clean and thinly slice strawberries set aside

2 Line the bottom of a 9x13 pan with graham crackers You may need to break some of the crackers to fit them in the pan

3 Combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl beat until creamy Add pudding mix and additional 3 C milk beat until mixture starts to thicken Fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping just until combined

4 Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers Smooth it out and place a layer of strawberries on top Add another layer of graham crackers top with remaining cream cheese mixture and strawberries Cover and refrigerate for 6-8 hours

5 When ready to serve top with remaining whipped topping Garnish with any remaining strawberries and graham cracker crumbs If the strawberries leave extra moisture from setting overnight dab the excess with a paper towel before adding final toppings

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE

(serves 4-6)6 - 7 C baby spinach2 C strawberries hulled and sliced1 C blueberries (optional)12 C toasted chopped pecans4 oz goat cheese (or other favorite soft white cheese)

2 12 Tbsp raspberry vinegar6 Tbsp vegetable oil14 C honey12 tsp dijon mustard2 Tbsp finely minced shallots14 tsp salt18 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 Toast the pecans by placing in a skillet over medium heat Stir or toss so they wonrsquot burn 1-2 minutes or until fragrant Mix with the spinach and berries

2 Whisk all the dressing ingredients together blending well so the honey doesnrsquot settle to the bottom

3 Just before serving toss the spinach mix with the dressing and top with cheese or pass the dressing and cheese separately for individual topping

TRIPLE DECKER STRAWBERRY CLUB SANDWICH

makes 4 large sandwiches

1 lb bacon2 lbs (4 pieces) boneless skinless chicken breast halvessalt and pepper1 avocado2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice13 C mayo12 slices whole wheat bread2 C baby spinach1 12 C strawberries hulled and sliced

1 Fry the bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet and adjust to medium-high heat Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper add to skillet and partially cover Cook until both sides are golden about 10 minutes turning once Let rest 5-10 minutes and thinly slice

2 Mash the avocado with lemon juice and stir in the mayo season with salt and peper

3 Toast the bread slices and spread each with 1 tablespoon avocado mixture Divide the chicken among 4 slices of toast and top each with several slices of bacon Cover each stack with another toast slice layer with spinach sliced strawberries and remaining toast slice Cut into quarters

SPRING 2015 29

FASHION

spring huesGO BOLD WITH MODERN COLOR TRENDS LIKE RED AND NAVY THIS SEASON gtgt

SPRING 2015

5

MODERN SPRING HUES [1] Roll Sleeve Slim Dress Equipment $25800 scoopnyccom [2] Shredded Jersey Tank Raquel Allegra $6600 theoutnetcom [3] Kale Watch WeWood $12000 amazoncom [4] Gold Batik Scarf Color Island $8100 shoptiquescom [5] Skyler Hat Brixton X UO $6000 urbanoutfitterscom

1

4

Spring Into The UNCONVENTIONAL

A mix of classic neutrals and unconventional pops of color make springrsquos go-to color palette a cool and

modern mix of old and new

3

FASHION

NAVY

MILITARYGREEN

GOLDENRODYELLOW

BURNTORANGE

2

SPRING 2015 31

1

[1] Striped Mini Skirt T by Alexander Wang $12500 net-a-portercom [2] Techno Paisley Lace Dress House of Holland $66300 luisaviaromacom [3] Striped Kimono Front Trouser Chloe $171600 matchesoffashioncom [4] Emerald Catrsquos Eye Charm Kendra Scott $2000 neimanmarcuscom

RED

PACIFICBLUE

EMERALD

2

3

4

Shibori TIE-DYE

The seasonrsquos must-have print inspired by a tradi-tional Japanese method of tie-dying fabrics using

various binding techniques to create different pat-terns Look to add a Shibori dyed scarf or tote bag

to your closet this seasonShibori Tie Dye Scarf HSSS Artisans uncommongoodscom

Blue market Tote Bag AikoThreads $2100 etsycomshopAikoThreads

SPRING 2015 33

SPRING 2015 3333

DRAGONFLY APPAREL3615 W 32ND AVE

DENVER CO 80211303-433-6331

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 35

FOOD ETCLIGHTER FARE RECIPES A PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN DECADENT CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE AND FUN RECIPES FOR THE KIDS

FRESH FRUIT SALSA WITH BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS

Skip the chocolate-heavy desserts and opt for this fresh and incredibly satisfying sweet treat

2 lb fresh strawberries chopped8 oz fresh raspberries2 kiwis peeled and diced2 apples diced1 Tbsp brown sugar2 Tbsp granulated sugar3 Tbsp fruit preserves your choice of flavor

4 flour tortillas4 Tbsp granulated sugar1 12 tsp cinnamonbutter flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix up the fruit salsa by combining all ingredients and chill-ing in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes

Combine the cinnamon and sugar spray one side of each flour tortilla with the cooking spray stack and cut into wedges Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (as much as you like) Give the chips another light coat of cooking spray be-fore baking in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes Watch closely so they donrsquot get too brown Let cool before serving with fresh fruit salsa

Lighter FARE

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

Seasonal Trends

SPRING 2015

Spring TrendsUpdate your home with some of the seasonrsquos

hottest color trends and patterns

Sunrise views over Denverrsquos Sloan Lake

Benjamin Moore Burnt Sienna 1196 benjaminmoorecom

One of a kind navy grid shibori patch pillow Rebecca Atwood rebeccaatwoodcom $229

Venom coasters Jonathan Adler casacom $78

Zara rug Z Gallerie zgalleriecom

Guggenheim Laguna armchair Dot amp Bo dotandbocom $485

Cambria Collection Z Gallerie zgalleriecom $7995

Sunset bowl Crate amp Barrel crateandbarrelcom $3995

SPRING 2015 9

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 11

CONTENTS

SPRING 2015

Publishing DirectorCasey OrrCreative DirectorKaley RhodesEditorialKelsey Sindorf Kimba Orr Allison Orr Bobby SindorfAdvertising SalesTim Ingle

Contacts Advertising InformationTimLivingInDenverco

Ph 303-955-5036 ADVERTISINGGeneral InquiriesContactMyPelicanMagazinecom

More Information About Pelican PublicationsMagazine Publishing amp Marketing Consulting

Pelican distributes LIVING IN DENVER magazines to Denver NEWCOMERS through real estate agents chambers of commerce and wwwLivingInDenverco

Pelican distributes WILDLIFE maga-zines to WILDLIFE ENTHUSIASTS in Kansas through email subscribers local businesses and wwwMWMKScom

Office7550 W Yale Ave Suite A-100 Denver CO 80227

wwwMyPelicanMagazinecom

copy 2014 Pelican Publications All rights reserved

No part of this magazine may be reproduced stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by no means electronic mechanical photocopying recording or otherwise without prior permission of the publisher

13

14

18

26

29

35

37

40

42

44

46

48

50

55

ONWARD

Spring Forward

Living Inlsquos Months Ahead

Garden Tending

Strawberry Bliss

FASHION

Spring Color Trends

FOOD ETC

Lighter Fare

Perfectly Cooked Chicken

Try Something New

Fun With The Kids

WELCOME HOME

The 6 Steps To Buying A Home

Mortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House Hunting

Design Files High Style Prairie Design

GIVING BACK

Summer School Lunch Programs

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 13

ONWARDNOTEWORTHY DATES HELPFUL TIPS amp REMINDERS TO LIVE YOUR BEST SPRING MONTHS AHEAD

SpringFORWARD

1 Clean gutters downspouts and donrsquot forget the birds Clean out their feeders and houses and re-fill with fresh food

2 Check to see if any tree bran-ches broke over the winter and cut them back Trim the bushes around the house within five feet to help with ventilation and drying out of surfaces

3 Seal any cracks in your driveway and sidewalk or other cement surfaces

4 Power wash your deck or patio get out stored patio furnitures and wipe down

5 Inspect all garden hoses and exterior faucets for possible freeze damage from winter weather

6 Be sure to check your roof for missing shingles or other damage that may have occurred over the winter Consider hiring a professional for this job

7 Remove dead flowers and weed garden beds fre-quently Give young trees standard shrubs and roses extra support with stakes

8 Once May arrives check your garden plants regular-ly for snails and slugs tidy up early-flowering Clematis and place supports bet-ween tall perennials

Warm weather fever has hit ready your home and garden with these eight easy preparations

plusCELEBRATE MAY DAYGARDEN TENDINGSWEET BERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015

LIVING INrsquoS MONTHS AHEAD

Spring2015 find more online

l i v i n g i n d e n v e r c oco

ldquoHappiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already haverdquo

APRIL

april foolrsquos dayWednesday 040115

Popular since the 19th century it is not a national holiday but is celebrated as a day to play practical jokes and hoaxes on each

other

birthstoneDiamond and Crystal

flowerDaisy and Sweet Pea

fRUITS amp VEGGIESStrawberry Asian Pear Tomatillos

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNSAries (until the 19th)

Taurus (begins the 20th)

NATURAL SPRING REMEDIES

gtgt To ease anxiety massage thetemples with lavender oil or

drink chamomile tea

gtgt Drink rosemary tea to alleviatemelancholy or depression

gtgt Trying to remain relaxed butalert Some studies suggest thatthe smell of apples apple cidervinegar or spiced apples (as in

mulled cider) have this effect

gtgt A tea of elderberry flowers isconsidered relaxing to the nerves

and is sleep inducing

gtgt For insomnia drink bee balmor chamomile tea and eat mandarin

oranges

MAY

MAY DAY Thursday 010115

CINCO DE MAYO Tuesday 050515

MOTHERS DAY Sunday 051015

ARMED FORCES DAY Saturday 051615

MEMORIAL DAY Monday 052515

birthstoneEmerald

fRUITS amp VEGGIESMango Limes Potatoes

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNSTaurus (until the 20th)Gemini (begins the 21st)

JUNE

FLAG DAY Sunday 061415

INTERNATIONAL PICNIC DAY

Thursday 061815

SUMMER SOLSTICESunday 062115

FATHERS DAY Sunday 062115

NATIONAL PINK DAYTuesday 062315

birthstoneAlexandrite Pearl amp Moonstone

fRUITS amp VEGGIESCherries Plums Pluot Okra

summer solsticeSunday 062115

The longest day of the year and the official start of summer it is often a time for festivals feasts

and celebrations

APRIL FOOLrsquoS DAY Wednesday 040115

GOOD FRIDAYFriday 040315

EASTER Sunday 040515

WORLD HEALTH DAY Tuesday 040715

TAX DAY Wednesday 041515

ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALrsquoS DAY

Wednesday 042215

EARTH DAY Wednesday 042215

ARBOR DAY Friday 042415

PASS THE SALT

gtgt Rub salt on fruitstains while still wet then

put them in the wash

gtgt To remove mildewspots rub in salt and some buttermilk

then let dry in the sun

gtgt If you spill wine or fruit juice on your tablecloth pour salt on the spot

at once to absorb the stain

gtgt Apply a paste of salt and olive oil to ugly heat rings on your table Let

sit for about an hour and then wipe off with a soft cloth

gtgt To restore some of the color to fadedfabric soak it in a strong solution of

salt and water

gtgt Discharge evil spells by throwing apinch of salt over your left shoulder

gtgt Mix a tablespoon of salt into the water of a vase of cut flowers to keep

them fresh longer

gtgt A mixture of salt and vinegar willclean brass

SPRING 2015 15

SPRING 2015

HappyMAY DAYThough May 1st comes closer to the start of spring many cultures have celebrated May Day as the first dsy of summer Either way it is a time to say goodbye to the cold winter and to welcome flow-ers dancing singing and yes flirting

Dancing around the maypole is probably the oldest known tradi-tion associated with May Day A

maypole is a tall wooden pole erected as a part of various European folk fe-stivals around which a maypole dance often takes place Another tradition popular with children and adults alike is to deliver baskets filled with flowers sweets or whatever other treats you like to a special friendrsquos house The tra-dition is to leave their May basket on the porch or in front of their door and ring the door bell When they open the door to find their basket the giver starts running - if your special friend catches you they get to kiss you

ONWARD CELEBRATE

SPRING 2015 17

Recycled cans are an inexpensive and resourceful way to make a special basket Save and clean a tall tin can (the ones pasta sauce comes in) and hammer nails into the sides to create ho-les Shape a wire hanger into the handle making sure it is long enough to fit over a door knob once it is filled with flowers or goodies Cut brown paper from a bag and use twine or decora-tive ribbon to dress it up Let your children do their own unique designing using paint paper and glue

Recycled May Day Baskets

Start A New Family

TraditionGet the kids involved in a fun project they will love and create lasting memories in the process The beauty of a May Day basket is in its hand-made simplicity so break out the crafting materials and get creative

SPRING 2015

HOT WEATHER

WATERINGWhen rain is scarce you need to make sure your garden is getting the water it needs Vegetables need water to produce so it is crucial to give them a drink when it is dry

Vegetables should be watered two or three times a week during really hot weather Watering the garden deeply

is critical you need the water to go down deep to encourage deep roots and get away from the hot soil surface Put a small cup or can in the garden soil and water until it has collected at least an inch from a sprinkler If you have planted your garden in containers they will probably need to be watered every day as container gardens seem to dry out faster than the ground If you are watering your garden by hand use a nozzle turned to the shower setting for rain-like watering If the water starts to puddle move on and come back several times to make sure the water is soaking in and the soil is thoroughly moist

Big leaf plants such as cucumbers squash and melons lose moisture fast Wilting plants are a good indication that your garden needs water - however in very hot weather these plants will wilt some during mid-day no matter what perking back up in the evening Try and avoid getting the plant leaves wet but if you are using a sprinkler it is impossible not to In this case you should water early in the morning so that the foliage will dry out quickly and minimize disease

Tomatoes are a thirsty breed and do not like to dry out If you let them go from dry to wet they will get blossom-end rot as well as cracks in the fruit from expanding too fast To avoid these problems keep the soil consistently moist

Keep your ground moist by using an organic mulch such as wheat straw finely ground bark pine needles or chopped leaves Spread mulch on the ground around and under plants This will protect the soil and roots from the hot sun A two to three inch layer of mulch makes a huge difference in the hot weather Without mulch the sun bakes the soil and you end up watering even more

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 19

Spring Planting

Many flowers can be planted as soon as the ground is soft enough to work in the

spring Some varieties can even survive a late freeze While annual flowers will give

you blossoms early perennials will not bloom right away and instead show their

colors in summer and early fall To ensure continuous color all season do some

research on blooming times

Roses are a perennial that should be planted early All roses thrive in rich well-draining soil and full sunlight

Snapdragons are an easy to grow annual that love cooler climates You can plant these in early spring when the ground is cool as they will survive a light frost They grow best in full sun and well-drained soil

Pansies are another cool season annual and extremely cold-hardy flower They can freeze thaw and continue blooming Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist but well-draining soil They will bloom until it gets too hot then they will fade and need to be replaced

Lilies are hardy flowering bulbs that are easy to care for and can be planted almost any time of the year The plantings can be staggered so they will bloom from May through September Plant lilies in early spring but place a 4 inch layer of mulch over the planting site to protect against hard freezes As the shoots emerge gradually remove the mulch Plant where they will have full sunlight and well-drained soil Beware too much water will rot the bulbs

SPRING 2015 Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

HARDY VEGETABLESBroccoli Cabbage Kohlrabi Onions Lettuce Peas Radish Spinach Turnips

GROWING CONDITIONSCool 60 - 80 degreesLose quality in hot weatherMay be replanted mid-summer for fall harvestMay survive a light frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two-four weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

your best garden

PLANTING GUIDE

Sharing tips from the Colorado Master Gardner program at Colorado State University

SEMI-HARDY VEGETABLESBeets Carrots Cauliflower Parsley Parsnips Potatoes Swiss Chard

GROWING CONDITIONSMinimum daytime temperatures of 40 - 50 degreesLess tolerant of frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

TENDER VEGETABLESBeans Celery Corn Cucumbers Summer Squash

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

VERY TENDER VEGETABLESLima Beans Cantaloupe Eggplant Peppers Pumpkin Winter Squash Pumpkins Tomatoes Watermelon

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 21Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

SPRING 2015

ONWARD LOCAL FLORALS

FRONT RANGEFLORALS

1 Savor the sunshine yellow at Happy Life Gardens in Evans located at the edge of Greeley 2000 37th St 2 Growing season is in full swing at Creekside Gardens in Littleton 5730 W Coal Mine Ave 3 Bright colors bring on spring fever at Sundance Gardens amp Landscaping in Evergreen 27866 Meadow Dr 4 Yard art inspiration at Loveland Garden Center 1801 S Lincoln Ave gtgt

Local greenhouses are gearing up for the summer season ready to provide you with beautiful plants

endless inspiration and extensive know-how for growing your best and brightest beds yet

1

2

SPRING 2015 23

We educate more than 54000 children and serve over 300000 residents in 108 square miles that spread across eight municipalities Cherry Hills Village Centennial Fox-field Glendale Greenwood Village and portions of Aurora Englewood and Denver

The Cherry Creek School District is one of the high-est achieving school districts in the state Cherry Creek Schools students consistently score well above state aver-ages on Colorado standardized assessments and above state and national averages on SAT and ACT exams

The district 2014 graduation rate is 87 compared to the state average of 77 and the national average of 782

The Cherry Creek School District has the third most Na-tional Board Certified Teachers in Colorado

Members of the 2014 graduating class earned more than $54 million in scholarships

SchoolMatchcopy an independent nationwide service has recognized the Cherry Creek School District as among only 16 of school districts nationwide with its ldquoWhat Parents Wantrdquo Award for 20 consecutive years

3037731184 wwwcherrycreekschoolsorg

ldquoTo inspire every student to think to learn to achieve to carerdquo

ldquoAll children deserve a great school in their neighborhood one they can walk or ride the bus to

with their friends These friendships between children and their families

unite communities and make them strongerrdquo

Cherry Creek Schools A Great Neighborhood School

in Every Neighborhood

4

3

SPRING 2015

5 A plethora of pansies at Sturtz amp Copeland in Boulder 2851 Valmont 6 Starting strong plants at Echterrsquos Garden Center in Arvada 5150 Garrison St 7 Itrsquos all about the artful containers at Tagawa Gardens in Parker 7711 S Parker Rd 8 Tulips in bloom at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Lakewood 1404 Quail St 9 Houseplants and hanging baskets abound at Golden City Floral in Golden 5331 Quaker St 10 Helpful and ready to share their knowledge at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Westminster 9400 Wadsworth 11 Striking and contemporary garden art at the Bath Garden Center Nursery in Fort Collins where they grow all their own plants organically 2000 E Prospect Rd

5

6

8

7

SPRING 2015 25

9

10 11

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

OVERVIEWThe strawberry plant is a hardy perennial that dies back in the winter and returns in the spring when the weather gets warm After bearing fruit many types of strawberries will produce runners called daughter plants Runners often root nearby attached to the mother plant To keep the mother plant strong and healthy only allow three daughter plants to remain attached clipping the others to plant somewhere else Strawberries will have a resting period after their first big harvest of the season but most plants will produce again in the fall if you keep them watered and weeded

If you live in Zone 6 or further north your strawberries should be planted in the spring so they will be well rooted by the following winter They can be replanted in late summer and moved to a cool protected place such as an unheated garage during the winter months Most sweet fruits require an abundance of sunshine Strawberries require at least 8 hours daily of full sun

Homegrown strawberries just may be the sweetest juiciest and most aromatic berries you will ever taste An easy to grow fruit their crop will reward the home gardener with ample harvests for many years

and prefer a slightly acidic soil If you soil is slightly alkaline it would be better to grow the berries in large containers filled with potting mix The plants wonrsquot do well in clay soil but by mixing in 4 inches of compost they will be fine If you are planting directly into the ground space your plants 18 inches apart making room for runners Be sure to set plants so that their roots are well covered with soil but the central bud or crown is exposed to light and air If you bury the crown your plant could rot

Mulch between plants after planting to keep the soil temperature cool deter weeds and to keep the fruit off the soil Straw is the traditional strawberry mulch Do not use black plastic since it will raise the soil temperature and optimal fruit production requires cool soil Plants will start blooming in early spring and they must be visited by the bees or other pollinating insects before they can set fruit In warm weather you should have ripe fruit about 30 days after blossoms are fertilized

STRAWBERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015 27

GROWING TIPSbull Well drained sandy loam with a

soil pH from 58 to 62 is idealbull Donrsquot plant where tomatoes

potatoes peppers or eggplant have been grown recently (verticillium rot)

bull Be sure you have certified disease-free plants

bull Select plants with large crowns and healthy light-colored roots

bull Amend soil with 1-2 inches of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure

bull Keep weeds from competing with your strawberry plants

bull Make a hole large enough to spread the roots Hill the center of the hole and place the crown slightly above soil level Spread the roots downward on the hill Fill the hole making sure the soil only goes halfway up the crown

bull Do not over fertilize or you will have excessive leaf growth and poor flowering Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting at the rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet

CHOOSING YOUR PLANTSThere are basically 3 types of strawberry plants to choose from June bearing Everbearing and Day Neutral

JUNE BEARINGJune Bearing strawberries produce a single large crop per year during a 2 - 3 week period in the spring June bearers are the traditionally grown plants producing a single flush of flowers and many runners They are classified into early mid-season and late varieties The largest fruits are generally from June bearing varieties

EVERBEARINGEverbearing strawberries produce two to three harvests of fruit intermittently during the spring summer and fall Everbearing plants do not send out many runners

DAY NEUTRALDay Neutral strawberries will produce fruit throughout the growing season These strawberries also produce few runners Everbearing and day neutral strawberries are great when space is limited but the fruits are usually somewhat smaller than June bearers

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

STRAWBERRY RECIPESSavor the bounty of your strawberry crop by indulging in these red berry recipes perfect for fresh spring eating

STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE ICE BOX CAKE

2 lb fresh strawberries2 sleeves graham crackers1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened1 - 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk2 - 34 oz instant cheesecake flavored pudding3 C milk1 - 12 oz carton frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip)

1 Clean and thinly slice strawberries set aside

2 Line the bottom of a 9x13 pan with graham crackers You may need to break some of the crackers to fit them in the pan

3 Combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl beat until creamy Add pudding mix and additional 3 C milk beat until mixture starts to thicken Fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping just until combined

4 Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers Smooth it out and place a layer of strawberries on top Add another layer of graham crackers top with remaining cream cheese mixture and strawberries Cover and refrigerate for 6-8 hours

5 When ready to serve top with remaining whipped topping Garnish with any remaining strawberries and graham cracker crumbs If the strawberries leave extra moisture from setting overnight dab the excess with a paper towel before adding final toppings

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE

(serves 4-6)6 - 7 C baby spinach2 C strawberries hulled and sliced1 C blueberries (optional)12 C toasted chopped pecans4 oz goat cheese (or other favorite soft white cheese)

2 12 Tbsp raspberry vinegar6 Tbsp vegetable oil14 C honey12 tsp dijon mustard2 Tbsp finely minced shallots14 tsp salt18 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 Toast the pecans by placing in a skillet over medium heat Stir or toss so they wonrsquot burn 1-2 minutes or until fragrant Mix with the spinach and berries

2 Whisk all the dressing ingredients together blending well so the honey doesnrsquot settle to the bottom

3 Just before serving toss the spinach mix with the dressing and top with cheese or pass the dressing and cheese separately for individual topping

TRIPLE DECKER STRAWBERRY CLUB SANDWICH

makes 4 large sandwiches

1 lb bacon2 lbs (4 pieces) boneless skinless chicken breast halvessalt and pepper1 avocado2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice13 C mayo12 slices whole wheat bread2 C baby spinach1 12 C strawberries hulled and sliced

1 Fry the bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet and adjust to medium-high heat Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper add to skillet and partially cover Cook until both sides are golden about 10 minutes turning once Let rest 5-10 minutes and thinly slice

2 Mash the avocado with lemon juice and stir in the mayo season with salt and peper

3 Toast the bread slices and spread each with 1 tablespoon avocado mixture Divide the chicken among 4 slices of toast and top each with several slices of bacon Cover each stack with another toast slice layer with spinach sliced strawberries and remaining toast slice Cut into quarters

SPRING 2015 29

FASHION

spring huesGO BOLD WITH MODERN COLOR TRENDS LIKE RED AND NAVY THIS SEASON gtgt

SPRING 2015

5

MODERN SPRING HUES [1] Roll Sleeve Slim Dress Equipment $25800 scoopnyccom [2] Shredded Jersey Tank Raquel Allegra $6600 theoutnetcom [3] Kale Watch WeWood $12000 amazoncom [4] Gold Batik Scarf Color Island $8100 shoptiquescom [5] Skyler Hat Brixton X UO $6000 urbanoutfitterscom

1

4

Spring Into The UNCONVENTIONAL

A mix of classic neutrals and unconventional pops of color make springrsquos go-to color palette a cool and

modern mix of old and new

3

FASHION

NAVY

MILITARYGREEN

GOLDENRODYELLOW

BURNTORANGE

2

SPRING 2015 31

1

[1] Striped Mini Skirt T by Alexander Wang $12500 net-a-portercom [2] Techno Paisley Lace Dress House of Holland $66300 luisaviaromacom [3] Striped Kimono Front Trouser Chloe $171600 matchesoffashioncom [4] Emerald Catrsquos Eye Charm Kendra Scott $2000 neimanmarcuscom

RED

PACIFICBLUE

EMERALD

2

3

4

Shibori TIE-DYE

The seasonrsquos must-have print inspired by a tradi-tional Japanese method of tie-dying fabrics using

various binding techniques to create different pat-terns Look to add a Shibori dyed scarf or tote bag

to your closet this seasonShibori Tie Dye Scarf HSSS Artisans uncommongoodscom

Blue market Tote Bag AikoThreads $2100 etsycomshopAikoThreads

SPRING 2015 33

SPRING 2015 3333

DRAGONFLY APPAREL3615 W 32ND AVE

DENVER CO 80211303-433-6331

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 35

FOOD ETCLIGHTER FARE RECIPES A PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN DECADENT CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE AND FUN RECIPES FOR THE KIDS

FRESH FRUIT SALSA WITH BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS

Skip the chocolate-heavy desserts and opt for this fresh and incredibly satisfying sweet treat

2 lb fresh strawberries chopped8 oz fresh raspberries2 kiwis peeled and diced2 apples diced1 Tbsp brown sugar2 Tbsp granulated sugar3 Tbsp fruit preserves your choice of flavor

4 flour tortillas4 Tbsp granulated sugar1 12 tsp cinnamonbutter flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix up the fruit salsa by combining all ingredients and chill-ing in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes

Combine the cinnamon and sugar spray one side of each flour tortilla with the cooking spray stack and cut into wedges Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (as much as you like) Give the chips another light coat of cooking spray be-fore baking in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes Watch closely so they donrsquot get too brown Let cool before serving with fresh fruit salsa

Lighter FARE

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015 9

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 11

CONTENTS

SPRING 2015

Publishing DirectorCasey OrrCreative DirectorKaley RhodesEditorialKelsey Sindorf Kimba Orr Allison Orr Bobby SindorfAdvertising SalesTim Ingle

Contacts Advertising InformationTimLivingInDenverco

Ph 303-955-5036 ADVERTISINGGeneral InquiriesContactMyPelicanMagazinecom

More Information About Pelican PublicationsMagazine Publishing amp Marketing Consulting

Pelican distributes LIVING IN DENVER magazines to Denver NEWCOMERS through real estate agents chambers of commerce and wwwLivingInDenverco

Pelican distributes WILDLIFE maga-zines to WILDLIFE ENTHUSIASTS in Kansas through email subscribers local businesses and wwwMWMKScom

Office7550 W Yale Ave Suite A-100 Denver CO 80227

wwwMyPelicanMagazinecom

copy 2014 Pelican Publications All rights reserved

No part of this magazine may be reproduced stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by no means electronic mechanical photocopying recording or otherwise without prior permission of the publisher

13

14

18

26

29

35

37

40

42

44

46

48

50

55

ONWARD

Spring Forward

Living Inlsquos Months Ahead

Garden Tending

Strawberry Bliss

FASHION

Spring Color Trends

FOOD ETC

Lighter Fare

Perfectly Cooked Chicken

Try Something New

Fun With The Kids

WELCOME HOME

The 6 Steps To Buying A Home

Mortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House Hunting

Design Files High Style Prairie Design

GIVING BACK

Summer School Lunch Programs

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 13

ONWARDNOTEWORTHY DATES HELPFUL TIPS amp REMINDERS TO LIVE YOUR BEST SPRING MONTHS AHEAD

SpringFORWARD

1 Clean gutters downspouts and donrsquot forget the birds Clean out their feeders and houses and re-fill with fresh food

2 Check to see if any tree bran-ches broke over the winter and cut them back Trim the bushes around the house within five feet to help with ventilation and drying out of surfaces

3 Seal any cracks in your driveway and sidewalk or other cement surfaces

4 Power wash your deck or patio get out stored patio furnitures and wipe down

5 Inspect all garden hoses and exterior faucets for possible freeze damage from winter weather

6 Be sure to check your roof for missing shingles or other damage that may have occurred over the winter Consider hiring a professional for this job

7 Remove dead flowers and weed garden beds fre-quently Give young trees standard shrubs and roses extra support with stakes

8 Once May arrives check your garden plants regular-ly for snails and slugs tidy up early-flowering Clematis and place supports bet-ween tall perennials

Warm weather fever has hit ready your home and garden with these eight easy preparations

plusCELEBRATE MAY DAYGARDEN TENDINGSWEET BERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015

LIVING INrsquoS MONTHS AHEAD

Spring2015 find more online

l i v i n g i n d e n v e r c oco

ldquoHappiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already haverdquo

APRIL

april foolrsquos dayWednesday 040115

Popular since the 19th century it is not a national holiday but is celebrated as a day to play practical jokes and hoaxes on each

other

birthstoneDiamond and Crystal

flowerDaisy and Sweet Pea

fRUITS amp VEGGIESStrawberry Asian Pear Tomatillos

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNSAries (until the 19th)

Taurus (begins the 20th)

NATURAL SPRING REMEDIES

gtgt To ease anxiety massage thetemples with lavender oil or

drink chamomile tea

gtgt Drink rosemary tea to alleviatemelancholy or depression

gtgt Trying to remain relaxed butalert Some studies suggest thatthe smell of apples apple cidervinegar or spiced apples (as in

mulled cider) have this effect

gtgt A tea of elderberry flowers isconsidered relaxing to the nerves

and is sleep inducing

gtgt For insomnia drink bee balmor chamomile tea and eat mandarin

oranges

MAY

MAY DAY Thursday 010115

CINCO DE MAYO Tuesday 050515

MOTHERS DAY Sunday 051015

ARMED FORCES DAY Saturday 051615

MEMORIAL DAY Monday 052515

birthstoneEmerald

fRUITS amp VEGGIESMango Limes Potatoes

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNSTaurus (until the 20th)Gemini (begins the 21st)

JUNE

FLAG DAY Sunday 061415

INTERNATIONAL PICNIC DAY

Thursday 061815

SUMMER SOLSTICESunday 062115

FATHERS DAY Sunday 062115

NATIONAL PINK DAYTuesday 062315

birthstoneAlexandrite Pearl amp Moonstone

fRUITS amp VEGGIESCherries Plums Pluot Okra

summer solsticeSunday 062115

The longest day of the year and the official start of summer it is often a time for festivals feasts

and celebrations

APRIL FOOLrsquoS DAY Wednesday 040115

GOOD FRIDAYFriday 040315

EASTER Sunday 040515

WORLD HEALTH DAY Tuesday 040715

TAX DAY Wednesday 041515

ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALrsquoS DAY

Wednesday 042215

EARTH DAY Wednesday 042215

ARBOR DAY Friday 042415

PASS THE SALT

gtgt Rub salt on fruitstains while still wet then

put them in the wash

gtgt To remove mildewspots rub in salt and some buttermilk

then let dry in the sun

gtgt If you spill wine or fruit juice on your tablecloth pour salt on the spot

at once to absorb the stain

gtgt Apply a paste of salt and olive oil to ugly heat rings on your table Let

sit for about an hour and then wipe off with a soft cloth

gtgt To restore some of the color to fadedfabric soak it in a strong solution of

salt and water

gtgt Discharge evil spells by throwing apinch of salt over your left shoulder

gtgt Mix a tablespoon of salt into the water of a vase of cut flowers to keep

them fresh longer

gtgt A mixture of salt and vinegar willclean brass

SPRING 2015 15

SPRING 2015

HappyMAY DAYThough May 1st comes closer to the start of spring many cultures have celebrated May Day as the first dsy of summer Either way it is a time to say goodbye to the cold winter and to welcome flow-ers dancing singing and yes flirting

Dancing around the maypole is probably the oldest known tradi-tion associated with May Day A

maypole is a tall wooden pole erected as a part of various European folk fe-stivals around which a maypole dance often takes place Another tradition popular with children and adults alike is to deliver baskets filled with flowers sweets or whatever other treats you like to a special friendrsquos house The tra-dition is to leave their May basket on the porch or in front of their door and ring the door bell When they open the door to find their basket the giver starts running - if your special friend catches you they get to kiss you

ONWARD CELEBRATE

SPRING 2015 17

Recycled cans are an inexpensive and resourceful way to make a special basket Save and clean a tall tin can (the ones pasta sauce comes in) and hammer nails into the sides to create ho-les Shape a wire hanger into the handle making sure it is long enough to fit over a door knob once it is filled with flowers or goodies Cut brown paper from a bag and use twine or decora-tive ribbon to dress it up Let your children do their own unique designing using paint paper and glue

Recycled May Day Baskets

Start A New Family

TraditionGet the kids involved in a fun project they will love and create lasting memories in the process The beauty of a May Day basket is in its hand-made simplicity so break out the crafting materials and get creative

SPRING 2015

HOT WEATHER

WATERINGWhen rain is scarce you need to make sure your garden is getting the water it needs Vegetables need water to produce so it is crucial to give them a drink when it is dry

Vegetables should be watered two or three times a week during really hot weather Watering the garden deeply

is critical you need the water to go down deep to encourage deep roots and get away from the hot soil surface Put a small cup or can in the garden soil and water until it has collected at least an inch from a sprinkler If you have planted your garden in containers they will probably need to be watered every day as container gardens seem to dry out faster than the ground If you are watering your garden by hand use a nozzle turned to the shower setting for rain-like watering If the water starts to puddle move on and come back several times to make sure the water is soaking in and the soil is thoroughly moist

Big leaf plants such as cucumbers squash and melons lose moisture fast Wilting plants are a good indication that your garden needs water - however in very hot weather these plants will wilt some during mid-day no matter what perking back up in the evening Try and avoid getting the plant leaves wet but if you are using a sprinkler it is impossible not to In this case you should water early in the morning so that the foliage will dry out quickly and minimize disease

Tomatoes are a thirsty breed and do not like to dry out If you let them go from dry to wet they will get blossom-end rot as well as cracks in the fruit from expanding too fast To avoid these problems keep the soil consistently moist

Keep your ground moist by using an organic mulch such as wheat straw finely ground bark pine needles or chopped leaves Spread mulch on the ground around and under plants This will protect the soil and roots from the hot sun A two to three inch layer of mulch makes a huge difference in the hot weather Without mulch the sun bakes the soil and you end up watering even more

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 19

Spring Planting

Many flowers can be planted as soon as the ground is soft enough to work in the

spring Some varieties can even survive a late freeze While annual flowers will give

you blossoms early perennials will not bloom right away and instead show their

colors in summer and early fall To ensure continuous color all season do some

research on blooming times

Roses are a perennial that should be planted early All roses thrive in rich well-draining soil and full sunlight

Snapdragons are an easy to grow annual that love cooler climates You can plant these in early spring when the ground is cool as they will survive a light frost They grow best in full sun and well-drained soil

Pansies are another cool season annual and extremely cold-hardy flower They can freeze thaw and continue blooming Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist but well-draining soil They will bloom until it gets too hot then they will fade and need to be replaced

Lilies are hardy flowering bulbs that are easy to care for and can be planted almost any time of the year The plantings can be staggered so they will bloom from May through September Plant lilies in early spring but place a 4 inch layer of mulch over the planting site to protect against hard freezes As the shoots emerge gradually remove the mulch Plant where they will have full sunlight and well-drained soil Beware too much water will rot the bulbs

SPRING 2015 Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

HARDY VEGETABLESBroccoli Cabbage Kohlrabi Onions Lettuce Peas Radish Spinach Turnips

GROWING CONDITIONSCool 60 - 80 degreesLose quality in hot weatherMay be replanted mid-summer for fall harvestMay survive a light frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two-four weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

your best garden

PLANTING GUIDE

Sharing tips from the Colorado Master Gardner program at Colorado State University

SEMI-HARDY VEGETABLESBeets Carrots Cauliflower Parsley Parsnips Potatoes Swiss Chard

GROWING CONDITIONSMinimum daytime temperatures of 40 - 50 degreesLess tolerant of frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

TENDER VEGETABLESBeans Celery Corn Cucumbers Summer Squash

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

VERY TENDER VEGETABLESLima Beans Cantaloupe Eggplant Peppers Pumpkin Winter Squash Pumpkins Tomatoes Watermelon

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 21Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

SPRING 2015

ONWARD LOCAL FLORALS

FRONT RANGEFLORALS

1 Savor the sunshine yellow at Happy Life Gardens in Evans located at the edge of Greeley 2000 37th St 2 Growing season is in full swing at Creekside Gardens in Littleton 5730 W Coal Mine Ave 3 Bright colors bring on spring fever at Sundance Gardens amp Landscaping in Evergreen 27866 Meadow Dr 4 Yard art inspiration at Loveland Garden Center 1801 S Lincoln Ave gtgt

Local greenhouses are gearing up for the summer season ready to provide you with beautiful plants

endless inspiration and extensive know-how for growing your best and brightest beds yet

1

2

SPRING 2015 23

We educate more than 54000 children and serve over 300000 residents in 108 square miles that spread across eight municipalities Cherry Hills Village Centennial Fox-field Glendale Greenwood Village and portions of Aurora Englewood and Denver

The Cherry Creek School District is one of the high-est achieving school districts in the state Cherry Creek Schools students consistently score well above state aver-ages on Colorado standardized assessments and above state and national averages on SAT and ACT exams

The district 2014 graduation rate is 87 compared to the state average of 77 and the national average of 782

The Cherry Creek School District has the third most Na-tional Board Certified Teachers in Colorado

Members of the 2014 graduating class earned more than $54 million in scholarships

SchoolMatchcopy an independent nationwide service has recognized the Cherry Creek School District as among only 16 of school districts nationwide with its ldquoWhat Parents Wantrdquo Award for 20 consecutive years

3037731184 wwwcherrycreekschoolsorg

ldquoTo inspire every student to think to learn to achieve to carerdquo

ldquoAll children deserve a great school in their neighborhood one they can walk or ride the bus to

with their friends These friendships between children and their families

unite communities and make them strongerrdquo

Cherry Creek Schools A Great Neighborhood School

in Every Neighborhood

4

3

SPRING 2015

5 A plethora of pansies at Sturtz amp Copeland in Boulder 2851 Valmont 6 Starting strong plants at Echterrsquos Garden Center in Arvada 5150 Garrison St 7 Itrsquos all about the artful containers at Tagawa Gardens in Parker 7711 S Parker Rd 8 Tulips in bloom at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Lakewood 1404 Quail St 9 Houseplants and hanging baskets abound at Golden City Floral in Golden 5331 Quaker St 10 Helpful and ready to share their knowledge at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Westminster 9400 Wadsworth 11 Striking and contemporary garden art at the Bath Garden Center Nursery in Fort Collins where they grow all their own plants organically 2000 E Prospect Rd

5

6

8

7

SPRING 2015 25

9

10 11

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

OVERVIEWThe strawberry plant is a hardy perennial that dies back in the winter and returns in the spring when the weather gets warm After bearing fruit many types of strawberries will produce runners called daughter plants Runners often root nearby attached to the mother plant To keep the mother plant strong and healthy only allow three daughter plants to remain attached clipping the others to plant somewhere else Strawberries will have a resting period after their first big harvest of the season but most plants will produce again in the fall if you keep them watered and weeded

If you live in Zone 6 or further north your strawberries should be planted in the spring so they will be well rooted by the following winter They can be replanted in late summer and moved to a cool protected place such as an unheated garage during the winter months Most sweet fruits require an abundance of sunshine Strawberries require at least 8 hours daily of full sun

Homegrown strawberries just may be the sweetest juiciest and most aromatic berries you will ever taste An easy to grow fruit their crop will reward the home gardener with ample harvests for many years

and prefer a slightly acidic soil If you soil is slightly alkaline it would be better to grow the berries in large containers filled with potting mix The plants wonrsquot do well in clay soil but by mixing in 4 inches of compost they will be fine If you are planting directly into the ground space your plants 18 inches apart making room for runners Be sure to set plants so that their roots are well covered with soil but the central bud or crown is exposed to light and air If you bury the crown your plant could rot

Mulch between plants after planting to keep the soil temperature cool deter weeds and to keep the fruit off the soil Straw is the traditional strawberry mulch Do not use black plastic since it will raise the soil temperature and optimal fruit production requires cool soil Plants will start blooming in early spring and they must be visited by the bees or other pollinating insects before they can set fruit In warm weather you should have ripe fruit about 30 days after blossoms are fertilized

STRAWBERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015 27

GROWING TIPSbull Well drained sandy loam with a

soil pH from 58 to 62 is idealbull Donrsquot plant where tomatoes

potatoes peppers or eggplant have been grown recently (verticillium rot)

bull Be sure you have certified disease-free plants

bull Select plants with large crowns and healthy light-colored roots

bull Amend soil with 1-2 inches of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure

bull Keep weeds from competing with your strawberry plants

bull Make a hole large enough to spread the roots Hill the center of the hole and place the crown slightly above soil level Spread the roots downward on the hill Fill the hole making sure the soil only goes halfway up the crown

bull Do not over fertilize or you will have excessive leaf growth and poor flowering Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting at the rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet

CHOOSING YOUR PLANTSThere are basically 3 types of strawberry plants to choose from June bearing Everbearing and Day Neutral

JUNE BEARINGJune Bearing strawberries produce a single large crop per year during a 2 - 3 week period in the spring June bearers are the traditionally grown plants producing a single flush of flowers and many runners They are classified into early mid-season and late varieties The largest fruits are generally from June bearing varieties

EVERBEARINGEverbearing strawberries produce two to three harvests of fruit intermittently during the spring summer and fall Everbearing plants do not send out many runners

DAY NEUTRALDay Neutral strawberries will produce fruit throughout the growing season These strawberries also produce few runners Everbearing and day neutral strawberries are great when space is limited but the fruits are usually somewhat smaller than June bearers

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

STRAWBERRY RECIPESSavor the bounty of your strawberry crop by indulging in these red berry recipes perfect for fresh spring eating

STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE ICE BOX CAKE

2 lb fresh strawberries2 sleeves graham crackers1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened1 - 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk2 - 34 oz instant cheesecake flavored pudding3 C milk1 - 12 oz carton frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip)

1 Clean and thinly slice strawberries set aside

2 Line the bottom of a 9x13 pan with graham crackers You may need to break some of the crackers to fit them in the pan

3 Combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl beat until creamy Add pudding mix and additional 3 C milk beat until mixture starts to thicken Fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping just until combined

4 Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers Smooth it out and place a layer of strawberries on top Add another layer of graham crackers top with remaining cream cheese mixture and strawberries Cover and refrigerate for 6-8 hours

5 When ready to serve top with remaining whipped topping Garnish with any remaining strawberries and graham cracker crumbs If the strawberries leave extra moisture from setting overnight dab the excess with a paper towel before adding final toppings

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE

(serves 4-6)6 - 7 C baby spinach2 C strawberries hulled and sliced1 C blueberries (optional)12 C toasted chopped pecans4 oz goat cheese (or other favorite soft white cheese)

2 12 Tbsp raspberry vinegar6 Tbsp vegetable oil14 C honey12 tsp dijon mustard2 Tbsp finely minced shallots14 tsp salt18 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 Toast the pecans by placing in a skillet over medium heat Stir or toss so they wonrsquot burn 1-2 minutes or until fragrant Mix with the spinach and berries

2 Whisk all the dressing ingredients together blending well so the honey doesnrsquot settle to the bottom

3 Just before serving toss the spinach mix with the dressing and top with cheese or pass the dressing and cheese separately for individual topping

TRIPLE DECKER STRAWBERRY CLUB SANDWICH

makes 4 large sandwiches

1 lb bacon2 lbs (4 pieces) boneless skinless chicken breast halvessalt and pepper1 avocado2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice13 C mayo12 slices whole wheat bread2 C baby spinach1 12 C strawberries hulled and sliced

1 Fry the bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet and adjust to medium-high heat Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper add to skillet and partially cover Cook until both sides are golden about 10 minutes turning once Let rest 5-10 minutes and thinly slice

2 Mash the avocado with lemon juice and stir in the mayo season with salt and peper

3 Toast the bread slices and spread each with 1 tablespoon avocado mixture Divide the chicken among 4 slices of toast and top each with several slices of bacon Cover each stack with another toast slice layer with spinach sliced strawberries and remaining toast slice Cut into quarters

SPRING 2015 29

FASHION

spring huesGO BOLD WITH MODERN COLOR TRENDS LIKE RED AND NAVY THIS SEASON gtgt

SPRING 2015

5

MODERN SPRING HUES [1] Roll Sleeve Slim Dress Equipment $25800 scoopnyccom [2] Shredded Jersey Tank Raquel Allegra $6600 theoutnetcom [3] Kale Watch WeWood $12000 amazoncom [4] Gold Batik Scarf Color Island $8100 shoptiquescom [5] Skyler Hat Brixton X UO $6000 urbanoutfitterscom

1

4

Spring Into The UNCONVENTIONAL

A mix of classic neutrals and unconventional pops of color make springrsquos go-to color palette a cool and

modern mix of old and new

3

FASHION

NAVY

MILITARYGREEN

GOLDENRODYELLOW

BURNTORANGE

2

SPRING 2015 31

1

[1] Striped Mini Skirt T by Alexander Wang $12500 net-a-portercom [2] Techno Paisley Lace Dress House of Holland $66300 luisaviaromacom [3] Striped Kimono Front Trouser Chloe $171600 matchesoffashioncom [4] Emerald Catrsquos Eye Charm Kendra Scott $2000 neimanmarcuscom

RED

PACIFICBLUE

EMERALD

2

3

4

Shibori TIE-DYE

The seasonrsquos must-have print inspired by a tradi-tional Japanese method of tie-dying fabrics using

various binding techniques to create different pat-terns Look to add a Shibori dyed scarf or tote bag

to your closet this seasonShibori Tie Dye Scarf HSSS Artisans uncommongoodscom

Blue market Tote Bag AikoThreads $2100 etsycomshopAikoThreads

SPRING 2015 33

SPRING 2015 3333

DRAGONFLY APPAREL3615 W 32ND AVE

DENVER CO 80211303-433-6331

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 35

FOOD ETCLIGHTER FARE RECIPES A PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN DECADENT CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE AND FUN RECIPES FOR THE KIDS

FRESH FRUIT SALSA WITH BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS

Skip the chocolate-heavy desserts and opt for this fresh and incredibly satisfying sweet treat

2 lb fresh strawberries chopped8 oz fresh raspberries2 kiwis peeled and diced2 apples diced1 Tbsp brown sugar2 Tbsp granulated sugar3 Tbsp fruit preserves your choice of flavor

4 flour tortillas4 Tbsp granulated sugar1 12 tsp cinnamonbutter flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix up the fruit salsa by combining all ingredients and chill-ing in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes

Combine the cinnamon and sugar spray one side of each flour tortilla with the cooking spray stack and cut into wedges Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (as much as you like) Give the chips another light coat of cooking spray be-fore baking in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes Watch closely so they donrsquot get too brown Let cool before serving with fresh fruit salsa

Lighter FARE

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 11

CONTENTS

SPRING 2015

Publishing DirectorCasey OrrCreative DirectorKaley RhodesEditorialKelsey Sindorf Kimba Orr Allison Orr Bobby SindorfAdvertising SalesTim Ingle

Contacts Advertising InformationTimLivingInDenverco

Ph 303-955-5036 ADVERTISINGGeneral InquiriesContactMyPelicanMagazinecom

More Information About Pelican PublicationsMagazine Publishing amp Marketing Consulting

Pelican distributes LIVING IN DENVER magazines to Denver NEWCOMERS through real estate agents chambers of commerce and wwwLivingInDenverco

Pelican distributes WILDLIFE maga-zines to WILDLIFE ENTHUSIASTS in Kansas through email subscribers local businesses and wwwMWMKScom

Office7550 W Yale Ave Suite A-100 Denver CO 80227

wwwMyPelicanMagazinecom

copy 2014 Pelican Publications All rights reserved

No part of this magazine may be reproduced stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by no means electronic mechanical photocopying recording or otherwise without prior permission of the publisher

13

14

18

26

29

35

37

40

42

44

46

48

50

55

ONWARD

Spring Forward

Living Inlsquos Months Ahead

Garden Tending

Strawberry Bliss

FASHION

Spring Color Trends

FOOD ETC

Lighter Fare

Perfectly Cooked Chicken

Try Something New

Fun With The Kids

WELCOME HOME

The 6 Steps To Buying A Home

Mortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House Hunting

Design Files High Style Prairie Design

GIVING BACK

Summer School Lunch Programs

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 13

ONWARDNOTEWORTHY DATES HELPFUL TIPS amp REMINDERS TO LIVE YOUR BEST SPRING MONTHS AHEAD

SpringFORWARD

1 Clean gutters downspouts and donrsquot forget the birds Clean out their feeders and houses and re-fill with fresh food

2 Check to see if any tree bran-ches broke over the winter and cut them back Trim the bushes around the house within five feet to help with ventilation and drying out of surfaces

3 Seal any cracks in your driveway and sidewalk or other cement surfaces

4 Power wash your deck or patio get out stored patio furnitures and wipe down

5 Inspect all garden hoses and exterior faucets for possible freeze damage from winter weather

6 Be sure to check your roof for missing shingles or other damage that may have occurred over the winter Consider hiring a professional for this job

7 Remove dead flowers and weed garden beds fre-quently Give young trees standard shrubs and roses extra support with stakes

8 Once May arrives check your garden plants regular-ly for snails and slugs tidy up early-flowering Clematis and place supports bet-ween tall perennials

Warm weather fever has hit ready your home and garden with these eight easy preparations

plusCELEBRATE MAY DAYGARDEN TENDINGSWEET BERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015

LIVING INrsquoS MONTHS AHEAD

Spring2015 find more online

l i v i n g i n d e n v e r c oco

ldquoHappiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already haverdquo

APRIL

april foolrsquos dayWednesday 040115

Popular since the 19th century it is not a national holiday but is celebrated as a day to play practical jokes and hoaxes on each

other

birthstoneDiamond and Crystal

flowerDaisy and Sweet Pea

fRUITS amp VEGGIESStrawberry Asian Pear Tomatillos

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNSAries (until the 19th)

Taurus (begins the 20th)

NATURAL SPRING REMEDIES

gtgt To ease anxiety massage thetemples with lavender oil or

drink chamomile tea

gtgt Drink rosemary tea to alleviatemelancholy or depression

gtgt Trying to remain relaxed butalert Some studies suggest thatthe smell of apples apple cidervinegar or spiced apples (as in

mulled cider) have this effect

gtgt A tea of elderberry flowers isconsidered relaxing to the nerves

and is sleep inducing

gtgt For insomnia drink bee balmor chamomile tea and eat mandarin

oranges

MAY

MAY DAY Thursday 010115

CINCO DE MAYO Tuesday 050515

MOTHERS DAY Sunday 051015

ARMED FORCES DAY Saturday 051615

MEMORIAL DAY Monday 052515

birthstoneEmerald

fRUITS amp VEGGIESMango Limes Potatoes

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNSTaurus (until the 20th)Gemini (begins the 21st)

JUNE

FLAG DAY Sunday 061415

INTERNATIONAL PICNIC DAY

Thursday 061815

SUMMER SOLSTICESunday 062115

FATHERS DAY Sunday 062115

NATIONAL PINK DAYTuesday 062315

birthstoneAlexandrite Pearl amp Moonstone

fRUITS amp VEGGIESCherries Plums Pluot Okra

summer solsticeSunday 062115

The longest day of the year and the official start of summer it is often a time for festivals feasts

and celebrations

APRIL FOOLrsquoS DAY Wednesday 040115

GOOD FRIDAYFriday 040315

EASTER Sunday 040515

WORLD HEALTH DAY Tuesday 040715

TAX DAY Wednesday 041515

ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALrsquoS DAY

Wednesday 042215

EARTH DAY Wednesday 042215

ARBOR DAY Friday 042415

PASS THE SALT

gtgt Rub salt on fruitstains while still wet then

put them in the wash

gtgt To remove mildewspots rub in salt and some buttermilk

then let dry in the sun

gtgt If you spill wine or fruit juice on your tablecloth pour salt on the spot

at once to absorb the stain

gtgt Apply a paste of salt and olive oil to ugly heat rings on your table Let

sit for about an hour and then wipe off with a soft cloth

gtgt To restore some of the color to fadedfabric soak it in a strong solution of

salt and water

gtgt Discharge evil spells by throwing apinch of salt over your left shoulder

gtgt Mix a tablespoon of salt into the water of a vase of cut flowers to keep

them fresh longer

gtgt A mixture of salt and vinegar willclean brass

SPRING 2015 15

SPRING 2015

HappyMAY DAYThough May 1st comes closer to the start of spring many cultures have celebrated May Day as the first dsy of summer Either way it is a time to say goodbye to the cold winter and to welcome flow-ers dancing singing and yes flirting

Dancing around the maypole is probably the oldest known tradi-tion associated with May Day A

maypole is a tall wooden pole erected as a part of various European folk fe-stivals around which a maypole dance often takes place Another tradition popular with children and adults alike is to deliver baskets filled with flowers sweets or whatever other treats you like to a special friendrsquos house The tra-dition is to leave their May basket on the porch or in front of their door and ring the door bell When they open the door to find their basket the giver starts running - if your special friend catches you they get to kiss you

ONWARD CELEBRATE

SPRING 2015 17

Recycled cans are an inexpensive and resourceful way to make a special basket Save and clean a tall tin can (the ones pasta sauce comes in) and hammer nails into the sides to create ho-les Shape a wire hanger into the handle making sure it is long enough to fit over a door knob once it is filled with flowers or goodies Cut brown paper from a bag and use twine or decora-tive ribbon to dress it up Let your children do their own unique designing using paint paper and glue

Recycled May Day Baskets

Start A New Family

TraditionGet the kids involved in a fun project they will love and create lasting memories in the process The beauty of a May Day basket is in its hand-made simplicity so break out the crafting materials and get creative

SPRING 2015

HOT WEATHER

WATERINGWhen rain is scarce you need to make sure your garden is getting the water it needs Vegetables need water to produce so it is crucial to give them a drink when it is dry

Vegetables should be watered two or three times a week during really hot weather Watering the garden deeply

is critical you need the water to go down deep to encourage deep roots and get away from the hot soil surface Put a small cup or can in the garden soil and water until it has collected at least an inch from a sprinkler If you have planted your garden in containers they will probably need to be watered every day as container gardens seem to dry out faster than the ground If you are watering your garden by hand use a nozzle turned to the shower setting for rain-like watering If the water starts to puddle move on and come back several times to make sure the water is soaking in and the soil is thoroughly moist

Big leaf plants such as cucumbers squash and melons lose moisture fast Wilting plants are a good indication that your garden needs water - however in very hot weather these plants will wilt some during mid-day no matter what perking back up in the evening Try and avoid getting the plant leaves wet but if you are using a sprinkler it is impossible not to In this case you should water early in the morning so that the foliage will dry out quickly and minimize disease

Tomatoes are a thirsty breed and do not like to dry out If you let them go from dry to wet they will get blossom-end rot as well as cracks in the fruit from expanding too fast To avoid these problems keep the soil consistently moist

Keep your ground moist by using an organic mulch such as wheat straw finely ground bark pine needles or chopped leaves Spread mulch on the ground around and under plants This will protect the soil and roots from the hot sun A two to three inch layer of mulch makes a huge difference in the hot weather Without mulch the sun bakes the soil and you end up watering even more

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 19

Spring Planting

Many flowers can be planted as soon as the ground is soft enough to work in the

spring Some varieties can even survive a late freeze While annual flowers will give

you blossoms early perennials will not bloom right away and instead show their

colors in summer and early fall To ensure continuous color all season do some

research on blooming times

Roses are a perennial that should be planted early All roses thrive in rich well-draining soil and full sunlight

Snapdragons are an easy to grow annual that love cooler climates You can plant these in early spring when the ground is cool as they will survive a light frost They grow best in full sun and well-drained soil

Pansies are another cool season annual and extremely cold-hardy flower They can freeze thaw and continue blooming Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist but well-draining soil They will bloom until it gets too hot then they will fade and need to be replaced

Lilies are hardy flowering bulbs that are easy to care for and can be planted almost any time of the year The plantings can be staggered so they will bloom from May through September Plant lilies in early spring but place a 4 inch layer of mulch over the planting site to protect against hard freezes As the shoots emerge gradually remove the mulch Plant where they will have full sunlight and well-drained soil Beware too much water will rot the bulbs

SPRING 2015 Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

HARDY VEGETABLESBroccoli Cabbage Kohlrabi Onions Lettuce Peas Radish Spinach Turnips

GROWING CONDITIONSCool 60 - 80 degreesLose quality in hot weatherMay be replanted mid-summer for fall harvestMay survive a light frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two-four weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

your best garden

PLANTING GUIDE

Sharing tips from the Colorado Master Gardner program at Colorado State University

SEMI-HARDY VEGETABLESBeets Carrots Cauliflower Parsley Parsnips Potatoes Swiss Chard

GROWING CONDITIONSMinimum daytime temperatures of 40 - 50 degreesLess tolerant of frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

TENDER VEGETABLESBeans Celery Corn Cucumbers Summer Squash

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

VERY TENDER VEGETABLESLima Beans Cantaloupe Eggplant Peppers Pumpkin Winter Squash Pumpkins Tomatoes Watermelon

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 21Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

SPRING 2015

ONWARD LOCAL FLORALS

FRONT RANGEFLORALS

1 Savor the sunshine yellow at Happy Life Gardens in Evans located at the edge of Greeley 2000 37th St 2 Growing season is in full swing at Creekside Gardens in Littleton 5730 W Coal Mine Ave 3 Bright colors bring on spring fever at Sundance Gardens amp Landscaping in Evergreen 27866 Meadow Dr 4 Yard art inspiration at Loveland Garden Center 1801 S Lincoln Ave gtgt

Local greenhouses are gearing up for the summer season ready to provide you with beautiful plants

endless inspiration and extensive know-how for growing your best and brightest beds yet

1

2

SPRING 2015 23

We educate more than 54000 children and serve over 300000 residents in 108 square miles that spread across eight municipalities Cherry Hills Village Centennial Fox-field Glendale Greenwood Village and portions of Aurora Englewood and Denver

The Cherry Creek School District is one of the high-est achieving school districts in the state Cherry Creek Schools students consistently score well above state aver-ages on Colorado standardized assessments and above state and national averages on SAT and ACT exams

The district 2014 graduation rate is 87 compared to the state average of 77 and the national average of 782

The Cherry Creek School District has the third most Na-tional Board Certified Teachers in Colorado

Members of the 2014 graduating class earned more than $54 million in scholarships

SchoolMatchcopy an independent nationwide service has recognized the Cherry Creek School District as among only 16 of school districts nationwide with its ldquoWhat Parents Wantrdquo Award for 20 consecutive years

3037731184 wwwcherrycreekschoolsorg

ldquoTo inspire every student to think to learn to achieve to carerdquo

ldquoAll children deserve a great school in their neighborhood one they can walk or ride the bus to

with their friends These friendships between children and their families

unite communities and make them strongerrdquo

Cherry Creek Schools A Great Neighborhood School

in Every Neighborhood

4

3

SPRING 2015

5 A plethora of pansies at Sturtz amp Copeland in Boulder 2851 Valmont 6 Starting strong plants at Echterrsquos Garden Center in Arvada 5150 Garrison St 7 Itrsquos all about the artful containers at Tagawa Gardens in Parker 7711 S Parker Rd 8 Tulips in bloom at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Lakewood 1404 Quail St 9 Houseplants and hanging baskets abound at Golden City Floral in Golden 5331 Quaker St 10 Helpful and ready to share their knowledge at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Westminster 9400 Wadsworth 11 Striking and contemporary garden art at the Bath Garden Center Nursery in Fort Collins where they grow all their own plants organically 2000 E Prospect Rd

5

6

8

7

SPRING 2015 25

9

10 11

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

OVERVIEWThe strawberry plant is a hardy perennial that dies back in the winter and returns in the spring when the weather gets warm After bearing fruit many types of strawberries will produce runners called daughter plants Runners often root nearby attached to the mother plant To keep the mother plant strong and healthy only allow three daughter plants to remain attached clipping the others to plant somewhere else Strawberries will have a resting period after their first big harvest of the season but most plants will produce again in the fall if you keep them watered and weeded

If you live in Zone 6 or further north your strawberries should be planted in the spring so they will be well rooted by the following winter They can be replanted in late summer and moved to a cool protected place such as an unheated garage during the winter months Most sweet fruits require an abundance of sunshine Strawberries require at least 8 hours daily of full sun

Homegrown strawberries just may be the sweetest juiciest and most aromatic berries you will ever taste An easy to grow fruit their crop will reward the home gardener with ample harvests for many years

and prefer a slightly acidic soil If you soil is slightly alkaline it would be better to grow the berries in large containers filled with potting mix The plants wonrsquot do well in clay soil but by mixing in 4 inches of compost they will be fine If you are planting directly into the ground space your plants 18 inches apart making room for runners Be sure to set plants so that their roots are well covered with soil but the central bud or crown is exposed to light and air If you bury the crown your plant could rot

Mulch between plants after planting to keep the soil temperature cool deter weeds and to keep the fruit off the soil Straw is the traditional strawberry mulch Do not use black plastic since it will raise the soil temperature and optimal fruit production requires cool soil Plants will start blooming in early spring and they must be visited by the bees or other pollinating insects before they can set fruit In warm weather you should have ripe fruit about 30 days after blossoms are fertilized

STRAWBERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015 27

GROWING TIPSbull Well drained sandy loam with a

soil pH from 58 to 62 is idealbull Donrsquot plant where tomatoes

potatoes peppers or eggplant have been grown recently (verticillium rot)

bull Be sure you have certified disease-free plants

bull Select plants with large crowns and healthy light-colored roots

bull Amend soil with 1-2 inches of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure

bull Keep weeds from competing with your strawberry plants

bull Make a hole large enough to spread the roots Hill the center of the hole and place the crown slightly above soil level Spread the roots downward on the hill Fill the hole making sure the soil only goes halfway up the crown

bull Do not over fertilize or you will have excessive leaf growth and poor flowering Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting at the rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet

CHOOSING YOUR PLANTSThere are basically 3 types of strawberry plants to choose from June bearing Everbearing and Day Neutral

JUNE BEARINGJune Bearing strawberries produce a single large crop per year during a 2 - 3 week period in the spring June bearers are the traditionally grown plants producing a single flush of flowers and many runners They are classified into early mid-season and late varieties The largest fruits are generally from June bearing varieties

EVERBEARINGEverbearing strawberries produce two to three harvests of fruit intermittently during the spring summer and fall Everbearing plants do not send out many runners

DAY NEUTRALDay Neutral strawberries will produce fruit throughout the growing season These strawberries also produce few runners Everbearing and day neutral strawberries are great when space is limited but the fruits are usually somewhat smaller than June bearers

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

STRAWBERRY RECIPESSavor the bounty of your strawberry crop by indulging in these red berry recipes perfect for fresh spring eating

STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE ICE BOX CAKE

2 lb fresh strawberries2 sleeves graham crackers1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened1 - 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk2 - 34 oz instant cheesecake flavored pudding3 C milk1 - 12 oz carton frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip)

1 Clean and thinly slice strawberries set aside

2 Line the bottom of a 9x13 pan with graham crackers You may need to break some of the crackers to fit them in the pan

3 Combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl beat until creamy Add pudding mix and additional 3 C milk beat until mixture starts to thicken Fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping just until combined

4 Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers Smooth it out and place a layer of strawberries on top Add another layer of graham crackers top with remaining cream cheese mixture and strawberries Cover and refrigerate for 6-8 hours

5 When ready to serve top with remaining whipped topping Garnish with any remaining strawberries and graham cracker crumbs If the strawberries leave extra moisture from setting overnight dab the excess with a paper towel before adding final toppings

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE

(serves 4-6)6 - 7 C baby spinach2 C strawberries hulled and sliced1 C blueberries (optional)12 C toasted chopped pecans4 oz goat cheese (or other favorite soft white cheese)

2 12 Tbsp raspberry vinegar6 Tbsp vegetable oil14 C honey12 tsp dijon mustard2 Tbsp finely minced shallots14 tsp salt18 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 Toast the pecans by placing in a skillet over medium heat Stir or toss so they wonrsquot burn 1-2 minutes or until fragrant Mix with the spinach and berries

2 Whisk all the dressing ingredients together blending well so the honey doesnrsquot settle to the bottom

3 Just before serving toss the spinach mix with the dressing and top with cheese or pass the dressing and cheese separately for individual topping

TRIPLE DECKER STRAWBERRY CLUB SANDWICH

makes 4 large sandwiches

1 lb bacon2 lbs (4 pieces) boneless skinless chicken breast halvessalt and pepper1 avocado2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice13 C mayo12 slices whole wheat bread2 C baby spinach1 12 C strawberries hulled and sliced

1 Fry the bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet and adjust to medium-high heat Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper add to skillet and partially cover Cook until both sides are golden about 10 minutes turning once Let rest 5-10 minutes and thinly slice

2 Mash the avocado with lemon juice and stir in the mayo season with salt and peper

3 Toast the bread slices and spread each with 1 tablespoon avocado mixture Divide the chicken among 4 slices of toast and top each with several slices of bacon Cover each stack with another toast slice layer with spinach sliced strawberries and remaining toast slice Cut into quarters

SPRING 2015 29

FASHION

spring huesGO BOLD WITH MODERN COLOR TRENDS LIKE RED AND NAVY THIS SEASON gtgt

SPRING 2015

5

MODERN SPRING HUES [1] Roll Sleeve Slim Dress Equipment $25800 scoopnyccom [2] Shredded Jersey Tank Raquel Allegra $6600 theoutnetcom [3] Kale Watch WeWood $12000 amazoncom [4] Gold Batik Scarf Color Island $8100 shoptiquescom [5] Skyler Hat Brixton X UO $6000 urbanoutfitterscom

1

4

Spring Into The UNCONVENTIONAL

A mix of classic neutrals and unconventional pops of color make springrsquos go-to color palette a cool and

modern mix of old and new

3

FASHION

NAVY

MILITARYGREEN

GOLDENRODYELLOW

BURNTORANGE

2

SPRING 2015 31

1

[1] Striped Mini Skirt T by Alexander Wang $12500 net-a-portercom [2] Techno Paisley Lace Dress House of Holland $66300 luisaviaromacom [3] Striped Kimono Front Trouser Chloe $171600 matchesoffashioncom [4] Emerald Catrsquos Eye Charm Kendra Scott $2000 neimanmarcuscom

RED

PACIFICBLUE

EMERALD

2

3

4

Shibori TIE-DYE

The seasonrsquos must-have print inspired by a tradi-tional Japanese method of tie-dying fabrics using

various binding techniques to create different pat-terns Look to add a Shibori dyed scarf or tote bag

to your closet this seasonShibori Tie Dye Scarf HSSS Artisans uncommongoodscom

Blue market Tote Bag AikoThreads $2100 etsycomshopAikoThreads

SPRING 2015 33

SPRING 2015 3333

DRAGONFLY APPAREL3615 W 32ND AVE

DENVER CO 80211303-433-6331

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 35

FOOD ETCLIGHTER FARE RECIPES A PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN DECADENT CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE AND FUN RECIPES FOR THE KIDS

FRESH FRUIT SALSA WITH BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS

Skip the chocolate-heavy desserts and opt for this fresh and incredibly satisfying sweet treat

2 lb fresh strawberries chopped8 oz fresh raspberries2 kiwis peeled and diced2 apples diced1 Tbsp brown sugar2 Tbsp granulated sugar3 Tbsp fruit preserves your choice of flavor

4 flour tortillas4 Tbsp granulated sugar1 12 tsp cinnamonbutter flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix up the fruit salsa by combining all ingredients and chill-ing in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes

Combine the cinnamon and sugar spray one side of each flour tortilla with the cooking spray stack and cut into wedges Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (as much as you like) Give the chips another light coat of cooking spray be-fore baking in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes Watch closely so they donrsquot get too brown Let cool before serving with fresh fruit salsa

Lighter FARE

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015 11

CONTENTS

SPRING 2015

Publishing DirectorCasey OrrCreative DirectorKaley RhodesEditorialKelsey Sindorf Kimba Orr Allison Orr Bobby SindorfAdvertising SalesTim Ingle

Contacts Advertising InformationTimLivingInDenverco

Ph 303-955-5036 ADVERTISINGGeneral InquiriesContactMyPelicanMagazinecom

More Information About Pelican PublicationsMagazine Publishing amp Marketing Consulting

Pelican distributes LIVING IN DENVER magazines to Denver NEWCOMERS through real estate agents chambers of commerce and wwwLivingInDenverco

Pelican distributes WILDLIFE maga-zines to WILDLIFE ENTHUSIASTS in Kansas through email subscribers local businesses and wwwMWMKScom

Office7550 W Yale Ave Suite A-100 Denver CO 80227

wwwMyPelicanMagazinecom

copy 2014 Pelican Publications All rights reserved

No part of this magazine may be reproduced stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by no means electronic mechanical photocopying recording or otherwise without prior permission of the publisher

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14

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26

29

35

37

40

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44

46

48

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55

ONWARD

Spring Forward

Living Inlsquos Months Ahead

Garden Tending

Strawberry Bliss

FASHION

Spring Color Trends

FOOD ETC

Lighter Fare

Perfectly Cooked Chicken

Try Something New

Fun With The Kids

WELCOME HOME

The 6 Steps To Buying A Home

Mortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House Hunting

Design Files High Style Prairie Design

GIVING BACK

Summer School Lunch Programs

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 13

ONWARDNOTEWORTHY DATES HELPFUL TIPS amp REMINDERS TO LIVE YOUR BEST SPRING MONTHS AHEAD

SpringFORWARD

1 Clean gutters downspouts and donrsquot forget the birds Clean out their feeders and houses and re-fill with fresh food

2 Check to see if any tree bran-ches broke over the winter and cut them back Trim the bushes around the house within five feet to help with ventilation and drying out of surfaces

3 Seal any cracks in your driveway and sidewalk or other cement surfaces

4 Power wash your deck or patio get out stored patio furnitures and wipe down

5 Inspect all garden hoses and exterior faucets for possible freeze damage from winter weather

6 Be sure to check your roof for missing shingles or other damage that may have occurred over the winter Consider hiring a professional for this job

7 Remove dead flowers and weed garden beds fre-quently Give young trees standard shrubs and roses extra support with stakes

8 Once May arrives check your garden plants regular-ly for snails and slugs tidy up early-flowering Clematis and place supports bet-ween tall perennials

Warm weather fever has hit ready your home and garden with these eight easy preparations

plusCELEBRATE MAY DAYGARDEN TENDINGSWEET BERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015

LIVING INrsquoS MONTHS AHEAD

Spring2015 find more online

l i v i n g i n d e n v e r c oco

ldquoHappiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already haverdquo

APRIL

april foolrsquos dayWednesday 040115

Popular since the 19th century it is not a national holiday but is celebrated as a day to play practical jokes and hoaxes on each

other

birthstoneDiamond and Crystal

flowerDaisy and Sweet Pea

fRUITS amp VEGGIESStrawberry Asian Pear Tomatillos

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNSAries (until the 19th)

Taurus (begins the 20th)

NATURAL SPRING REMEDIES

gtgt To ease anxiety massage thetemples with lavender oil or

drink chamomile tea

gtgt Drink rosemary tea to alleviatemelancholy or depression

gtgt Trying to remain relaxed butalert Some studies suggest thatthe smell of apples apple cidervinegar or spiced apples (as in

mulled cider) have this effect

gtgt A tea of elderberry flowers isconsidered relaxing to the nerves

and is sleep inducing

gtgt For insomnia drink bee balmor chamomile tea and eat mandarin

oranges

MAY

MAY DAY Thursday 010115

CINCO DE MAYO Tuesday 050515

MOTHERS DAY Sunday 051015

ARMED FORCES DAY Saturday 051615

MEMORIAL DAY Monday 052515

birthstoneEmerald

fRUITS amp VEGGIESMango Limes Potatoes

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNSTaurus (until the 20th)Gemini (begins the 21st)

JUNE

FLAG DAY Sunday 061415

INTERNATIONAL PICNIC DAY

Thursday 061815

SUMMER SOLSTICESunday 062115

FATHERS DAY Sunday 062115

NATIONAL PINK DAYTuesday 062315

birthstoneAlexandrite Pearl amp Moonstone

fRUITS amp VEGGIESCherries Plums Pluot Okra

summer solsticeSunday 062115

The longest day of the year and the official start of summer it is often a time for festivals feasts

and celebrations

APRIL FOOLrsquoS DAY Wednesday 040115

GOOD FRIDAYFriday 040315

EASTER Sunday 040515

WORLD HEALTH DAY Tuesday 040715

TAX DAY Wednesday 041515

ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALrsquoS DAY

Wednesday 042215

EARTH DAY Wednesday 042215

ARBOR DAY Friday 042415

PASS THE SALT

gtgt Rub salt on fruitstains while still wet then

put them in the wash

gtgt To remove mildewspots rub in salt and some buttermilk

then let dry in the sun

gtgt If you spill wine or fruit juice on your tablecloth pour salt on the spot

at once to absorb the stain

gtgt Apply a paste of salt and olive oil to ugly heat rings on your table Let

sit for about an hour and then wipe off with a soft cloth

gtgt To restore some of the color to fadedfabric soak it in a strong solution of

salt and water

gtgt Discharge evil spells by throwing apinch of salt over your left shoulder

gtgt Mix a tablespoon of salt into the water of a vase of cut flowers to keep

them fresh longer

gtgt A mixture of salt and vinegar willclean brass

SPRING 2015 15

SPRING 2015

HappyMAY DAYThough May 1st comes closer to the start of spring many cultures have celebrated May Day as the first dsy of summer Either way it is a time to say goodbye to the cold winter and to welcome flow-ers dancing singing and yes flirting

Dancing around the maypole is probably the oldest known tradi-tion associated with May Day A

maypole is a tall wooden pole erected as a part of various European folk fe-stivals around which a maypole dance often takes place Another tradition popular with children and adults alike is to deliver baskets filled with flowers sweets or whatever other treats you like to a special friendrsquos house The tra-dition is to leave their May basket on the porch or in front of their door and ring the door bell When they open the door to find their basket the giver starts running - if your special friend catches you they get to kiss you

ONWARD CELEBRATE

SPRING 2015 17

Recycled cans are an inexpensive and resourceful way to make a special basket Save and clean a tall tin can (the ones pasta sauce comes in) and hammer nails into the sides to create ho-les Shape a wire hanger into the handle making sure it is long enough to fit over a door knob once it is filled with flowers or goodies Cut brown paper from a bag and use twine or decora-tive ribbon to dress it up Let your children do their own unique designing using paint paper and glue

Recycled May Day Baskets

Start A New Family

TraditionGet the kids involved in a fun project they will love and create lasting memories in the process The beauty of a May Day basket is in its hand-made simplicity so break out the crafting materials and get creative

SPRING 2015

HOT WEATHER

WATERINGWhen rain is scarce you need to make sure your garden is getting the water it needs Vegetables need water to produce so it is crucial to give them a drink when it is dry

Vegetables should be watered two or three times a week during really hot weather Watering the garden deeply

is critical you need the water to go down deep to encourage deep roots and get away from the hot soil surface Put a small cup or can in the garden soil and water until it has collected at least an inch from a sprinkler If you have planted your garden in containers they will probably need to be watered every day as container gardens seem to dry out faster than the ground If you are watering your garden by hand use a nozzle turned to the shower setting for rain-like watering If the water starts to puddle move on and come back several times to make sure the water is soaking in and the soil is thoroughly moist

Big leaf plants such as cucumbers squash and melons lose moisture fast Wilting plants are a good indication that your garden needs water - however in very hot weather these plants will wilt some during mid-day no matter what perking back up in the evening Try and avoid getting the plant leaves wet but if you are using a sprinkler it is impossible not to In this case you should water early in the morning so that the foliage will dry out quickly and minimize disease

Tomatoes are a thirsty breed and do not like to dry out If you let them go from dry to wet they will get blossom-end rot as well as cracks in the fruit from expanding too fast To avoid these problems keep the soil consistently moist

Keep your ground moist by using an organic mulch such as wheat straw finely ground bark pine needles or chopped leaves Spread mulch on the ground around and under plants This will protect the soil and roots from the hot sun A two to three inch layer of mulch makes a huge difference in the hot weather Without mulch the sun bakes the soil and you end up watering even more

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 19

Spring Planting

Many flowers can be planted as soon as the ground is soft enough to work in the

spring Some varieties can even survive a late freeze While annual flowers will give

you blossoms early perennials will not bloom right away and instead show their

colors in summer and early fall To ensure continuous color all season do some

research on blooming times

Roses are a perennial that should be planted early All roses thrive in rich well-draining soil and full sunlight

Snapdragons are an easy to grow annual that love cooler climates You can plant these in early spring when the ground is cool as they will survive a light frost They grow best in full sun and well-drained soil

Pansies are another cool season annual and extremely cold-hardy flower They can freeze thaw and continue blooming Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist but well-draining soil They will bloom until it gets too hot then they will fade and need to be replaced

Lilies are hardy flowering bulbs that are easy to care for and can be planted almost any time of the year The plantings can be staggered so they will bloom from May through September Plant lilies in early spring but place a 4 inch layer of mulch over the planting site to protect against hard freezes As the shoots emerge gradually remove the mulch Plant where they will have full sunlight and well-drained soil Beware too much water will rot the bulbs

SPRING 2015 Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

HARDY VEGETABLESBroccoli Cabbage Kohlrabi Onions Lettuce Peas Radish Spinach Turnips

GROWING CONDITIONSCool 60 - 80 degreesLose quality in hot weatherMay be replanted mid-summer for fall harvestMay survive a light frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two-four weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

your best garden

PLANTING GUIDE

Sharing tips from the Colorado Master Gardner program at Colorado State University

SEMI-HARDY VEGETABLESBeets Carrots Cauliflower Parsley Parsnips Potatoes Swiss Chard

GROWING CONDITIONSMinimum daytime temperatures of 40 - 50 degreesLess tolerant of frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

TENDER VEGETABLESBeans Celery Corn Cucumbers Summer Squash

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

VERY TENDER VEGETABLESLima Beans Cantaloupe Eggplant Peppers Pumpkin Winter Squash Pumpkins Tomatoes Watermelon

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 21Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

SPRING 2015

ONWARD LOCAL FLORALS

FRONT RANGEFLORALS

1 Savor the sunshine yellow at Happy Life Gardens in Evans located at the edge of Greeley 2000 37th St 2 Growing season is in full swing at Creekside Gardens in Littleton 5730 W Coal Mine Ave 3 Bright colors bring on spring fever at Sundance Gardens amp Landscaping in Evergreen 27866 Meadow Dr 4 Yard art inspiration at Loveland Garden Center 1801 S Lincoln Ave gtgt

Local greenhouses are gearing up for the summer season ready to provide you with beautiful plants

endless inspiration and extensive know-how for growing your best and brightest beds yet

1

2

SPRING 2015 23

We educate more than 54000 children and serve over 300000 residents in 108 square miles that spread across eight municipalities Cherry Hills Village Centennial Fox-field Glendale Greenwood Village and portions of Aurora Englewood and Denver

The Cherry Creek School District is one of the high-est achieving school districts in the state Cherry Creek Schools students consistently score well above state aver-ages on Colorado standardized assessments and above state and national averages on SAT and ACT exams

The district 2014 graduation rate is 87 compared to the state average of 77 and the national average of 782

The Cherry Creek School District has the third most Na-tional Board Certified Teachers in Colorado

Members of the 2014 graduating class earned more than $54 million in scholarships

SchoolMatchcopy an independent nationwide service has recognized the Cherry Creek School District as among only 16 of school districts nationwide with its ldquoWhat Parents Wantrdquo Award for 20 consecutive years

3037731184 wwwcherrycreekschoolsorg

ldquoTo inspire every student to think to learn to achieve to carerdquo

ldquoAll children deserve a great school in their neighborhood one they can walk or ride the bus to

with their friends These friendships between children and their families

unite communities and make them strongerrdquo

Cherry Creek Schools A Great Neighborhood School

in Every Neighborhood

4

3

SPRING 2015

5 A plethora of pansies at Sturtz amp Copeland in Boulder 2851 Valmont 6 Starting strong plants at Echterrsquos Garden Center in Arvada 5150 Garrison St 7 Itrsquos all about the artful containers at Tagawa Gardens in Parker 7711 S Parker Rd 8 Tulips in bloom at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Lakewood 1404 Quail St 9 Houseplants and hanging baskets abound at Golden City Floral in Golden 5331 Quaker St 10 Helpful and ready to share their knowledge at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Westminster 9400 Wadsworth 11 Striking and contemporary garden art at the Bath Garden Center Nursery in Fort Collins where they grow all their own plants organically 2000 E Prospect Rd

5

6

8

7

SPRING 2015 25

9

10 11

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

OVERVIEWThe strawberry plant is a hardy perennial that dies back in the winter and returns in the spring when the weather gets warm After bearing fruit many types of strawberries will produce runners called daughter plants Runners often root nearby attached to the mother plant To keep the mother plant strong and healthy only allow three daughter plants to remain attached clipping the others to plant somewhere else Strawberries will have a resting period after their first big harvest of the season but most plants will produce again in the fall if you keep them watered and weeded

If you live in Zone 6 or further north your strawberries should be planted in the spring so they will be well rooted by the following winter They can be replanted in late summer and moved to a cool protected place such as an unheated garage during the winter months Most sweet fruits require an abundance of sunshine Strawberries require at least 8 hours daily of full sun

Homegrown strawberries just may be the sweetest juiciest and most aromatic berries you will ever taste An easy to grow fruit their crop will reward the home gardener with ample harvests for many years

and prefer a slightly acidic soil If you soil is slightly alkaline it would be better to grow the berries in large containers filled with potting mix The plants wonrsquot do well in clay soil but by mixing in 4 inches of compost they will be fine If you are planting directly into the ground space your plants 18 inches apart making room for runners Be sure to set plants so that their roots are well covered with soil but the central bud or crown is exposed to light and air If you bury the crown your plant could rot

Mulch between plants after planting to keep the soil temperature cool deter weeds and to keep the fruit off the soil Straw is the traditional strawberry mulch Do not use black plastic since it will raise the soil temperature and optimal fruit production requires cool soil Plants will start blooming in early spring and they must be visited by the bees or other pollinating insects before they can set fruit In warm weather you should have ripe fruit about 30 days after blossoms are fertilized

STRAWBERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015 27

GROWING TIPSbull Well drained sandy loam with a

soil pH from 58 to 62 is idealbull Donrsquot plant where tomatoes

potatoes peppers or eggplant have been grown recently (verticillium rot)

bull Be sure you have certified disease-free plants

bull Select plants with large crowns and healthy light-colored roots

bull Amend soil with 1-2 inches of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure

bull Keep weeds from competing with your strawberry plants

bull Make a hole large enough to spread the roots Hill the center of the hole and place the crown slightly above soil level Spread the roots downward on the hill Fill the hole making sure the soil only goes halfway up the crown

bull Do not over fertilize or you will have excessive leaf growth and poor flowering Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting at the rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet

CHOOSING YOUR PLANTSThere are basically 3 types of strawberry plants to choose from June bearing Everbearing and Day Neutral

JUNE BEARINGJune Bearing strawberries produce a single large crop per year during a 2 - 3 week period in the spring June bearers are the traditionally grown plants producing a single flush of flowers and many runners They are classified into early mid-season and late varieties The largest fruits are generally from June bearing varieties

EVERBEARINGEverbearing strawberries produce two to three harvests of fruit intermittently during the spring summer and fall Everbearing plants do not send out many runners

DAY NEUTRALDay Neutral strawberries will produce fruit throughout the growing season These strawberries also produce few runners Everbearing and day neutral strawberries are great when space is limited but the fruits are usually somewhat smaller than June bearers

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

STRAWBERRY RECIPESSavor the bounty of your strawberry crop by indulging in these red berry recipes perfect for fresh spring eating

STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE ICE BOX CAKE

2 lb fresh strawberries2 sleeves graham crackers1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened1 - 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk2 - 34 oz instant cheesecake flavored pudding3 C milk1 - 12 oz carton frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip)

1 Clean and thinly slice strawberries set aside

2 Line the bottom of a 9x13 pan with graham crackers You may need to break some of the crackers to fit them in the pan

3 Combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl beat until creamy Add pudding mix and additional 3 C milk beat until mixture starts to thicken Fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping just until combined

4 Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers Smooth it out and place a layer of strawberries on top Add another layer of graham crackers top with remaining cream cheese mixture and strawberries Cover and refrigerate for 6-8 hours

5 When ready to serve top with remaining whipped topping Garnish with any remaining strawberries and graham cracker crumbs If the strawberries leave extra moisture from setting overnight dab the excess with a paper towel before adding final toppings

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE

(serves 4-6)6 - 7 C baby spinach2 C strawberries hulled and sliced1 C blueberries (optional)12 C toasted chopped pecans4 oz goat cheese (or other favorite soft white cheese)

2 12 Tbsp raspberry vinegar6 Tbsp vegetable oil14 C honey12 tsp dijon mustard2 Tbsp finely minced shallots14 tsp salt18 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 Toast the pecans by placing in a skillet over medium heat Stir or toss so they wonrsquot burn 1-2 minutes or until fragrant Mix with the spinach and berries

2 Whisk all the dressing ingredients together blending well so the honey doesnrsquot settle to the bottom

3 Just before serving toss the spinach mix with the dressing and top with cheese or pass the dressing and cheese separately for individual topping

TRIPLE DECKER STRAWBERRY CLUB SANDWICH

makes 4 large sandwiches

1 lb bacon2 lbs (4 pieces) boneless skinless chicken breast halvessalt and pepper1 avocado2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice13 C mayo12 slices whole wheat bread2 C baby spinach1 12 C strawberries hulled and sliced

1 Fry the bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet and adjust to medium-high heat Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper add to skillet and partially cover Cook until both sides are golden about 10 minutes turning once Let rest 5-10 minutes and thinly slice

2 Mash the avocado with lemon juice and stir in the mayo season with salt and peper

3 Toast the bread slices and spread each with 1 tablespoon avocado mixture Divide the chicken among 4 slices of toast and top each with several slices of bacon Cover each stack with another toast slice layer with spinach sliced strawberries and remaining toast slice Cut into quarters

SPRING 2015 29

FASHION

spring huesGO BOLD WITH MODERN COLOR TRENDS LIKE RED AND NAVY THIS SEASON gtgt

SPRING 2015

5

MODERN SPRING HUES [1] Roll Sleeve Slim Dress Equipment $25800 scoopnyccom [2] Shredded Jersey Tank Raquel Allegra $6600 theoutnetcom [3] Kale Watch WeWood $12000 amazoncom [4] Gold Batik Scarf Color Island $8100 shoptiquescom [5] Skyler Hat Brixton X UO $6000 urbanoutfitterscom

1

4

Spring Into The UNCONVENTIONAL

A mix of classic neutrals and unconventional pops of color make springrsquos go-to color palette a cool and

modern mix of old and new

3

FASHION

NAVY

MILITARYGREEN

GOLDENRODYELLOW

BURNTORANGE

2

SPRING 2015 31

1

[1] Striped Mini Skirt T by Alexander Wang $12500 net-a-portercom [2] Techno Paisley Lace Dress House of Holland $66300 luisaviaromacom [3] Striped Kimono Front Trouser Chloe $171600 matchesoffashioncom [4] Emerald Catrsquos Eye Charm Kendra Scott $2000 neimanmarcuscom

RED

PACIFICBLUE

EMERALD

2

3

4

Shibori TIE-DYE

The seasonrsquos must-have print inspired by a tradi-tional Japanese method of tie-dying fabrics using

various binding techniques to create different pat-terns Look to add a Shibori dyed scarf or tote bag

to your closet this seasonShibori Tie Dye Scarf HSSS Artisans uncommongoodscom

Blue market Tote Bag AikoThreads $2100 etsycomshopAikoThreads

SPRING 2015 33

SPRING 2015 3333

DRAGONFLY APPAREL3615 W 32ND AVE

DENVER CO 80211303-433-6331

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 35

FOOD ETCLIGHTER FARE RECIPES A PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN DECADENT CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE AND FUN RECIPES FOR THE KIDS

FRESH FRUIT SALSA WITH BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS

Skip the chocolate-heavy desserts and opt for this fresh and incredibly satisfying sweet treat

2 lb fresh strawberries chopped8 oz fresh raspberries2 kiwis peeled and diced2 apples diced1 Tbsp brown sugar2 Tbsp granulated sugar3 Tbsp fruit preserves your choice of flavor

4 flour tortillas4 Tbsp granulated sugar1 12 tsp cinnamonbutter flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix up the fruit salsa by combining all ingredients and chill-ing in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes

Combine the cinnamon and sugar spray one side of each flour tortilla with the cooking spray stack and cut into wedges Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (as much as you like) Give the chips another light coat of cooking spray be-fore baking in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes Watch closely so they donrsquot get too brown Let cool before serving with fresh fruit salsa

Lighter FARE

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 13

ONWARDNOTEWORTHY DATES HELPFUL TIPS amp REMINDERS TO LIVE YOUR BEST SPRING MONTHS AHEAD

SpringFORWARD

1 Clean gutters downspouts and donrsquot forget the birds Clean out their feeders and houses and re-fill with fresh food

2 Check to see if any tree bran-ches broke over the winter and cut them back Trim the bushes around the house within five feet to help with ventilation and drying out of surfaces

3 Seal any cracks in your driveway and sidewalk or other cement surfaces

4 Power wash your deck or patio get out stored patio furnitures and wipe down

5 Inspect all garden hoses and exterior faucets for possible freeze damage from winter weather

6 Be sure to check your roof for missing shingles or other damage that may have occurred over the winter Consider hiring a professional for this job

7 Remove dead flowers and weed garden beds fre-quently Give young trees standard shrubs and roses extra support with stakes

8 Once May arrives check your garden plants regular-ly for snails and slugs tidy up early-flowering Clematis and place supports bet-ween tall perennials

Warm weather fever has hit ready your home and garden with these eight easy preparations

plusCELEBRATE MAY DAYGARDEN TENDINGSWEET BERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015

LIVING INrsquoS MONTHS AHEAD

Spring2015 find more online

l i v i n g i n d e n v e r c oco

ldquoHappiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already haverdquo

APRIL

april foolrsquos dayWednesday 040115

Popular since the 19th century it is not a national holiday but is celebrated as a day to play practical jokes and hoaxes on each

other

birthstoneDiamond and Crystal

flowerDaisy and Sweet Pea

fRUITS amp VEGGIESStrawberry Asian Pear Tomatillos

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNSAries (until the 19th)

Taurus (begins the 20th)

NATURAL SPRING REMEDIES

gtgt To ease anxiety massage thetemples with lavender oil or

drink chamomile tea

gtgt Drink rosemary tea to alleviatemelancholy or depression

gtgt Trying to remain relaxed butalert Some studies suggest thatthe smell of apples apple cidervinegar or spiced apples (as in

mulled cider) have this effect

gtgt A tea of elderberry flowers isconsidered relaxing to the nerves

and is sleep inducing

gtgt For insomnia drink bee balmor chamomile tea and eat mandarin

oranges

MAY

MAY DAY Thursday 010115

CINCO DE MAYO Tuesday 050515

MOTHERS DAY Sunday 051015

ARMED FORCES DAY Saturday 051615

MEMORIAL DAY Monday 052515

birthstoneEmerald

fRUITS amp VEGGIESMango Limes Potatoes

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNSTaurus (until the 20th)Gemini (begins the 21st)

JUNE

FLAG DAY Sunday 061415

INTERNATIONAL PICNIC DAY

Thursday 061815

SUMMER SOLSTICESunday 062115

FATHERS DAY Sunday 062115

NATIONAL PINK DAYTuesday 062315

birthstoneAlexandrite Pearl amp Moonstone

fRUITS amp VEGGIESCherries Plums Pluot Okra

summer solsticeSunday 062115

The longest day of the year and the official start of summer it is often a time for festivals feasts

and celebrations

APRIL FOOLrsquoS DAY Wednesday 040115

GOOD FRIDAYFriday 040315

EASTER Sunday 040515

WORLD HEALTH DAY Tuesday 040715

TAX DAY Wednesday 041515

ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALrsquoS DAY

Wednesday 042215

EARTH DAY Wednesday 042215

ARBOR DAY Friday 042415

PASS THE SALT

gtgt Rub salt on fruitstains while still wet then

put them in the wash

gtgt To remove mildewspots rub in salt and some buttermilk

then let dry in the sun

gtgt If you spill wine or fruit juice on your tablecloth pour salt on the spot

at once to absorb the stain

gtgt Apply a paste of salt and olive oil to ugly heat rings on your table Let

sit for about an hour and then wipe off with a soft cloth

gtgt To restore some of the color to fadedfabric soak it in a strong solution of

salt and water

gtgt Discharge evil spells by throwing apinch of salt over your left shoulder

gtgt Mix a tablespoon of salt into the water of a vase of cut flowers to keep

them fresh longer

gtgt A mixture of salt and vinegar willclean brass

SPRING 2015 15

SPRING 2015

HappyMAY DAYThough May 1st comes closer to the start of spring many cultures have celebrated May Day as the first dsy of summer Either way it is a time to say goodbye to the cold winter and to welcome flow-ers dancing singing and yes flirting

Dancing around the maypole is probably the oldest known tradi-tion associated with May Day A

maypole is a tall wooden pole erected as a part of various European folk fe-stivals around which a maypole dance often takes place Another tradition popular with children and adults alike is to deliver baskets filled with flowers sweets or whatever other treats you like to a special friendrsquos house The tra-dition is to leave their May basket on the porch or in front of their door and ring the door bell When they open the door to find their basket the giver starts running - if your special friend catches you they get to kiss you

ONWARD CELEBRATE

SPRING 2015 17

Recycled cans are an inexpensive and resourceful way to make a special basket Save and clean a tall tin can (the ones pasta sauce comes in) and hammer nails into the sides to create ho-les Shape a wire hanger into the handle making sure it is long enough to fit over a door knob once it is filled with flowers or goodies Cut brown paper from a bag and use twine or decora-tive ribbon to dress it up Let your children do their own unique designing using paint paper and glue

Recycled May Day Baskets

Start A New Family

TraditionGet the kids involved in a fun project they will love and create lasting memories in the process The beauty of a May Day basket is in its hand-made simplicity so break out the crafting materials and get creative

SPRING 2015

HOT WEATHER

WATERINGWhen rain is scarce you need to make sure your garden is getting the water it needs Vegetables need water to produce so it is crucial to give them a drink when it is dry

Vegetables should be watered two or three times a week during really hot weather Watering the garden deeply

is critical you need the water to go down deep to encourage deep roots and get away from the hot soil surface Put a small cup or can in the garden soil and water until it has collected at least an inch from a sprinkler If you have planted your garden in containers they will probably need to be watered every day as container gardens seem to dry out faster than the ground If you are watering your garden by hand use a nozzle turned to the shower setting for rain-like watering If the water starts to puddle move on and come back several times to make sure the water is soaking in and the soil is thoroughly moist

Big leaf plants such as cucumbers squash and melons lose moisture fast Wilting plants are a good indication that your garden needs water - however in very hot weather these plants will wilt some during mid-day no matter what perking back up in the evening Try and avoid getting the plant leaves wet but if you are using a sprinkler it is impossible not to In this case you should water early in the morning so that the foliage will dry out quickly and minimize disease

Tomatoes are a thirsty breed and do not like to dry out If you let them go from dry to wet they will get blossom-end rot as well as cracks in the fruit from expanding too fast To avoid these problems keep the soil consistently moist

Keep your ground moist by using an organic mulch such as wheat straw finely ground bark pine needles or chopped leaves Spread mulch on the ground around and under plants This will protect the soil and roots from the hot sun A two to three inch layer of mulch makes a huge difference in the hot weather Without mulch the sun bakes the soil and you end up watering even more

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 19

Spring Planting

Many flowers can be planted as soon as the ground is soft enough to work in the

spring Some varieties can even survive a late freeze While annual flowers will give

you blossoms early perennials will not bloom right away and instead show their

colors in summer and early fall To ensure continuous color all season do some

research on blooming times

Roses are a perennial that should be planted early All roses thrive in rich well-draining soil and full sunlight

Snapdragons are an easy to grow annual that love cooler climates You can plant these in early spring when the ground is cool as they will survive a light frost They grow best in full sun and well-drained soil

Pansies are another cool season annual and extremely cold-hardy flower They can freeze thaw and continue blooming Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist but well-draining soil They will bloom until it gets too hot then they will fade and need to be replaced

Lilies are hardy flowering bulbs that are easy to care for and can be planted almost any time of the year The plantings can be staggered so they will bloom from May through September Plant lilies in early spring but place a 4 inch layer of mulch over the planting site to protect against hard freezes As the shoots emerge gradually remove the mulch Plant where they will have full sunlight and well-drained soil Beware too much water will rot the bulbs

SPRING 2015 Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

HARDY VEGETABLESBroccoli Cabbage Kohlrabi Onions Lettuce Peas Radish Spinach Turnips

GROWING CONDITIONSCool 60 - 80 degreesLose quality in hot weatherMay be replanted mid-summer for fall harvestMay survive a light frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two-four weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

your best garden

PLANTING GUIDE

Sharing tips from the Colorado Master Gardner program at Colorado State University

SEMI-HARDY VEGETABLESBeets Carrots Cauliflower Parsley Parsnips Potatoes Swiss Chard

GROWING CONDITIONSMinimum daytime temperatures of 40 - 50 degreesLess tolerant of frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

TENDER VEGETABLESBeans Celery Corn Cucumbers Summer Squash

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

VERY TENDER VEGETABLESLima Beans Cantaloupe Eggplant Peppers Pumpkin Winter Squash Pumpkins Tomatoes Watermelon

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 21Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

SPRING 2015

ONWARD LOCAL FLORALS

FRONT RANGEFLORALS

1 Savor the sunshine yellow at Happy Life Gardens in Evans located at the edge of Greeley 2000 37th St 2 Growing season is in full swing at Creekside Gardens in Littleton 5730 W Coal Mine Ave 3 Bright colors bring on spring fever at Sundance Gardens amp Landscaping in Evergreen 27866 Meadow Dr 4 Yard art inspiration at Loveland Garden Center 1801 S Lincoln Ave gtgt

Local greenhouses are gearing up for the summer season ready to provide you with beautiful plants

endless inspiration and extensive know-how for growing your best and brightest beds yet

1

2

SPRING 2015 23

We educate more than 54000 children and serve over 300000 residents in 108 square miles that spread across eight municipalities Cherry Hills Village Centennial Fox-field Glendale Greenwood Village and portions of Aurora Englewood and Denver

The Cherry Creek School District is one of the high-est achieving school districts in the state Cherry Creek Schools students consistently score well above state aver-ages on Colorado standardized assessments and above state and national averages on SAT and ACT exams

The district 2014 graduation rate is 87 compared to the state average of 77 and the national average of 782

The Cherry Creek School District has the third most Na-tional Board Certified Teachers in Colorado

Members of the 2014 graduating class earned more than $54 million in scholarships

SchoolMatchcopy an independent nationwide service has recognized the Cherry Creek School District as among only 16 of school districts nationwide with its ldquoWhat Parents Wantrdquo Award for 20 consecutive years

3037731184 wwwcherrycreekschoolsorg

ldquoTo inspire every student to think to learn to achieve to carerdquo

ldquoAll children deserve a great school in their neighborhood one they can walk or ride the bus to

with their friends These friendships between children and their families

unite communities and make them strongerrdquo

Cherry Creek Schools A Great Neighborhood School

in Every Neighborhood

4

3

SPRING 2015

5 A plethora of pansies at Sturtz amp Copeland in Boulder 2851 Valmont 6 Starting strong plants at Echterrsquos Garden Center in Arvada 5150 Garrison St 7 Itrsquos all about the artful containers at Tagawa Gardens in Parker 7711 S Parker Rd 8 Tulips in bloom at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Lakewood 1404 Quail St 9 Houseplants and hanging baskets abound at Golden City Floral in Golden 5331 Quaker St 10 Helpful and ready to share their knowledge at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Westminster 9400 Wadsworth 11 Striking and contemporary garden art at the Bath Garden Center Nursery in Fort Collins where they grow all their own plants organically 2000 E Prospect Rd

5

6

8

7

SPRING 2015 25

9

10 11

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

OVERVIEWThe strawberry plant is a hardy perennial that dies back in the winter and returns in the spring when the weather gets warm After bearing fruit many types of strawberries will produce runners called daughter plants Runners often root nearby attached to the mother plant To keep the mother plant strong and healthy only allow three daughter plants to remain attached clipping the others to plant somewhere else Strawberries will have a resting period after their first big harvest of the season but most plants will produce again in the fall if you keep them watered and weeded

If you live in Zone 6 or further north your strawberries should be planted in the spring so they will be well rooted by the following winter They can be replanted in late summer and moved to a cool protected place such as an unheated garage during the winter months Most sweet fruits require an abundance of sunshine Strawberries require at least 8 hours daily of full sun

Homegrown strawberries just may be the sweetest juiciest and most aromatic berries you will ever taste An easy to grow fruit their crop will reward the home gardener with ample harvests for many years

and prefer a slightly acidic soil If you soil is slightly alkaline it would be better to grow the berries in large containers filled with potting mix The plants wonrsquot do well in clay soil but by mixing in 4 inches of compost they will be fine If you are planting directly into the ground space your plants 18 inches apart making room for runners Be sure to set plants so that their roots are well covered with soil but the central bud or crown is exposed to light and air If you bury the crown your plant could rot

Mulch between plants after planting to keep the soil temperature cool deter weeds and to keep the fruit off the soil Straw is the traditional strawberry mulch Do not use black plastic since it will raise the soil temperature and optimal fruit production requires cool soil Plants will start blooming in early spring and they must be visited by the bees or other pollinating insects before they can set fruit In warm weather you should have ripe fruit about 30 days after blossoms are fertilized

STRAWBERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015 27

GROWING TIPSbull Well drained sandy loam with a

soil pH from 58 to 62 is idealbull Donrsquot plant where tomatoes

potatoes peppers or eggplant have been grown recently (verticillium rot)

bull Be sure you have certified disease-free plants

bull Select plants with large crowns and healthy light-colored roots

bull Amend soil with 1-2 inches of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure

bull Keep weeds from competing with your strawberry plants

bull Make a hole large enough to spread the roots Hill the center of the hole and place the crown slightly above soil level Spread the roots downward on the hill Fill the hole making sure the soil only goes halfway up the crown

bull Do not over fertilize or you will have excessive leaf growth and poor flowering Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting at the rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet

CHOOSING YOUR PLANTSThere are basically 3 types of strawberry plants to choose from June bearing Everbearing and Day Neutral

JUNE BEARINGJune Bearing strawberries produce a single large crop per year during a 2 - 3 week period in the spring June bearers are the traditionally grown plants producing a single flush of flowers and many runners They are classified into early mid-season and late varieties The largest fruits are generally from June bearing varieties

EVERBEARINGEverbearing strawberries produce two to three harvests of fruit intermittently during the spring summer and fall Everbearing plants do not send out many runners

DAY NEUTRALDay Neutral strawberries will produce fruit throughout the growing season These strawberries also produce few runners Everbearing and day neutral strawberries are great when space is limited but the fruits are usually somewhat smaller than June bearers

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

STRAWBERRY RECIPESSavor the bounty of your strawberry crop by indulging in these red berry recipes perfect for fresh spring eating

STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE ICE BOX CAKE

2 lb fresh strawberries2 sleeves graham crackers1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened1 - 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk2 - 34 oz instant cheesecake flavored pudding3 C milk1 - 12 oz carton frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip)

1 Clean and thinly slice strawberries set aside

2 Line the bottom of a 9x13 pan with graham crackers You may need to break some of the crackers to fit them in the pan

3 Combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl beat until creamy Add pudding mix and additional 3 C milk beat until mixture starts to thicken Fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping just until combined

4 Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers Smooth it out and place a layer of strawberries on top Add another layer of graham crackers top with remaining cream cheese mixture and strawberries Cover and refrigerate for 6-8 hours

5 When ready to serve top with remaining whipped topping Garnish with any remaining strawberries and graham cracker crumbs If the strawberries leave extra moisture from setting overnight dab the excess with a paper towel before adding final toppings

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE

(serves 4-6)6 - 7 C baby spinach2 C strawberries hulled and sliced1 C blueberries (optional)12 C toasted chopped pecans4 oz goat cheese (or other favorite soft white cheese)

2 12 Tbsp raspberry vinegar6 Tbsp vegetable oil14 C honey12 tsp dijon mustard2 Tbsp finely minced shallots14 tsp salt18 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 Toast the pecans by placing in a skillet over medium heat Stir or toss so they wonrsquot burn 1-2 minutes or until fragrant Mix with the spinach and berries

2 Whisk all the dressing ingredients together blending well so the honey doesnrsquot settle to the bottom

3 Just before serving toss the spinach mix with the dressing and top with cheese or pass the dressing and cheese separately for individual topping

TRIPLE DECKER STRAWBERRY CLUB SANDWICH

makes 4 large sandwiches

1 lb bacon2 lbs (4 pieces) boneless skinless chicken breast halvessalt and pepper1 avocado2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice13 C mayo12 slices whole wheat bread2 C baby spinach1 12 C strawberries hulled and sliced

1 Fry the bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet and adjust to medium-high heat Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper add to skillet and partially cover Cook until both sides are golden about 10 minutes turning once Let rest 5-10 minutes and thinly slice

2 Mash the avocado with lemon juice and stir in the mayo season with salt and peper

3 Toast the bread slices and spread each with 1 tablespoon avocado mixture Divide the chicken among 4 slices of toast and top each with several slices of bacon Cover each stack with another toast slice layer with spinach sliced strawberries and remaining toast slice Cut into quarters

SPRING 2015 29

FASHION

spring huesGO BOLD WITH MODERN COLOR TRENDS LIKE RED AND NAVY THIS SEASON gtgt

SPRING 2015

5

MODERN SPRING HUES [1] Roll Sleeve Slim Dress Equipment $25800 scoopnyccom [2] Shredded Jersey Tank Raquel Allegra $6600 theoutnetcom [3] Kale Watch WeWood $12000 amazoncom [4] Gold Batik Scarf Color Island $8100 shoptiquescom [5] Skyler Hat Brixton X UO $6000 urbanoutfitterscom

1

4

Spring Into The UNCONVENTIONAL

A mix of classic neutrals and unconventional pops of color make springrsquos go-to color palette a cool and

modern mix of old and new

3

FASHION

NAVY

MILITARYGREEN

GOLDENRODYELLOW

BURNTORANGE

2

SPRING 2015 31

1

[1] Striped Mini Skirt T by Alexander Wang $12500 net-a-portercom [2] Techno Paisley Lace Dress House of Holland $66300 luisaviaromacom [3] Striped Kimono Front Trouser Chloe $171600 matchesoffashioncom [4] Emerald Catrsquos Eye Charm Kendra Scott $2000 neimanmarcuscom

RED

PACIFICBLUE

EMERALD

2

3

4

Shibori TIE-DYE

The seasonrsquos must-have print inspired by a tradi-tional Japanese method of tie-dying fabrics using

various binding techniques to create different pat-terns Look to add a Shibori dyed scarf or tote bag

to your closet this seasonShibori Tie Dye Scarf HSSS Artisans uncommongoodscom

Blue market Tote Bag AikoThreads $2100 etsycomshopAikoThreads

SPRING 2015 33

SPRING 2015 3333

DRAGONFLY APPAREL3615 W 32ND AVE

DENVER CO 80211303-433-6331

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 35

FOOD ETCLIGHTER FARE RECIPES A PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN DECADENT CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE AND FUN RECIPES FOR THE KIDS

FRESH FRUIT SALSA WITH BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS

Skip the chocolate-heavy desserts and opt for this fresh and incredibly satisfying sweet treat

2 lb fresh strawberries chopped8 oz fresh raspberries2 kiwis peeled and diced2 apples diced1 Tbsp brown sugar2 Tbsp granulated sugar3 Tbsp fruit preserves your choice of flavor

4 flour tortillas4 Tbsp granulated sugar1 12 tsp cinnamonbutter flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix up the fruit salsa by combining all ingredients and chill-ing in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes

Combine the cinnamon and sugar spray one side of each flour tortilla with the cooking spray stack and cut into wedges Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (as much as you like) Give the chips another light coat of cooking spray be-fore baking in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes Watch closely so they donrsquot get too brown Let cool before serving with fresh fruit salsa

Lighter FARE

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015 13

ONWARDNOTEWORTHY DATES HELPFUL TIPS amp REMINDERS TO LIVE YOUR BEST SPRING MONTHS AHEAD

SpringFORWARD

1 Clean gutters downspouts and donrsquot forget the birds Clean out their feeders and houses and re-fill with fresh food

2 Check to see if any tree bran-ches broke over the winter and cut them back Trim the bushes around the house within five feet to help with ventilation and drying out of surfaces

3 Seal any cracks in your driveway and sidewalk or other cement surfaces

4 Power wash your deck or patio get out stored patio furnitures and wipe down

5 Inspect all garden hoses and exterior faucets for possible freeze damage from winter weather

6 Be sure to check your roof for missing shingles or other damage that may have occurred over the winter Consider hiring a professional for this job

7 Remove dead flowers and weed garden beds fre-quently Give young trees standard shrubs and roses extra support with stakes

8 Once May arrives check your garden plants regular-ly for snails and slugs tidy up early-flowering Clematis and place supports bet-ween tall perennials

Warm weather fever has hit ready your home and garden with these eight easy preparations

plusCELEBRATE MAY DAYGARDEN TENDINGSWEET BERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015

LIVING INrsquoS MONTHS AHEAD

Spring2015 find more online

l i v i n g i n d e n v e r c oco

ldquoHappiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already haverdquo

APRIL

april foolrsquos dayWednesday 040115

Popular since the 19th century it is not a national holiday but is celebrated as a day to play practical jokes and hoaxes on each

other

birthstoneDiamond and Crystal

flowerDaisy and Sweet Pea

fRUITS amp VEGGIESStrawberry Asian Pear Tomatillos

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNSAries (until the 19th)

Taurus (begins the 20th)

NATURAL SPRING REMEDIES

gtgt To ease anxiety massage thetemples with lavender oil or

drink chamomile tea

gtgt Drink rosemary tea to alleviatemelancholy or depression

gtgt Trying to remain relaxed butalert Some studies suggest thatthe smell of apples apple cidervinegar or spiced apples (as in

mulled cider) have this effect

gtgt A tea of elderberry flowers isconsidered relaxing to the nerves

and is sleep inducing

gtgt For insomnia drink bee balmor chamomile tea and eat mandarin

oranges

MAY

MAY DAY Thursday 010115

CINCO DE MAYO Tuesday 050515

MOTHERS DAY Sunday 051015

ARMED FORCES DAY Saturday 051615

MEMORIAL DAY Monday 052515

birthstoneEmerald

fRUITS amp VEGGIESMango Limes Potatoes

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNSTaurus (until the 20th)Gemini (begins the 21st)

JUNE

FLAG DAY Sunday 061415

INTERNATIONAL PICNIC DAY

Thursday 061815

SUMMER SOLSTICESunday 062115

FATHERS DAY Sunday 062115

NATIONAL PINK DAYTuesday 062315

birthstoneAlexandrite Pearl amp Moonstone

fRUITS amp VEGGIESCherries Plums Pluot Okra

summer solsticeSunday 062115

The longest day of the year and the official start of summer it is often a time for festivals feasts

and celebrations

APRIL FOOLrsquoS DAY Wednesday 040115

GOOD FRIDAYFriday 040315

EASTER Sunday 040515

WORLD HEALTH DAY Tuesday 040715

TAX DAY Wednesday 041515

ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALrsquoS DAY

Wednesday 042215

EARTH DAY Wednesday 042215

ARBOR DAY Friday 042415

PASS THE SALT

gtgt Rub salt on fruitstains while still wet then

put them in the wash

gtgt To remove mildewspots rub in salt and some buttermilk

then let dry in the sun

gtgt If you spill wine or fruit juice on your tablecloth pour salt on the spot

at once to absorb the stain

gtgt Apply a paste of salt and olive oil to ugly heat rings on your table Let

sit for about an hour and then wipe off with a soft cloth

gtgt To restore some of the color to fadedfabric soak it in a strong solution of

salt and water

gtgt Discharge evil spells by throwing apinch of salt over your left shoulder

gtgt Mix a tablespoon of salt into the water of a vase of cut flowers to keep

them fresh longer

gtgt A mixture of salt and vinegar willclean brass

SPRING 2015 15

SPRING 2015

HappyMAY DAYThough May 1st comes closer to the start of spring many cultures have celebrated May Day as the first dsy of summer Either way it is a time to say goodbye to the cold winter and to welcome flow-ers dancing singing and yes flirting

Dancing around the maypole is probably the oldest known tradi-tion associated with May Day A

maypole is a tall wooden pole erected as a part of various European folk fe-stivals around which a maypole dance often takes place Another tradition popular with children and adults alike is to deliver baskets filled with flowers sweets or whatever other treats you like to a special friendrsquos house The tra-dition is to leave their May basket on the porch or in front of their door and ring the door bell When they open the door to find their basket the giver starts running - if your special friend catches you they get to kiss you

ONWARD CELEBRATE

SPRING 2015 17

Recycled cans are an inexpensive and resourceful way to make a special basket Save and clean a tall tin can (the ones pasta sauce comes in) and hammer nails into the sides to create ho-les Shape a wire hanger into the handle making sure it is long enough to fit over a door knob once it is filled with flowers or goodies Cut brown paper from a bag and use twine or decora-tive ribbon to dress it up Let your children do their own unique designing using paint paper and glue

Recycled May Day Baskets

Start A New Family

TraditionGet the kids involved in a fun project they will love and create lasting memories in the process The beauty of a May Day basket is in its hand-made simplicity so break out the crafting materials and get creative

SPRING 2015

HOT WEATHER

WATERINGWhen rain is scarce you need to make sure your garden is getting the water it needs Vegetables need water to produce so it is crucial to give them a drink when it is dry

Vegetables should be watered two or three times a week during really hot weather Watering the garden deeply

is critical you need the water to go down deep to encourage deep roots and get away from the hot soil surface Put a small cup or can in the garden soil and water until it has collected at least an inch from a sprinkler If you have planted your garden in containers they will probably need to be watered every day as container gardens seem to dry out faster than the ground If you are watering your garden by hand use a nozzle turned to the shower setting for rain-like watering If the water starts to puddle move on and come back several times to make sure the water is soaking in and the soil is thoroughly moist

Big leaf plants such as cucumbers squash and melons lose moisture fast Wilting plants are a good indication that your garden needs water - however in very hot weather these plants will wilt some during mid-day no matter what perking back up in the evening Try and avoid getting the plant leaves wet but if you are using a sprinkler it is impossible not to In this case you should water early in the morning so that the foliage will dry out quickly and minimize disease

Tomatoes are a thirsty breed and do not like to dry out If you let them go from dry to wet they will get blossom-end rot as well as cracks in the fruit from expanding too fast To avoid these problems keep the soil consistently moist

Keep your ground moist by using an organic mulch such as wheat straw finely ground bark pine needles or chopped leaves Spread mulch on the ground around and under plants This will protect the soil and roots from the hot sun A two to three inch layer of mulch makes a huge difference in the hot weather Without mulch the sun bakes the soil and you end up watering even more

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 19

Spring Planting

Many flowers can be planted as soon as the ground is soft enough to work in the

spring Some varieties can even survive a late freeze While annual flowers will give

you blossoms early perennials will not bloom right away and instead show their

colors in summer and early fall To ensure continuous color all season do some

research on blooming times

Roses are a perennial that should be planted early All roses thrive in rich well-draining soil and full sunlight

Snapdragons are an easy to grow annual that love cooler climates You can plant these in early spring when the ground is cool as they will survive a light frost They grow best in full sun and well-drained soil

Pansies are another cool season annual and extremely cold-hardy flower They can freeze thaw and continue blooming Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist but well-draining soil They will bloom until it gets too hot then they will fade and need to be replaced

Lilies are hardy flowering bulbs that are easy to care for and can be planted almost any time of the year The plantings can be staggered so they will bloom from May through September Plant lilies in early spring but place a 4 inch layer of mulch over the planting site to protect against hard freezes As the shoots emerge gradually remove the mulch Plant where they will have full sunlight and well-drained soil Beware too much water will rot the bulbs

SPRING 2015 Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

HARDY VEGETABLESBroccoli Cabbage Kohlrabi Onions Lettuce Peas Radish Spinach Turnips

GROWING CONDITIONSCool 60 - 80 degreesLose quality in hot weatherMay be replanted mid-summer for fall harvestMay survive a light frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two-four weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

your best garden

PLANTING GUIDE

Sharing tips from the Colorado Master Gardner program at Colorado State University

SEMI-HARDY VEGETABLESBeets Carrots Cauliflower Parsley Parsnips Potatoes Swiss Chard

GROWING CONDITIONSMinimum daytime temperatures of 40 - 50 degreesLess tolerant of frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

TENDER VEGETABLESBeans Celery Corn Cucumbers Summer Squash

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

VERY TENDER VEGETABLESLima Beans Cantaloupe Eggplant Peppers Pumpkin Winter Squash Pumpkins Tomatoes Watermelon

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 21Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

SPRING 2015

ONWARD LOCAL FLORALS

FRONT RANGEFLORALS

1 Savor the sunshine yellow at Happy Life Gardens in Evans located at the edge of Greeley 2000 37th St 2 Growing season is in full swing at Creekside Gardens in Littleton 5730 W Coal Mine Ave 3 Bright colors bring on spring fever at Sundance Gardens amp Landscaping in Evergreen 27866 Meadow Dr 4 Yard art inspiration at Loveland Garden Center 1801 S Lincoln Ave gtgt

Local greenhouses are gearing up for the summer season ready to provide you with beautiful plants

endless inspiration and extensive know-how for growing your best and brightest beds yet

1

2

SPRING 2015 23

We educate more than 54000 children and serve over 300000 residents in 108 square miles that spread across eight municipalities Cherry Hills Village Centennial Fox-field Glendale Greenwood Village and portions of Aurora Englewood and Denver

The Cherry Creek School District is one of the high-est achieving school districts in the state Cherry Creek Schools students consistently score well above state aver-ages on Colorado standardized assessments and above state and national averages on SAT and ACT exams

The district 2014 graduation rate is 87 compared to the state average of 77 and the national average of 782

The Cherry Creek School District has the third most Na-tional Board Certified Teachers in Colorado

Members of the 2014 graduating class earned more than $54 million in scholarships

SchoolMatchcopy an independent nationwide service has recognized the Cherry Creek School District as among only 16 of school districts nationwide with its ldquoWhat Parents Wantrdquo Award for 20 consecutive years

3037731184 wwwcherrycreekschoolsorg

ldquoTo inspire every student to think to learn to achieve to carerdquo

ldquoAll children deserve a great school in their neighborhood one they can walk or ride the bus to

with their friends These friendships between children and their families

unite communities and make them strongerrdquo

Cherry Creek Schools A Great Neighborhood School

in Every Neighborhood

4

3

SPRING 2015

5 A plethora of pansies at Sturtz amp Copeland in Boulder 2851 Valmont 6 Starting strong plants at Echterrsquos Garden Center in Arvada 5150 Garrison St 7 Itrsquos all about the artful containers at Tagawa Gardens in Parker 7711 S Parker Rd 8 Tulips in bloom at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Lakewood 1404 Quail St 9 Houseplants and hanging baskets abound at Golden City Floral in Golden 5331 Quaker St 10 Helpful and ready to share their knowledge at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Westminster 9400 Wadsworth 11 Striking and contemporary garden art at the Bath Garden Center Nursery in Fort Collins where they grow all their own plants organically 2000 E Prospect Rd

5

6

8

7

SPRING 2015 25

9

10 11

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

OVERVIEWThe strawberry plant is a hardy perennial that dies back in the winter and returns in the spring when the weather gets warm After bearing fruit many types of strawberries will produce runners called daughter plants Runners often root nearby attached to the mother plant To keep the mother plant strong and healthy only allow three daughter plants to remain attached clipping the others to plant somewhere else Strawberries will have a resting period after their first big harvest of the season but most plants will produce again in the fall if you keep them watered and weeded

If you live in Zone 6 or further north your strawberries should be planted in the spring so they will be well rooted by the following winter They can be replanted in late summer and moved to a cool protected place such as an unheated garage during the winter months Most sweet fruits require an abundance of sunshine Strawberries require at least 8 hours daily of full sun

Homegrown strawberries just may be the sweetest juiciest and most aromatic berries you will ever taste An easy to grow fruit their crop will reward the home gardener with ample harvests for many years

and prefer a slightly acidic soil If you soil is slightly alkaline it would be better to grow the berries in large containers filled with potting mix The plants wonrsquot do well in clay soil but by mixing in 4 inches of compost they will be fine If you are planting directly into the ground space your plants 18 inches apart making room for runners Be sure to set plants so that their roots are well covered with soil but the central bud or crown is exposed to light and air If you bury the crown your plant could rot

Mulch between plants after planting to keep the soil temperature cool deter weeds and to keep the fruit off the soil Straw is the traditional strawberry mulch Do not use black plastic since it will raise the soil temperature and optimal fruit production requires cool soil Plants will start blooming in early spring and they must be visited by the bees or other pollinating insects before they can set fruit In warm weather you should have ripe fruit about 30 days after blossoms are fertilized

STRAWBERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015 27

GROWING TIPSbull Well drained sandy loam with a

soil pH from 58 to 62 is idealbull Donrsquot plant where tomatoes

potatoes peppers or eggplant have been grown recently (verticillium rot)

bull Be sure you have certified disease-free plants

bull Select plants with large crowns and healthy light-colored roots

bull Amend soil with 1-2 inches of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure

bull Keep weeds from competing with your strawberry plants

bull Make a hole large enough to spread the roots Hill the center of the hole and place the crown slightly above soil level Spread the roots downward on the hill Fill the hole making sure the soil only goes halfway up the crown

bull Do not over fertilize or you will have excessive leaf growth and poor flowering Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting at the rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet

CHOOSING YOUR PLANTSThere are basically 3 types of strawberry plants to choose from June bearing Everbearing and Day Neutral

JUNE BEARINGJune Bearing strawberries produce a single large crop per year during a 2 - 3 week period in the spring June bearers are the traditionally grown plants producing a single flush of flowers and many runners They are classified into early mid-season and late varieties The largest fruits are generally from June bearing varieties

EVERBEARINGEverbearing strawberries produce two to three harvests of fruit intermittently during the spring summer and fall Everbearing plants do not send out many runners

DAY NEUTRALDay Neutral strawberries will produce fruit throughout the growing season These strawberries also produce few runners Everbearing and day neutral strawberries are great when space is limited but the fruits are usually somewhat smaller than June bearers

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

STRAWBERRY RECIPESSavor the bounty of your strawberry crop by indulging in these red berry recipes perfect for fresh spring eating

STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE ICE BOX CAKE

2 lb fresh strawberries2 sleeves graham crackers1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened1 - 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk2 - 34 oz instant cheesecake flavored pudding3 C milk1 - 12 oz carton frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip)

1 Clean and thinly slice strawberries set aside

2 Line the bottom of a 9x13 pan with graham crackers You may need to break some of the crackers to fit them in the pan

3 Combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl beat until creamy Add pudding mix and additional 3 C milk beat until mixture starts to thicken Fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping just until combined

4 Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers Smooth it out and place a layer of strawberries on top Add another layer of graham crackers top with remaining cream cheese mixture and strawberries Cover and refrigerate for 6-8 hours

5 When ready to serve top with remaining whipped topping Garnish with any remaining strawberries and graham cracker crumbs If the strawberries leave extra moisture from setting overnight dab the excess with a paper towel before adding final toppings

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE

(serves 4-6)6 - 7 C baby spinach2 C strawberries hulled and sliced1 C blueberries (optional)12 C toasted chopped pecans4 oz goat cheese (or other favorite soft white cheese)

2 12 Tbsp raspberry vinegar6 Tbsp vegetable oil14 C honey12 tsp dijon mustard2 Tbsp finely minced shallots14 tsp salt18 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 Toast the pecans by placing in a skillet over medium heat Stir or toss so they wonrsquot burn 1-2 minutes or until fragrant Mix with the spinach and berries

2 Whisk all the dressing ingredients together blending well so the honey doesnrsquot settle to the bottom

3 Just before serving toss the spinach mix with the dressing and top with cheese or pass the dressing and cheese separately for individual topping

TRIPLE DECKER STRAWBERRY CLUB SANDWICH

makes 4 large sandwiches

1 lb bacon2 lbs (4 pieces) boneless skinless chicken breast halvessalt and pepper1 avocado2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice13 C mayo12 slices whole wheat bread2 C baby spinach1 12 C strawberries hulled and sliced

1 Fry the bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet and adjust to medium-high heat Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper add to skillet and partially cover Cook until both sides are golden about 10 minutes turning once Let rest 5-10 minutes and thinly slice

2 Mash the avocado with lemon juice and stir in the mayo season with salt and peper

3 Toast the bread slices and spread each with 1 tablespoon avocado mixture Divide the chicken among 4 slices of toast and top each with several slices of bacon Cover each stack with another toast slice layer with spinach sliced strawberries and remaining toast slice Cut into quarters

SPRING 2015 29

FASHION

spring huesGO BOLD WITH MODERN COLOR TRENDS LIKE RED AND NAVY THIS SEASON gtgt

SPRING 2015

5

MODERN SPRING HUES [1] Roll Sleeve Slim Dress Equipment $25800 scoopnyccom [2] Shredded Jersey Tank Raquel Allegra $6600 theoutnetcom [3] Kale Watch WeWood $12000 amazoncom [4] Gold Batik Scarf Color Island $8100 shoptiquescom [5] Skyler Hat Brixton X UO $6000 urbanoutfitterscom

1

4

Spring Into The UNCONVENTIONAL

A mix of classic neutrals and unconventional pops of color make springrsquos go-to color palette a cool and

modern mix of old and new

3

FASHION

NAVY

MILITARYGREEN

GOLDENRODYELLOW

BURNTORANGE

2

SPRING 2015 31

1

[1] Striped Mini Skirt T by Alexander Wang $12500 net-a-portercom [2] Techno Paisley Lace Dress House of Holland $66300 luisaviaromacom [3] Striped Kimono Front Trouser Chloe $171600 matchesoffashioncom [4] Emerald Catrsquos Eye Charm Kendra Scott $2000 neimanmarcuscom

RED

PACIFICBLUE

EMERALD

2

3

4

Shibori TIE-DYE

The seasonrsquos must-have print inspired by a tradi-tional Japanese method of tie-dying fabrics using

various binding techniques to create different pat-terns Look to add a Shibori dyed scarf or tote bag

to your closet this seasonShibori Tie Dye Scarf HSSS Artisans uncommongoodscom

Blue market Tote Bag AikoThreads $2100 etsycomshopAikoThreads

SPRING 2015 33

SPRING 2015 3333

DRAGONFLY APPAREL3615 W 32ND AVE

DENVER CO 80211303-433-6331

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 35

FOOD ETCLIGHTER FARE RECIPES A PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN DECADENT CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE AND FUN RECIPES FOR THE KIDS

FRESH FRUIT SALSA WITH BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS

Skip the chocolate-heavy desserts and opt for this fresh and incredibly satisfying sweet treat

2 lb fresh strawberries chopped8 oz fresh raspberries2 kiwis peeled and diced2 apples diced1 Tbsp brown sugar2 Tbsp granulated sugar3 Tbsp fruit preserves your choice of flavor

4 flour tortillas4 Tbsp granulated sugar1 12 tsp cinnamonbutter flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix up the fruit salsa by combining all ingredients and chill-ing in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes

Combine the cinnamon and sugar spray one side of each flour tortilla with the cooking spray stack and cut into wedges Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (as much as you like) Give the chips another light coat of cooking spray be-fore baking in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes Watch closely so they donrsquot get too brown Let cool before serving with fresh fruit salsa

Lighter FARE

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015

LIVING INrsquoS MONTHS AHEAD

Spring2015 find more online

l i v i n g i n d e n v e r c oco

ldquoHappiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already haverdquo

APRIL

april foolrsquos dayWednesday 040115

Popular since the 19th century it is not a national holiday but is celebrated as a day to play practical jokes and hoaxes on each

other

birthstoneDiamond and Crystal

flowerDaisy and Sweet Pea

fRUITS amp VEGGIESStrawberry Asian Pear Tomatillos

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNSAries (until the 19th)

Taurus (begins the 20th)

NATURAL SPRING REMEDIES

gtgt To ease anxiety massage thetemples with lavender oil or

drink chamomile tea

gtgt Drink rosemary tea to alleviatemelancholy or depression

gtgt Trying to remain relaxed butalert Some studies suggest thatthe smell of apples apple cidervinegar or spiced apples (as in

mulled cider) have this effect

gtgt A tea of elderberry flowers isconsidered relaxing to the nerves

and is sleep inducing

gtgt For insomnia drink bee balmor chamomile tea and eat mandarin

oranges

MAY

MAY DAY Thursday 010115

CINCO DE MAYO Tuesday 050515

MOTHERS DAY Sunday 051015

ARMED FORCES DAY Saturday 051615

MEMORIAL DAY Monday 052515

birthstoneEmerald

fRUITS amp VEGGIESMango Limes Potatoes

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNSTaurus (until the 20th)Gemini (begins the 21st)

JUNE

FLAG DAY Sunday 061415

INTERNATIONAL PICNIC DAY

Thursday 061815

SUMMER SOLSTICESunday 062115

FATHERS DAY Sunday 062115

NATIONAL PINK DAYTuesday 062315

birthstoneAlexandrite Pearl amp Moonstone

fRUITS amp VEGGIESCherries Plums Pluot Okra

summer solsticeSunday 062115

The longest day of the year and the official start of summer it is often a time for festivals feasts

and celebrations

APRIL FOOLrsquoS DAY Wednesday 040115

GOOD FRIDAYFriday 040315

EASTER Sunday 040515

WORLD HEALTH DAY Tuesday 040715

TAX DAY Wednesday 041515

ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALrsquoS DAY

Wednesday 042215

EARTH DAY Wednesday 042215

ARBOR DAY Friday 042415

PASS THE SALT

gtgt Rub salt on fruitstains while still wet then

put them in the wash

gtgt To remove mildewspots rub in salt and some buttermilk

then let dry in the sun

gtgt If you spill wine or fruit juice on your tablecloth pour salt on the spot

at once to absorb the stain

gtgt Apply a paste of salt and olive oil to ugly heat rings on your table Let

sit for about an hour and then wipe off with a soft cloth

gtgt To restore some of the color to fadedfabric soak it in a strong solution of

salt and water

gtgt Discharge evil spells by throwing apinch of salt over your left shoulder

gtgt Mix a tablespoon of salt into the water of a vase of cut flowers to keep

them fresh longer

gtgt A mixture of salt and vinegar willclean brass

SPRING 2015 15

SPRING 2015

HappyMAY DAYThough May 1st comes closer to the start of spring many cultures have celebrated May Day as the first dsy of summer Either way it is a time to say goodbye to the cold winter and to welcome flow-ers dancing singing and yes flirting

Dancing around the maypole is probably the oldest known tradi-tion associated with May Day A

maypole is a tall wooden pole erected as a part of various European folk fe-stivals around which a maypole dance often takes place Another tradition popular with children and adults alike is to deliver baskets filled with flowers sweets or whatever other treats you like to a special friendrsquos house The tra-dition is to leave their May basket on the porch or in front of their door and ring the door bell When they open the door to find their basket the giver starts running - if your special friend catches you they get to kiss you

ONWARD CELEBRATE

SPRING 2015 17

Recycled cans are an inexpensive and resourceful way to make a special basket Save and clean a tall tin can (the ones pasta sauce comes in) and hammer nails into the sides to create ho-les Shape a wire hanger into the handle making sure it is long enough to fit over a door knob once it is filled with flowers or goodies Cut brown paper from a bag and use twine or decora-tive ribbon to dress it up Let your children do their own unique designing using paint paper and glue

Recycled May Day Baskets

Start A New Family

TraditionGet the kids involved in a fun project they will love and create lasting memories in the process The beauty of a May Day basket is in its hand-made simplicity so break out the crafting materials and get creative

SPRING 2015

HOT WEATHER

WATERINGWhen rain is scarce you need to make sure your garden is getting the water it needs Vegetables need water to produce so it is crucial to give them a drink when it is dry

Vegetables should be watered two or three times a week during really hot weather Watering the garden deeply

is critical you need the water to go down deep to encourage deep roots and get away from the hot soil surface Put a small cup or can in the garden soil and water until it has collected at least an inch from a sprinkler If you have planted your garden in containers they will probably need to be watered every day as container gardens seem to dry out faster than the ground If you are watering your garden by hand use a nozzle turned to the shower setting for rain-like watering If the water starts to puddle move on and come back several times to make sure the water is soaking in and the soil is thoroughly moist

Big leaf plants such as cucumbers squash and melons lose moisture fast Wilting plants are a good indication that your garden needs water - however in very hot weather these plants will wilt some during mid-day no matter what perking back up in the evening Try and avoid getting the plant leaves wet but if you are using a sprinkler it is impossible not to In this case you should water early in the morning so that the foliage will dry out quickly and minimize disease

Tomatoes are a thirsty breed and do not like to dry out If you let them go from dry to wet they will get blossom-end rot as well as cracks in the fruit from expanding too fast To avoid these problems keep the soil consistently moist

Keep your ground moist by using an organic mulch such as wheat straw finely ground bark pine needles or chopped leaves Spread mulch on the ground around and under plants This will protect the soil and roots from the hot sun A two to three inch layer of mulch makes a huge difference in the hot weather Without mulch the sun bakes the soil and you end up watering even more

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 19

Spring Planting

Many flowers can be planted as soon as the ground is soft enough to work in the

spring Some varieties can even survive a late freeze While annual flowers will give

you blossoms early perennials will not bloom right away and instead show their

colors in summer and early fall To ensure continuous color all season do some

research on blooming times

Roses are a perennial that should be planted early All roses thrive in rich well-draining soil and full sunlight

Snapdragons are an easy to grow annual that love cooler climates You can plant these in early spring when the ground is cool as they will survive a light frost They grow best in full sun and well-drained soil

Pansies are another cool season annual and extremely cold-hardy flower They can freeze thaw and continue blooming Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist but well-draining soil They will bloom until it gets too hot then they will fade and need to be replaced

Lilies are hardy flowering bulbs that are easy to care for and can be planted almost any time of the year The plantings can be staggered so they will bloom from May through September Plant lilies in early spring but place a 4 inch layer of mulch over the planting site to protect against hard freezes As the shoots emerge gradually remove the mulch Plant where they will have full sunlight and well-drained soil Beware too much water will rot the bulbs

SPRING 2015 Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

HARDY VEGETABLESBroccoli Cabbage Kohlrabi Onions Lettuce Peas Radish Spinach Turnips

GROWING CONDITIONSCool 60 - 80 degreesLose quality in hot weatherMay be replanted mid-summer for fall harvestMay survive a light frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two-four weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

your best garden

PLANTING GUIDE

Sharing tips from the Colorado Master Gardner program at Colorado State University

SEMI-HARDY VEGETABLESBeets Carrots Cauliflower Parsley Parsnips Potatoes Swiss Chard

GROWING CONDITIONSMinimum daytime temperatures of 40 - 50 degreesLess tolerant of frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

TENDER VEGETABLESBeans Celery Corn Cucumbers Summer Squash

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

VERY TENDER VEGETABLESLima Beans Cantaloupe Eggplant Peppers Pumpkin Winter Squash Pumpkins Tomatoes Watermelon

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 21Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

SPRING 2015

ONWARD LOCAL FLORALS

FRONT RANGEFLORALS

1 Savor the sunshine yellow at Happy Life Gardens in Evans located at the edge of Greeley 2000 37th St 2 Growing season is in full swing at Creekside Gardens in Littleton 5730 W Coal Mine Ave 3 Bright colors bring on spring fever at Sundance Gardens amp Landscaping in Evergreen 27866 Meadow Dr 4 Yard art inspiration at Loveland Garden Center 1801 S Lincoln Ave gtgt

Local greenhouses are gearing up for the summer season ready to provide you with beautiful plants

endless inspiration and extensive know-how for growing your best and brightest beds yet

1

2

SPRING 2015 23

We educate more than 54000 children and serve over 300000 residents in 108 square miles that spread across eight municipalities Cherry Hills Village Centennial Fox-field Glendale Greenwood Village and portions of Aurora Englewood and Denver

The Cherry Creek School District is one of the high-est achieving school districts in the state Cherry Creek Schools students consistently score well above state aver-ages on Colorado standardized assessments and above state and national averages on SAT and ACT exams

The district 2014 graduation rate is 87 compared to the state average of 77 and the national average of 782

The Cherry Creek School District has the third most Na-tional Board Certified Teachers in Colorado

Members of the 2014 graduating class earned more than $54 million in scholarships

SchoolMatchcopy an independent nationwide service has recognized the Cherry Creek School District as among only 16 of school districts nationwide with its ldquoWhat Parents Wantrdquo Award for 20 consecutive years

3037731184 wwwcherrycreekschoolsorg

ldquoTo inspire every student to think to learn to achieve to carerdquo

ldquoAll children deserve a great school in their neighborhood one they can walk or ride the bus to

with their friends These friendships between children and their families

unite communities and make them strongerrdquo

Cherry Creek Schools A Great Neighborhood School

in Every Neighborhood

4

3

SPRING 2015

5 A plethora of pansies at Sturtz amp Copeland in Boulder 2851 Valmont 6 Starting strong plants at Echterrsquos Garden Center in Arvada 5150 Garrison St 7 Itrsquos all about the artful containers at Tagawa Gardens in Parker 7711 S Parker Rd 8 Tulips in bloom at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Lakewood 1404 Quail St 9 Houseplants and hanging baskets abound at Golden City Floral in Golden 5331 Quaker St 10 Helpful and ready to share their knowledge at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Westminster 9400 Wadsworth 11 Striking and contemporary garden art at the Bath Garden Center Nursery in Fort Collins where they grow all their own plants organically 2000 E Prospect Rd

5

6

8

7

SPRING 2015 25

9

10 11

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

OVERVIEWThe strawberry plant is a hardy perennial that dies back in the winter and returns in the spring when the weather gets warm After bearing fruit many types of strawberries will produce runners called daughter plants Runners often root nearby attached to the mother plant To keep the mother plant strong and healthy only allow three daughter plants to remain attached clipping the others to plant somewhere else Strawberries will have a resting period after their first big harvest of the season but most plants will produce again in the fall if you keep them watered and weeded

If you live in Zone 6 or further north your strawberries should be planted in the spring so they will be well rooted by the following winter They can be replanted in late summer and moved to a cool protected place such as an unheated garage during the winter months Most sweet fruits require an abundance of sunshine Strawberries require at least 8 hours daily of full sun

Homegrown strawberries just may be the sweetest juiciest and most aromatic berries you will ever taste An easy to grow fruit their crop will reward the home gardener with ample harvests for many years

and prefer a slightly acidic soil If you soil is slightly alkaline it would be better to grow the berries in large containers filled with potting mix The plants wonrsquot do well in clay soil but by mixing in 4 inches of compost they will be fine If you are planting directly into the ground space your plants 18 inches apart making room for runners Be sure to set plants so that their roots are well covered with soil but the central bud or crown is exposed to light and air If you bury the crown your plant could rot

Mulch between plants after planting to keep the soil temperature cool deter weeds and to keep the fruit off the soil Straw is the traditional strawberry mulch Do not use black plastic since it will raise the soil temperature and optimal fruit production requires cool soil Plants will start blooming in early spring and they must be visited by the bees or other pollinating insects before they can set fruit In warm weather you should have ripe fruit about 30 days after blossoms are fertilized

STRAWBERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015 27

GROWING TIPSbull Well drained sandy loam with a

soil pH from 58 to 62 is idealbull Donrsquot plant where tomatoes

potatoes peppers or eggplant have been grown recently (verticillium rot)

bull Be sure you have certified disease-free plants

bull Select plants with large crowns and healthy light-colored roots

bull Amend soil with 1-2 inches of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure

bull Keep weeds from competing with your strawberry plants

bull Make a hole large enough to spread the roots Hill the center of the hole and place the crown slightly above soil level Spread the roots downward on the hill Fill the hole making sure the soil only goes halfway up the crown

bull Do not over fertilize or you will have excessive leaf growth and poor flowering Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting at the rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet

CHOOSING YOUR PLANTSThere are basically 3 types of strawberry plants to choose from June bearing Everbearing and Day Neutral

JUNE BEARINGJune Bearing strawberries produce a single large crop per year during a 2 - 3 week period in the spring June bearers are the traditionally grown plants producing a single flush of flowers and many runners They are classified into early mid-season and late varieties The largest fruits are generally from June bearing varieties

EVERBEARINGEverbearing strawberries produce two to three harvests of fruit intermittently during the spring summer and fall Everbearing plants do not send out many runners

DAY NEUTRALDay Neutral strawberries will produce fruit throughout the growing season These strawberries also produce few runners Everbearing and day neutral strawberries are great when space is limited but the fruits are usually somewhat smaller than June bearers

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

STRAWBERRY RECIPESSavor the bounty of your strawberry crop by indulging in these red berry recipes perfect for fresh spring eating

STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE ICE BOX CAKE

2 lb fresh strawberries2 sleeves graham crackers1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened1 - 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk2 - 34 oz instant cheesecake flavored pudding3 C milk1 - 12 oz carton frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip)

1 Clean and thinly slice strawberries set aside

2 Line the bottom of a 9x13 pan with graham crackers You may need to break some of the crackers to fit them in the pan

3 Combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl beat until creamy Add pudding mix and additional 3 C milk beat until mixture starts to thicken Fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping just until combined

4 Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers Smooth it out and place a layer of strawberries on top Add another layer of graham crackers top with remaining cream cheese mixture and strawberries Cover and refrigerate for 6-8 hours

5 When ready to serve top with remaining whipped topping Garnish with any remaining strawberries and graham cracker crumbs If the strawberries leave extra moisture from setting overnight dab the excess with a paper towel before adding final toppings

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE

(serves 4-6)6 - 7 C baby spinach2 C strawberries hulled and sliced1 C blueberries (optional)12 C toasted chopped pecans4 oz goat cheese (or other favorite soft white cheese)

2 12 Tbsp raspberry vinegar6 Tbsp vegetable oil14 C honey12 tsp dijon mustard2 Tbsp finely minced shallots14 tsp salt18 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 Toast the pecans by placing in a skillet over medium heat Stir or toss so they wonrsquot burn 1-2 minutes or until fragrant Mix with the spinach and berries

2 Whisk all the dressing ingredients together blending well so the honey doesnrsquot settle to the bottom

3 Just before serving toss the spinach mix with the dressing and top with cheese or pass the dressing and cheese separately for individual topping

TRIPLE DECKER STRAWBERRY CLUB SANDWICH

makes 4 large sandwiches

1 lb bacon2 lbs (4 pieces) boneless skinless chicken breast halvessalt and pepper1 avocado2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice13 C mayo12 slices whole wheat bread2 C baby spinach1 12 C strawberries hulled and sliced

1 Fry the bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet and adjust to medium-high heat Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper add to skillet and partially cover Cook until both sides are golden about 10 minutes turning once Let rest 5-10 minutes and thinly slice

2 Mash the avocado with lemon juice and stir in the mayo season with salt and peper

3 Toast the bread slices and spread each with 1 tablespoon avocado mixture Divide the chicken among 4 slices of toast and top each with several slices of bacon Cover each stack with another toast slice layer with spinach sliced strawberries and remaining toast slice Cut into quarters

SPRING 2015 29

FASHION

spring huesGO BOLD WITH MODERN COLOR TRENDS LIKE RED AND NAVY THIS SEASON gtgt

SPRING 2015

5

MODERN SPRING HUES [1] Roll Sleeve Slim Dress Equipment $25800 scoopnyccom [2] Shredded Jersey Tank Raquel Allegra $6600 theoutnetcom [3] Kale Watch WeWood $12000 amazoncom [4] Gold Batik Scarf Color Island $8100 shoptiquescom [5] Skyler Hat Brixton X UO $6000 urbanoutfitterscom

1

4

Spring Into The UNCONVENTIONAL

A mix of classic neutrals and unconventional pops of color make springrsquos go-to color palette a cool and

modern mix of old and new

3

FASHION

NAVY

MILITARYGREEN

GOLDENRODYELLOW

BURNTORANGE

2

SPRING 2015 31

1

[1] Striped Mini Skirt T by Alexander Wang $12500 net-a-portercom [2] Techno Paisley Lace Dress House of Holland $66300 luisaviaromacom [3] Striped Kimono Front Trouser Chloe $171600 matchesoffashioncom [4] Emerald Catrsquos Eye Charm Kendra Scott $2000 neimanmarcuscom

RED

PACIFICBLUE

EMERALD

2

3

4

Shibori TIE-DYE

The seasonrsquos must-have print inspired by a tradi-tional Japanese method of tie-dying fabrics using

various binding techniques to create different pat-terns Look to add a Shibori dyed scarf or tote bag

to your closet this seasonShibori Tie Dye Scarf HSSS Artisans uncommongoodscom

Blue market Tote Bag AikoThreads $2100 etsycomshopAikoThreads

SPRING 2015 33

SPRING 2015 3333

DRAGONFLY APPAREL3615 W 32ND AVE

DENVER CO 80211303-433-6331

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 35

FOOD ETCLIGHTER FARE RECIPES A PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN DECADENT CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE AND FUN RECIPES FOR THE KIDS

FRESH FRUIT SALSA WITH BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS

Skip the chocolate-heavy desserts and opt for this fresh and incredibly satisfying sweet treat

2 lb fresh strawberries chopped8 oz fresh raspberries2 kiwis peeled and diced2 apples diced1 Tbsp brown sugar2 Tbsp granulated sugar3 Tbsp fruit preserves your choice of flavor

4 flour tortillas4 Tbsp granulated sugar1 12 tsp cinnamonbutter flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix up the fruit salsa by combining all ingredients and chill-ing in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes

Combine the cinnamon and sugar spray one side of each flour tortilla with the cooking spray stack and cut into wedges Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (as much as you like) Give the chips another light coat of cooking spray be-fore baking in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes Watch closely so they donrsquot get too brown Let cool before serving with fresh fruit salsa

Lighter FARE

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015 15

SPRING 2015

HappyMAY DAYThough May 1st comes closer to the start of spring many cultures have celebrated May Day as the first dsy of summer Either way it is a time to say goodbye to the cold winter and to welcome flow-ers dancing singing and yes flirting

Dancing around the maypole is probably the oldest known tradi-tion associated with May Day A

maypole is a tall wooden pole erected as a part of various European folk fe-stivals around which a maypole dance often takes place Another tradition popular with children and adults alike is to deliver baskets filled with flowers sweets or whatever other treats you like to a special friendrsquos house The tra-dition is to leave their May basket on the porch or in front of their door and ring the door bell When they open the door to find their basket the giver starts running - if your special friend catches you they get to kiss you

ONWARD CELEBRATE

SPRING 2015 17

Recycled cans are an inexpensive and resourceful way to make a special basket Save and clean a tall tin can (the ones pasta sauce comes in) and hammer nails into the sides to create ho-les Shape a wire hanger into the handle making sure it is long enough to fit over a door knob once it is filled with flowers or goodies Cut brown paper from a bag and use twine or decora-tive ribbon to dress it up Let your children do their own unique designing using paint paper and glue

Recycled May Day Baskets

Start A New Family

TraditionGet the kids involved in a fun project they will love and create lasting memories in the process The beauty of a May Day basket is in its hand-made simplicity so break out the crafting materials and get creative

SPRING 2015

HOT WEATHER

WATERINGWhen rain is scarce you need to make sure your garden is getting the water it needs Vegetables need water to produce so it is crucial to give them a drink when it is dry

Vegetables should be watered two or three times a week during really hot weather Watering the garden deeply

is critical you need the water to go down deep to encourage deep roots and get away from the hot soil surface Put a small cup or can in the garden soil and water until it has collected at least an inch from a sprinkler If you have planted your garden in containers they will probably need to be watered every day as container gardens seem to dry out faster than the ground If you are watering your garden by hand use a nozzle turned to the shower setting for rain-like watering If the water starts to puddle move on and come back several times to make sure the water is soaking in and the soil is thoroughly moist

Big leaf plants such as cucumbers squash and melons lose moisture fast Wilting plants are a good indication that your garden needs water - however in very hot weather these plants will wilt some during mid-day no matter what perking back up in the evening Try and avoid getting the plant leaves wet but if you are using a sprinkler it is impossible not to In this case you should water early in the morning so that the foliage will dry out quickly and minimize disease

Tomatoes are a thirsty breed and do not like to dry out If you let them go from dry to wet they will get blossom-end rot as well as cracks in the fruit from expanding too fast To avoid these problems keep the soil consistently moist

Keep your ground moist by using an organic mulch such as wheat straw finely ground bark pine needles or chopped leaves Spread mulch on the ground around and under plants This will protect the soil and roots from the hot sun A two to three inch layer of mulch makes a huge difference in the hot weather Without mulch the sun bakes the soil and you end up watering even more

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 19

Spring Planting

Many flowers can be planted as soon as the ground is soft enough to work in the

spring Some varieties can even survive a late freeze While annual flowers will give

you blossoms early perennials will not bloom right away and instead show their

colors in summer and early fall To ensure continuous color all season do some

research on blooming times

Roses are a perennial that should be planted early All roses thrive in rich well-draining soil and full sunlight

Snapdragons are an easy to grow annual that love cooler climates You can plant these in early spring when the ground is cool as they will survive a light frost They grow best in full sun and well-drained soil

Pansies are another cool season annual and extremely cold-hardy flower They can freeze thaw and continue blooming Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist but well-draining soil They will bloom until it gets too hot then they will fade and need to be replaced

Lilies are hardy flowering bulbs that are easy to care for and can be planted almost any time of the year The plantings can be staggered so they will bloom from May through September Plant lilies in early spring but place a 4 inch layer of mulch over the planting site to protect against hard freezes As the shoots emerge gradually remove the mulch Plant where they will have full sunlight and well-drained soil Beware too much water will rot the bulbs

SPRING 2015 Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

HARDY VEGETABLESBroccoli Cabbage Kohlrabi Onions Lettuce Peas Radish Spinach Turnips

GROWING CONDITIONSCool 60 - 80 degreesLose quality in hot weatherMay be replanted mid-summer for fall harvestMay survive a light frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two-four weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

your best garden

PLANTING GUIDE

Sharing tips from the Colorado Master Gardner program at Colorado State University

SEMI-HARDY VEGETABLESBeets Carrots Cauliflower Parsley Parsnips Potatoes Swiss Chard

GROWING CONDITIONSMinimum daytime temperatures of 40 - 50 degreesLess tolerant of frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

TENDER VEGETABLESBeans Celery Corn Cucumbers Summer Squash

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

VERY TENDER VEGETABLESLima Beans Cantaloupe Eggplant Peppers Pumpkin Winter Squash Pumpkins Tomatoes Watermelon

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 21Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

SPRING 2015

ONWARD LOCAL FLORALS

FRONT RANGEFLORALS

1 Savor the sunshine yellow at Happy Life Gardens in Evans located at the edge of Greeley 2000 37th St 2 Growing season is in full swing at Creekside Gardens in Littleton 5730 W Coal Mine Ave 3 Bright colors bring on spring fever at Sundance Gardens amp Landscaping in Evergreen 27866 Meadow Dr 4 Yard art inspiration at Loveland Garden Center 1801 S Lincoln Ave gtgt

Local greenhouses are gearing up for the summer season ready to provide you with beautiful plants

endless inspiration and extensive know-how for growing your best and brightest beds yet

1

2

SPRING 2015 23

We educate more than 54000 children and serve over 300000 residents in 108 square miles that spread across eight municipalities Cherry Hills Village Centennial Fox-field Glendale Greenwood Village and portions of Aurora Englewood and Denver

The Cherry Creek School District is one of the high-est achieving school districts in the state Cherry Creek Schools students consistently score well above state aver-ages on Colorado standardized assessments and above state and national averages on SAT and ACT exams

The district 2014 graduation rate is 87 compared to the state average of 77 and the national average of 782

The Cherry Creek School District has the third most Na-tional Board Certified Teachers in Colorado

Members of the 2014 graduating class earned more than $54 million in scholarships

SchoolMatchcopy an independent nationwide service has recognized the Cherry Creek School District as among only 16 of school districts nationwide with its ldquoWhat Parents Wantrdquo Award for 20 consecutive years

3037731184 wwwcherrycreekschoolsorg

ldquoTo inspire every student to think to learn to achieve to carerdquo

ldquoAll children deserve a great school in their neighborhood one they can walk or ride the bus to

with their friends These friendships between children and their families

unite communities and make them strongerrdquo

Cherry Creek Schools A Great Neighborhood School

in Every Neighborhood

4

3

SPRING 2015

5 A plethora of pansies at Sturtz amp Copeland in Boulder 2851 Valmont 6 Starting strong plants at Echterrsquos Garden Center in Arvada 5150 Garrison St 7 Itrsquos all about the artful containers at Tagawa Gardens in Parker 7711 S Parker Rd 8 Tulips in bloom at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Lakewood 1404 Quail St 9 Houseplants and hanging baskets abound at Golden City Floral in Golden 5331 Quaker St 10 Helpful and ready to share their knowledge at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Westminster 9400 Wadsworth 11 Striking and contemporary garden art at the Bath Garden Center Nursery in Fort Collins where they grow all their own plants organically 2000 E Prospect Rd

5

6

8

7

SPRING 2015 25

9

10 11

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

OVERVIEWThe strawberry plant is a hardy perennial that dies back in the winter and returns in the spring when the weather gets warm After bearing fruit many types of strawberries will produce runners called daughter plants Runners often root nearby attached to the mother plant To keep the mother plant strong and healthy only allow three daughter plants to remain attached clipping the others to plant somewhere else Strawberries will have a resting period after their first big harvest of the season but most plants will produce again in the fall if you keep them watered and weeded

If you live in Zone 6 or further north your strawberries should be planted in the spring so they will be well rooted by the following winter They can be replanted in late summer and moved to a cool protected place such as an unheated garage during the winter months Most sweet fruits require an abundance of sunshine Strawberries require at least 8 hours daily of full sun

Homegrown strawberries just may be the sweetest juiciest and most aromatic berries you will ever taste An easy to grow fruit their crop will reward the home gardener with ample harvests for many years

and prefer a slightly acidic soil If you soil is slightly alkaline it would be better to grow the berries in large containers filled with potting mix The plants wonrsquot do well in clay soil but by mixing in 4 inches of compost they will be fine If you are planting directly into the ground space your plants 18 inches apart making room for runners Be sure to set plants so that their roots are well covered with soil but the central bud or crown is exposed to light and air If you bury the crown your plant could rot

Mulch between plants after planting to keep the soil temperature cool deter weeds and to keep the fruit off the soil Straw is the traditional strawberry mulch Do not use black plastic since it will raise the soil temperature and optimal fruit production requires cool soil Plants will start blooming in early spring and they must be visited by the bees or other pollinating insects before they can set fruit In warm weather you should have ripe fruit about 30 days after blossoms are fertilized

STRAWBERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015 27

GROWING TIPSbull Well drained sandy loam with a

soil pH from 58 to 62 is idealbull Donrsquot plant where tomatoes

potatoes peppers or eggplant have been grown recently (verticillium rot)

bull Be sure you have certified disease-free plants

bull Select plants with large crowns and healthy light-colored roots

bull Amend soil with 1-2 inches of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure

bull Keep weeds from competing with your strawberry plants

bull Make a hole large enough to spread the roots Hill the center of the hole and place the crown slightly above soil level Spread the roots downward on the hill Fill the hole making sure the soil only goes halfway up the crown

bull Do not over fertilize or you will have excessive leaf growth and poor flowering Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting at the rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet

CHOOSING YOUR PLANTSThere are basically 3 types of strawberry plants to choose from June bearing Everbearing and Day Neutral

JUNE BEARINGJune Bearing strawberries produce a single large crop per year during a 2 - 3 week period in the spring June bearers are the traditionally grown plants producing a single flush of flowers and many runners They are classified into early mid-season and late varieties The largest fruits are generally from June bearing varieties

EVERBEARINGEverbearing strawberries produce two to three harvests of fruit intermittently during the spring summer and fall Everbearing plants do not send out many runners

DAY NEUTRALDay Neutral strawberries will produce fruit throughout the growing season These strawberries also produce few runners Everbearing and day neutral strawberries are great when space is limited but the fruits are usually somewhat smaller than June bearers

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

STRAWBERRY RECIPESSavor the bounty of your strawberry crop by indulging in these red berry recipes perfect for fresh spring eating

STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE ICE BOX CAKE

2 lb fresh strawberries2 sleeves graham crackers1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened1 - 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk2 - 34 oz instant cheesecake flavored pudding3 C milk1 - 12 oz carton frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip)

1 Clean and thinly slice strawberries set aside

2 Line the bottom of a 9x13 pan with graham crackers You may need to break some of the crackers to fit them in the pan

3 Combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl beat until creamy Add pudding mix and additional 3 C milk beat until mixture starts to thicken Fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping just until combined

4 Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers Smooth it out and place a layer of strawberries on top Add another layer of graham crackers top with remaining cream cheese mixture and strawberries Cover and refrigerate for 6-8 hours

5 When ready to serve top with remaining whipped topping Garnish with any remaining strawberries and graham cracker crumbs If the strawberries leave extra moisture from setting overnight dab the excess with a paper towel before adding final toppings

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE

(serves 4-6)6 - 7 C baby spinach2 C strawberries hulled and sliced1 C blueberries (optional)12 C toasted chopped pecans4 oz goat cheese (or other favorite soft white cheese)

2 12 Tbsp raspberry vinegar6 Tbsp vegetable oil14 C honey12 tsp dijon mustard2 Tbsp finely minced shallots14 tsp salt18 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 Toast the pecans by placing in a skillet over medium heat Stir or toss so they wonrsquot burn 1-2 minutes or until fragrant Mix with the spinach and berries

2 Whisk all the dressing ingredients together blending well so the honey doesnrsquot settle to the bottom

3 Just before serving toss the spinach mix with the dressing and top with cheese or pass the dressing and cheese separately for individual topping

TRIPLE DECKER STRAWBERRY CLUB SANDWICH

makes 4 large sandwiches

1 lb bacon2 lbs (4 pieces) boneless skinless chicken breast halvessalt and pepper1 avocado2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice13 C mayo12 slices whole wheat bread2 C baby spinach1 12 C strawberries hulled and sliced

1 Fry the bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet and adjust to medium-high heat Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper add to skillet and partially cover Cook until both sides are golden about 10 minutes turning once Let rest 5-10 minutes and thinly slice

2 Mash the avocado with lemon juice and stir in the mayo season with salt and peper

3 Toast the bread slices and spread each with 1 tablespoon avocado mixture Divide the chicken among 4 slices of toast and top each with several slices of bacon Cover each stack with another toast slice layer with spinach sliced strawberries and remaining toast slice Cut into quarters

SPRING 2015 29

FASHION

spring huesGO BOLD WITH MODERN COLOR TRENDS LIKE RED AND NAVY THIS SEASON gtgt

SPRING 2015

5

MODERN SPRING HUES [1] Roll Sleeve Slim Dress Equipment $25800 scoopnyccom [2] Shredded Jersey Tank Raquel Allegra $6600 theoutnetcom [3] Kale Watch WeWood $12000 amazoncom [4] Gold Batik Scarf Color Island $8100 shoptiquescom [5] Skyler Hat Brixton X UO $6000 urbanoutfitterscom

1

4

Spring Into The UNCONVENTIONAL

A mix of classic neutrals and unconventional pops of color make springrsquos go-to color palette a cool and

modern mix of old and new

3

FASHION

NAVY

MILITARYGREEN

GOLDENRODYELLOW

BURNTORANGE

2

SPRING 2015 31

1

[1] Striped Mini Skirt T by Alexander Wang $12500 net-a-portercom [2] Techno Paisley Lace Dress House of Holland $66300 luisaviaromacom [3] Striped Kimono Front Trouser Chloe $171600 matchesoffashioncom [4] Emerald Catrsquos Eye Charm Kendra Scott $2000 neimanmarcuscom

RED

PACIFICBLUE

EMERALD

2

3

4

Shibori TIE-DYE

The seasonrsquos must-have print inspired by a tradi-tional Japanese method of tie-dying fabrics using

various binding techniques to create different pat-terns Look to add a Shibori dyed scarf or tote bag

to your closet this seasonShibori Tie Dye Scarf HSSS Artisans uncommongoodscom

Blue market Tote Bag AikoThreads $2100 etsycomshopAikoThreads

SPRING 2015 33

SPRING 2015 3333

DRAGONFLY APPAREL3615 W 32ND AVE

DENVER CO 80211303-433-6331

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 35

FOOD ETCLIGHTER FARE RECIPES A PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN DECADENT CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE AND FUN RECIPES FOR THE KIDS

FRESH FRUIT SALSA WITH BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS

Skip the chocolate-heavy desserts and opt for this fresh and incredibly satisfying sweet treat

2 lb fresh strawberries chopped8 oz fresh raspberries2 kiwis peeled and diced2 apples diced1 Tbsp brown sugar2 Tbsp granulated sugar3 Tbsp fruit preserves your choice of flavor

4 flour tortillas4 Tbsp granulated sugar1 12 tsp cinnamonbutter flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix up the fruit salsa by combining all ingredients and chill-ing in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes

Combine the cinnamon and sugar spray one side of each flour tortilla with the cooking spray stack and cut into wedges Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (as much as you like) Give the chips another light coat of cooking spray be-fore baking in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes Watch closely so they donrsquot get too brown Let cool before serving with fresh fruit salsa

Lighter FARE

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015

HappyMAY DAYThough May 1st comes closer to the start of spring many cultures have celebrated May Day as the first dsy of summer Either way it is a time to say goodbye to the cold winter and to welcome flow-ers dancing singing and yes flirting

Dancing around the maypole is probably the oldest known tradi-tion associated with May Day A

maypole is a tall wooden pole erected as a part of various European folk fe-stivals around which a maypole dance often takes place Another tradition popular with children and adults alike is to deliver baskets filled with flowers sweets or whatever other treats you like to a special friendrsquos house The tra-dition is to leave their May basket on the porch or in front of their door and ring the door bell When they open the door to find their basket the giver starts running - if your special friend catches you they get to kiss you

ONWARD CELEBRATE

SPRING 2015 17

Recycled cans are an inexpensive and resourceful way to make a special basket Save and clean a tall tin can (the ones pasta sauce comes in) and hammer nails into the sides to create ho-les Shape a wire hanger into the handle making sure it is long enough to fit over a door knob once it is filled with flowers or goodies Cut brown paper from a bag and use twine or decora-tive ribbon to dress it up Let your children do their own unique designing using paint paper and glue

Recycled May Day Baskets

Start A New Family

TraditionGet the kids involved in a fun project they will love and create lasting memories in the process The beauty of a May Day basket is in its hand-made simplicity so break out the crafting materials and get creative

SPRING 2015

HOT WEATHER

WATERINGWhen rain is scarce you need to make sure your garden is getting the water it needs Vegetables need water to produce so it is crucial to give them a drink when it is dry

Vegetables should be watered two or three times a week during really hot weather Watering the garden deeply

is critical you need the water to go down deep to encourage deep roots and get away from the hot soil surface Put a small cup or can in the garden soil and water until it has collected at least an inch from a sprinkler If you have planted your garden in containers they will probably need to be watered every day as container gardens seem to dry out faster than the ground If you are watering your garden by hand use a nozzle turned to the shower setting for rain-like watering If the water starts to puddle move on and come back several times to make sure the water is soaking in and the soil is thoroughly moist

Big leaf plants such as cucumbers squash and melons lose moisture fast Wilting plants are a good indication that your garden needs water - however in very hot weather these plants will wilt some during mid-day no matter what perking back up in the evening Try and avoid getting the plant leaves wet but if you are using a sprinkler it is impossible not to In this case you should water early in the morning so that the foliage will dry out quickly and minimize disease

Tomatoes are a thirsty breed and do not like to dry out If you let them go from dry to wet they will get blossom-end rot as well as cracks in the fruit from expanding too fast To avoid these problems keep the soil consistently moist

Keep your ground moist by using an organic mulch such as wheat straw finely ground bark pine needles or chopped leaves Spread mulch on the ground around and under plants This will protect the soil and roots from the hot sun A two to three inch layer of mulch makes a huge difference in the hot weather Without mulch the sun bakes the soil and you end up watering even more

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 19

Spring Planting

Many flowers can be planted as soon as the ground is soft enough to work in the

spring Some varieties can even survive a late freeze While annual flowers will give

you blossoms early perennials will not bloom right away and instead show their

colors in summer and early fall To ensure continuous color all season do some

research on blooming times

Roses are a perennial that should be planted early All roses thrive in rich well-draining soil and full sunlight

Snapdragons are an easy to grow annual that love cooler climates You can plant these in early spring when the ground is cool as they will survive a light frost They grow best in full sun and well-drained soil

Pansies are another cool season annual and extremely cold-hardy flower They can freeze thaw and continue blooming Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist but well-draining soil They will bloom until it gets too hot then they will fade and need to be replaced

Lilies are hardy flowering bulbs that are easy to care for and can be planted almost any time of the year The plantings can be staggered so they will bloom from May through September Plant lilies in early spring but place a 4 inch layer of mulch over the planting site to protect against hard freezes As the shoots emerge gradually remove the mulch Plant where they will have full sunlight and well-drained soil Beware too much water will rot the bulbs

SPRING 2015 Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

HARDY VEGETABLESBroccoli Cabbage Kohlrabi Onions Lettuce Peas Radish Spinach Turnips

GROWING CONDITIONSCool 60 - 80 degreesLose quality in hot weatherMay be replanted mid-summer for fall harvestMay survive a light frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two-four weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

your best garden

PLANTING GUIDE

Sharing tips from the Colorado Master Gardner program at Colorado State University

SEMI-HARDY VEGETABLESBeets Carrots Cauliflower Parsley Parsnips Potatoes Swiss Chard

GROWING CONDITIONSMinimum daytime temperatures of 40 - 50 degreesLess tolerant of frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

TENDER VEGETABLESBeans Celery Corn Cucumbers Summer Squash

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

VERY TENDER VEGETABLESLima Beans Cantaloupe Eggplant Peppers Pumpkin Winter Squash Pumpkins Tomatoes Watermelon

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 21Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

SPRING 2015

ONWARD LOCAL FLORALS

FRONT RANGEFLORALS

1 Savor the sunshine yellow at Happy Life Gardens in Evans located at the edge of Greeley 2000 37th St 2 Growing season is in full swing at Creekside Gardens in Littleton 5730 W Coal Mine Ave 3 Bright colors bring on spring fever at Sundance Gardens amp Landscaping in Evergreen 27866 Meadow Dr 4 Yard art inspiration at Loveland Garden Center 1801 S Lincoln Ave gtgt

Local greenhouses are gearing up for the summer season ready to provide you with beautiful plants

endless inspiration and extensive know-how for growing your best and brightest beds yet

1

2

SPRING 2015 23

We educate more than 54000 children and serve over 300000 residents in 108 square miles that spread across eight municipalities Cherry Hills Village Centennial Fox-field Glendale Greenwood Village and portions of Aurora Englewood and Denver

The Cherry Creek School District is one of the high-est achieving school districts in the state Cherry Creek Schools students consistently score well above state aver-ages on Colorado standardized assessments and above state and national averages on SAT and ACT exams

The district 2014 graduation rate is 87 compared to the state average of 77 and the national average of 782

The Cherry Creek School District has the third most Na-tional Board Certified Teachers in Colorado

Members of the 2014 graduating class earned more than $54 million in scholarships

SchoolMatchcopy an independent nationwide service has recognized the Cherry Creek School District as among only 16 of school districts nationwide with its ldquoWhat Parents Wantrdquo Award for 20 consecutive years

3037731184 wwwcherrycreekschoolsorg

ldquoTo inspire every student to think to learn to achieve to carerdquo

ldquoAll children deserve a great school in their neighborhood one they can walk or ride the bus to

with their friends These friendships between children and their families

unite communities and make them strongerrdquo

Cherry Creek Schools A Great Neighborhood School

in Every Neighborhood

4

3

SPRING 2015

5 A plethora of pansies at Sturtz amp Copeland in Boulder 2851 Valmont 6 Starting strong plants at Echterrsquos Garden Center in Arvada 5150 Garrison St 7 Itrsquos all about the artful containers at Tagawa Gardens in Parker 7711 S Parker Rd 8 Tulips in bloom at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Lakewood 1404 Quail St 9 Houseplants and hanging baskets abound at Golden City Floral in Golden 5331 Quaker St 10 Helpful and ready to share their knowledge at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Westminster 9400 Wadsworth 11 Striking and contemporary garden art at the Bath Garden Center Nursery in Fort Collins where they grow all their own plants organically 2000 E Prospect Rd

5

6

8

7

SPRING 2015 25

9

10 11

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

OVERVIEWThe strawberry plant is a hardy perennial that dies back in the winter and returns in the spring when the weather gets warm After bearing fruit many types of strawberries will produce runners called daughter plants Runners often root nearby attached to the mother plant To keep the mother plant strong and healthy only allow three daughter plants to remain attached clipping the others to plant somewhere else Strawberries will have a resting period after their first big harvest of the season but most plants will produce again in the fall if you keep them watered and weeded

If you live in Zone 6 or further north your strawberries should be planted in the spring so they will be well rooted by the following winter They can be replanted in late summer and moved to a cool protected place such as an unheated garage during the winter months Most sweet fruits require an abundance of sunshine Strawberries require at least 8 hours daily of full sun

Homegrown strawberries just may be the sweetest juiciest and most aromatic berries you will ever taste An easy to grow fruit their crop will reward the home gardener with ample harvests for many years

and prefer a slightly acidic soil If you soil is slightly alkaline it would be better to grow the berries in large containers filled with potting mix The plants wonrsquot do well in clay soil but by mixing in 4 inches of compost they will be fine If you are planting directly into the ground space your plants 18 inches apart making room for runners Be sure to set plants so that their roots are well covered with soil but the central bud or crown is exposed to light and air If you bury the crown your plant could rot

Mulch between plants after planting to keep the soil temperature cool deter weeds and to keep the fruit off the soil Straw is the traditional strawberry mulch Do not use black plastic since it will raise the soil temperature and optimal fruit production requires cool soil Plants will start blooming in early spring and they must be visited by the bees or other pollinating insects before they can set fruit In warm weather you should have ripe fruit about 30 days after blossoms are fertilized

STRAWBERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015 27

GROWING TIPSbull Well drained sandy loam with a

soil pH from 58 to 62 is idealbull Donrsquot plant where tomatoes

potatoes peppers or eggplant have been grown recently (verticillium rot)

bull Be sure you have certified disease-free plants

bull Select plants with large crowns and healthy light-colored roots

bull Amend soil with 1-2 inches of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure

bull Keep weeds from competing with your strawberry plants

bull Make a hole large enough to spread the roots Hill the center of the hole and place the crown slightly above soil level Spread the roots downward on the hill Fill the hole making sure the soil only goes halfway up the crown

bull Do not over fertilize or you will have excessive leaf growth and poor flowering Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting at the rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet

CHOOSING YOUR PLANTSThere are basically 3 types of strawberry plants to choose from June bearing Everbearing and Day Neutral

JUNE BEARINGJune Bearing strawberries produce a single large crop per year during a 2 - 3 week period in the spring June bearers are the traditionally grown plants producing a single flush of flowers and many runners They are classified into early mid-season and late varieties The largest fruits are generally from June bearing varieties

EVERBEARINGEverbearing strawberries produce two to three harvests of fruit intermittently during the spring summer and fall Everbearing plants do not send out many runners

DAY NEUTRALDay Neutral strawberries will produce fruit throughout the growing season These strawberries also produce few runners Everbearing and day neutral strawberries are great when space is limited but the fruits are usually somewhat smaller than June bearers

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

STRAWBERRY RECIPESSavor the bounty of your strawberry crop by indulging in these red berry recipes perfect for fresh spring eating

STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE ICE BOX CAKE

2 lb fresh strawberries2 sleeves graham crackers1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened1 - 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk2 - 34 oz instant cheesecake flavored pudding3 C milk1 - 12 oz carton frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip)

1 Clean and thinly slice strawberries set aside

2 Line the bottom of a 9x13 pan with graham crackers You may need to break some of the crackers to fit them in the pan

3 Combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl beat until creamy Add pudding mix and additional 3 C milk beat until mixture starts to thicken Fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping just until combined

4 Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers Smooth it out and place a layer of strawberries on top Add another layer of graham crackers top with remaining cream cheese mixture and strawberries Cover and refrigerate for 6-8 hours

5 When ready to serve top with remaining whipped topping Garnish with any remaining strawberries and graham cracker crumbs If the strawberries leave extra moisture from setting overnight dab the excess with a paper towel before adding final toppings

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE

(serves 4-6)6 - 7 C baby spinach2 C strawberries hulled and sliced1 C blueberries (optional)12 C toasted chopped pecans4 oz goat cheese (or other favorite soft white cheese)

2 12 Tbsp raspberry vinegar6 Tbsp vegetable oil14 C honey12 tsp dijon mustard2 Tbsp finely minced shallots14 tsp salt18 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 Toast the pecans by placing in a skillet over medium heat Stir or toss so they wonrsquot burn 1-2 minutes or until fragrant Mix with the spinach and berries

2 Whisk all the dressing ingredients together blending well so the honey doesnrsquot settle to the bottom

3 Just before serving toss the spinach mix with the dressing and top with cheese or pass the dressing and cheese separately for individual topping

TRIPLE DECKER STRAWBERRY CLUB SANDWICH

makes 4 large sandwiches

1 lb bacon2 lbs (4 pieces) boneless skinless chicken breast halvessalt and pepper1 avocado2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice13 C mayo12 slices whole wheat bread2 C baby spinach1 12 C strawberries hulled and sliced

1 Fry the bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet and adjust to medium-high heat Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper add to skillet and partially cover Cook until both sides are golden about 10 minutes turning once Let rest 5-10 minutes and thinly slice

2 Mash the avocado with lemon juice and stir in the mayo season with salt and peper

3 Toast the bread slices and spread each with 1 tablespoon avocado mixture Divide the chicken among 4 slices of toast and top each with several slices of bacon Cover each stack with another toast slice layer with spinach sliced strawberries and remaining toast slice Cut into quarters

SPRING 2015 29

FASHION

spring huesGO BOLD WITH MODERN COLOR TRENDS LIKE RED AND NAVY THIS SEASON gtgt

SPRING 2015

5

MODERN SPRING HUES [1] Roll Sleeve Slim Dress Equipment $25800 scoopnyccom [2] Shredded Jersey Tank Raquel Allegra $6600 theoutnetcom [3] Kale Watch WeWood $12000 amazoncom [4] Gold Batik Scarf Color Island $8100 shoptiquescom [5] Skyler Hat Brixton X UO $6000 urbanoutfitterscom

1

4

Spring Into The UNCONVENTIONAL

A mix of classic neutrals and unconventional pops of color make springrsquos go-to color palette a cool and

modern mix of old and new

3

FASHION

NAVY

MILITARYGREEN

GOLDENRODYELLOW

BURNTORANGE

2

SPRING 2015 31

1

[1] Striped Mini Skirt T by Alexander Wang $12500 net-a-portercom [2] Techno Paisley Lace Dress House of Holland $66300 luisaviaromacom [3] Striped Kimono Front Trouser Chloe $171600 matchesoffashioncom [4] Emerald Catrsquos Eye Charm Kendra Scott $2000 neimanmarcuscom

RED

PACIFICBLUE

EMERALD

2

3

4

Shibori TIE-DYE

The seasonrsquos must-have print inspired by a tradi-tional Japanese method of tie-dying fabrics using

various binding techniques to create different pat-terns Look to add a Shibori dyed scarf or tote bag

to your closet this seasonShibori Tie Dye Scarf HSSS Artisans uncommongoodscom

Blue market Tote Bag AikoThreads $2100 etsycomshopAikoThreads

SPRING 2015 33

SPRING 2015 3333

DRAGONFLY APPAREL3615 W 32ND AVE

DENVER CO 80211303-433-6331

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 35

FOOD ETCLIGHTER FARE RECIPES A PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN DECADENT CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE AND FUN RECIPES FOR THE KIDS

FRESH FRUIT SALSA WITH BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS

Skip the chocolate-heavy desserts and opt for this fresh and incredibly satisfying sweet treat

2 lb fresh strawberries chopped8 oz fresh raspberries2 kiwis peeled and diced2 apples diced1 Tbsp brown sugar2 Tbsp granulated sugar3 Tbsp fruit preserves your choice of flavor

4 flour tortillas4 Tbsp granulated sugar1 12 tsp cinnamonbutter flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix up the fruit salsa by combining all ingredients and chill-ing in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes

Combine the cinnamon and sugar spray one side of each flour tortilla with the cooking spray stack and cut into wedges Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (as much as you like) Give the chips another light coat of cooking spray be-fore baking in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes Watch closely so they donrsquot get too brown Let cool before serving with fresh fruit salsa

Lighter FARE

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015 17

Recycled cans are an inexpensive and resourceful way to make a special basket Save and clean a tall tin can (the ones pasta sauce comes in) and hammer nails into the sides to create ho-les Shape a wire hanger into the handle making sure it is long enough to fit over a door knob once it is filled with flowers or goodies Cut brown paper from a bag and use twine or decora-tive ribbon to dress it up Let your children do their own unique designing using paint paper and glue

Recycled May Day Baskets

Start A New Family

TraditionGet the kids involved in a fun project they will love and create lasting memories in the process The beauty of a May Day basket is in its hand-made simplicity so break out the crafting materials and get creative

SPRING 2015

HOT WEATHER

WATERINGWhen rain is scarce you need to make sure your garden is getting the water it needs Vegetables need water to produce so it is crucial to give them a drink when it is dry

Vegetables should be watered two or three times a week during really hot weather Watering the garden deeply

is critical you need the water to go down deep to encourage deep roots and get away from the hot soil surface Put a small cup or can in the garden soil and water until it has collected at least an inch from a sprinkler If you have planted your garden in containers they will probably need to be watered every day as container gardens seem to dry out faster than the ground If you are watering your garden by hand use a nozzle turned to the shower setting for rain-like watering If the water starts to puddle move on and come back several times to make sure the water is soaking in and the soil is thoroughly moist

Big leaf plants such as cucumbers squash and melons lose moisture fast Wilting plants are a good indication that your garden needs water - however in very hot weather these plants will wilt some during mid-day no matter what perking back up in the evening Try and avoid getting the plant leaves wet but if you are using a sprinkler it is impossible not to In this case you should water early in the morning so that the foliage will dry out quickly and minimize disease

Tomatoes are a thirsty breed and do not like to dry out If you let them go from dry to wet they will get blossom-end rot as well as cracks in the fruit from expanding too fast To avoid these problems keep the soil consistently moist

Keep your ground moist by using an organic mulch such as wheat straw finely ground bark pine needles or chopped leaves Spread mulch on the ground around and under plants This will protect the soil and roots from the hot sun A two to three inch layer of mulch makes a huge difference in the hot weather Without mulch the sun bakes the soil and you end up watering even more

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 19

Spring Planting

Many flowers can be planted as soon as the ground is soft enough to work in the

spring Some varieties can even survive a late freeze While annual flowers will give

you blossoms early perennials will not bloom right away and instead show their

colors in summer and early fall To ensure continuous color all season do some

research on blooming times

Roses are a perennial that should be planted early All roses thrive in rich well-draining soil and full sunlight

Snapdragons are an easy to grow annual that love cooler climates You can plant these in early spring when the ground is cool as they will survive a light frost They grow best in full sun and well-drained soil

Pansies are another cool season annual and extremely cold-hardy flower They can freeze thaw and continue blooming Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist but well-draining soil They will bloom until it gets too hot then they will fade and need to be replaced

Lilies are hardy flowering bulbs that are easy to care for and can be planted almost any time of the year The plantings can be staggered so they will bloom from May through September Plant lilies in early spring but place a 4 inch layer of mulch over the planting site to protect against hard freezes As the shoots emerge gradually remove the mulch Plant where they will have full sunlight and well-drained soil Beware too much water will rot the bulbs

SPRING 2015 Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

HARDY VEGETABLESBroccoli Cabbage Kohlrabi Onions Lettuce Peas Radish Spinach Turnips

GROWING CONDITIONSCool 60 - 80 degreesLose quality in hot weatherMay be replanted mid-summer for fall harvestMay survive a light frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two-four weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

your best garden

PLANTING GUIDE

Sharing tips from the Colorado Master Gardner program at Colorado State University

SEMI-HARDY VEGETABLESBeets Carrots Cauliflower Parsley Parsnips Potatoes Swiss Chard

GROWING CONDITIONSMinimum daytime temperatures of 40 - 50 degreesLess tolerant of frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

TENDER VEGETABLESBeans Celery Corn Cucumbers Summer Squash

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

VERY TENDER VEGETABLESLima Beans Cantaloupe Eggplant Peppers Pumpkin Winter Squash Pumpkins Tomatoes Watermelon

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 21Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

SPRING 2015

ONWARD LOCAL FLORALS

FRONT RANGEFLORALS

1 Savor the sunshine yellow at Happy Life Gardens in Evans located at the edge of Greeley 2000 37th St 2 Growing season is in full swing at Creekside Gardens in Littleton 5730 W Coal Mine Ave 3 Bright colors bring on spring fever at Sundance Gardens amp Landscaping in Evergreen 27866 Meadow Dr 4 Yard art inspiration at Loveland Garden Center 1801 S Lincoln Ave gtgt

Local greenhouses are gearing up for the summer season ready to provide you with beautiful plants

endless inspiration and extensive know-how for growing your best and brightest beds yet

1

2

SPRING 2015 23

We educate more than 54000 children and serve over 300000 residents in 108 square miles that spread across eight municipalities Cherry Hills Village Centennial Fox-field Glendale Greenwood Village and portions of Aurora Englewood and Denver

The Cherry Creek School District is one of the high-est achieving school districts in the state Cherry Creek Schools students consistently score well above state aver-ages on Colorado standardized assessments and above state and national averages on SAT and ACT exams

The district 2014 graduation rate is 87 compared to the state average of 77 and the national average of 782

The Cherry Creek School District has the third most Na-tional Board Certified Teachers in Colorado

Members of the 2014 graduating class earned more than $54 million in scholarships

SchoolMatchcopy an independent nationwide service has recognized the Cherry Creek School District as among only 16 of school districts nationwide with its ldquoWhat Parents Wantrdquo Award for 20 consecutive years

3037731184 wwwcherrycreekschoolsorg

ldquoTo inspire every student to think to learn to achieve to carerdquo

ldquoAll children deserve a great school in their neighborhood one they can walk or ride the bus to

with their friends These friendships between children and their families

unite communities and make them strongerrdquo

Cherry Creek Schools A Great Neighborhood School

in Every Neighborhood

4

3

SPRING 2015

5 A plethora of pansies at Sturtz amp Copeland in Boulder 2851 Valmont 6 Starting strong plants at Echterrsquos Garden Center in Arvada 5150 Garrison St 7 Itrsquos all about the artful containers at Tagawa Gardens in Parker 7711 S Parker Rd 8 Tulips in bloom at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Lakewood 1404 Quail St 9 Houseplants and hanging baskets abound at Golden City Floral in Golden 5331 Quaker St 10 Helpful and ready to share their knowledge at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Westminster 9400 Wadsworth 11 Striking and contemporary garden art at the Bath Garden Center Nursery in Fort Collins where they grow all their own plants organically 2000 E Prospect Rd

5

6

8

7

SPRING 2015 25

9

10 11

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

OVERVIEWThe strawberry plant is a hardy perennial that dies back in the winter and returns in the spring when the weather gets warm After bearing fruit many types of strawberries will produce runners called daughter plants Runners often root nearby attached to the mother plant To keep the mother plant strong and healthy only allow three daughter plants to remain attached clipping the others to plant somewhere else Strawberries will have a resting period after their first big harvest of the season but most plants will produce again in the fall if you keep them watered and weeded

If you live in Zone 6 or further north your strawberries should be planted in the spring so they will be well rooted by the following winter They can be replanted in late summer and moved to a cool protected place such as an unheated garage during the winter months Most sweet fruits require an abundance of sunshine Strawberries require at least 8 hours daily of full sun

Homegrown strawberries just may be the sweetest juiciest and most aromatic berries you will ever taste An easy to grow fruit their crop will reward the home gardener with ample harvests for many years

and prefer a slightly acidic soil If you soil is slightly alkaline it would be better to grow the berries in large containers filled with potting mix The plants wonrsquot do well in clay soil but by mixing in 4 inches of compost they will be fine If you are planting directly into the ground space your plants 18 inches apart making room for runners Be sure to set plants so that their roots are well covered with soil but the central bud or crown is exposed to light and air If you bury the crown your plant could rot

Mulch between plants after planting to keep the soil temperature cool deter weeds and to keep the fruit off the soil Straw is the traditional strawberry mulch Do not use black plastic since it will raise the soil temperature and optimal fruit production requires cool soil Plants will start blooming in early spring and they must be visited by the bees or other pollinating insects before they can set fruit In warm weather you should have ripe fruit about 30 days after blossoms are fertilized

STRAWBERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015 27

GROWING TIPSbull Well drained sandy loam with a

soil pH from 58 to 62 is idealbull Donrsquot plant where tomatoes

potatoes peppers or eggplant have been grown recently (verticillium rot)

bull Be sure you have certified disease-free plants

bull Select plants with large crowns and healthy light-colored roots

bull Amend soil with 1-2 inches of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure

bull Keep weeds from competing with your strawberry plants

bull Make a hole large enough to spread the roots Hill the center of the hole and place the crown slightly above soil level Spread the roots downward on the hill Fill the hole making sure the soil only goes halfway up the crown

bull Do not over fertilize or you will have excessive leaf growth and poor flowering Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting at the rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet

CHOOSING YOUR PLANTSThere are basically 3 types of strawberry plants to choose from June bearing Everbearing and Day Neutral

JUNE BEARINGJune Bearing strawberries produce a single large crop per year during a 2 - 3 week period in the spring June bearers are the traditionally grown plants producing a single flush of flowers and many runners They are classified into early mid-season and late varieties The largest fruits are generally from June bearing varieties

EVERBEARINGEverbearing strawberries produce two to three harvests of fruit intermittently during the spring summer and fall Everbearing plants do not send out many runners

DAY NEUTRALDay Neutral strawberries will produce fruit throughout the growing season These strawberries also produce few runners Everbearing and day neutral strawberries are great when space is limited but the fruits are usually somewhat smaller than June bearers

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

STRAWBERRY RECIPESSavor the bounty of your strawberry crop by indulging in these red berry recipes perfect for fresh spring eating

STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE ICE BOX CAKE

2 lb fresh strawberries2 sleeves graham crackers1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened1 - 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk2 - 34 oz instant cheesecake flavored pudding3 C milk1 - 12 oz carton frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip)

1 Clean and thinly slice strawberries set aside

2 Line the bottom of a 9x13 pan with graham crackers You may need to break some of the crackers to fit them in the pan

3 Combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl beat until creamy Add pudding mix and additional 3 C milk beat until mixture starts to thicken Fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping just until combined

4 Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers Smooth it out and place a layer of strawberries on top Add another layer of graham crackers top with remaining cream cheese mixture and strawberries Cover and refrigerate for 6-8 hours

5 When ready to serve top with remaining whipped topping Garnish with any remaining strawberries and graham cracker crumbs If the strawberries leave extra moisture from setting overnight dab the excess with a paper towel before adding final toppings

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE

(serves 4-6)6 - 7 C baby spinach2 C strawberries hulled and sliced1 C blueberries (optional)12 C toasted chopped pecans4 oz goat cheese (or other favorite soft white cheese)

2 12 Tbsp raspberry vinegar6 Tbsp vegetable oil14 C honey12 tsp dijon mustard2 Tbsp finely minced shallots14 tsp salt18 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 Toast the pecans by placing in a skillet over medium heat Stir or toss so they wonrsquot burn 1-2 minutes or until fragrant Mix with the spinach and berries

2 Whisk all the dressing ingredients together blending well so the honey doesnrsquot settle to the bottom

3 Just before serving toss the spinach mix with the dressing and top with cheese or pass the dressing and cheese separately for individual topping

TRIPLE DECKER STRAWBERRY CLUB SANDWICH

makes 4 large sandwiches

1 lb bacon2 lbs (4 pieces) boneless skinless chicken breast halvessalt and pepper1 avocado2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice13 C mayo12 slices whole wheat bread2 C baby spinach1 12 C strawberries hulled and sliced

1 Fry the bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet and adjust to medium-high heat Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper add to skillet and partially cover Cook until both sides are golden about 10 minutes turning once Let rest 5-10 minutes and thinly slice

2 Mash the avocado with lemon juice and stir in the mayo season with salt and peper

3 Toast the bread slices and spread each with 1 tablespoon avocado mixture Divide the chicken among 4 slices of toast and top each with several slices of bacon Cover each stack with another toast slice layer with spinach sliced strawberries and remaining toast slice Cut into quarters

SPRING 2015 29

FASHION

spring huesGO BOLD WITH MODERN COLOR TRENDS LIKE RED AND NAVY THIS SEASON gtgt

SPRING 2015

5

MODERN SPRING HUES [1] Roll Sleeve Slim Dress Equipment $25800 scoopnyccom [2] Shredded Jersey Tank Raquel Allegra $6600 theoutnetcom [3] Kale Watch WeWood $12000 amazoncom [4] Gold Batik Scarf Color Island $8100 shoptiquescom [5] Skyler Hat Brixton X UO $6000 urbanoutfitterscom

1

4

Spring Into The UNCONVENTIONAL

A mix of classic neutrals and unconventional pops of color make springrsquos go-to color palette a cool and

modern mix of old and new

3

FASHION

NAVY

MILITARYGREEN

GOLDENRODYELLOW

BURNTORANGE

2

SPRING 2015 31

1

[1] Striped Mini Skirt T by Alexander Wang $12500 net-a-portercom [2] Techno Paisley Lace Dress House of Holland $66300 luisaviaromacom [3] Striped Kimono Front Trouser Chloe $171600 matchesoffashioncom [4] Emerald Catrsquos Eye Charm Kendra Scott $2000 neimanmarcuscom

RED

PACIFICBLUE

EMERALD

2

3

4

Shibori TIE-DYE

The seasonrsquos must-have print inspired by a tradi-tional Japanese method of tie-dying fabrics using

various binding techniques to create different pat-terns Look to add a Shibori dyed scarf or tote bag

to your closet this seasonShibori Tie Dye Scarf HSSS Artisans uncommongoodscom

Blue market Tote Bag AikoThreads $2100 etsycomshopAikoThreads

SPRING 2015 33

SPRING 2015 3333

DRAGONFLY APPAREL3615 W 32ND AVE

DENVER CO 80211303-433-6331

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 35

FOOD ETCLIGHTER FARE RECIPES A PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN DECADENT CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE AND FUN RECIPES FOR THE KIDS

FRESH FRUIT SALSA WITH BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS

Skip the chocolate-heavy desserts and opt for this fresh and incredibly satisfying sweet treat

2 lb fresh strawberries chopped8 oz fresh raspberries2 kiwis peeled and diced2 apples diced1 Tbsp brown sugar2 Tbsp granulated sugar3 Tbsp fruit preserves your choice of flavor

4 flour tortillas4 Tbsp granulated sugar1 12 tsp cinnamonbutter flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix up the fruit salsa by combining all ingredients and chill-ing in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes

Combine the cinnamon and sugar spray one side of each flour tortilla with the cooking spray stack and cut into wedges Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (as much as you like) Give the chips another light coat of cooking spray be-fore baking in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes Watch closely so they donrsquot get too brown Let cool before serving with fresh fruit salsa

Lighter FARE

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015

HOT WEATHER

WATERINGWhen rain is scarce you need to make sure your garden is getting the water it needs Vegetables need water to produce so it is crucial to give them a drink when it is dry

Vegetables should be watered two or three times a week during really hot weather Watering the garden deeply

is critical you need the water to go down deep to encourage deep roots and get away from the hot soil surface Put a small cup or can in the garden soil and water until it has collected at least an inch from a sprinkler If you have planted your garden in containers they will probably need to be watered every day as container gardens seem to dry out faster than the ground If you are watering your garden by hand use a nozzle turned to the shower setting for rain-like watering If the water starts to puddle move on and come back several times to make sure the water is soaking in and the soil is thoroughly moist

Big leaf plants such as cucumbers squash and melons lose moisture fast Wilting plants are a good indication that your garden needs water - however in very hot weather these plants will wilt some during mid-day no matter what perking back up in the evening Try and avoid getting the plant leaves wet but if you are using a sprinkler it is impossible not to In this case you should water early in the morning so that the foliage will dry out quickly and minimize disease

Tomatoes are a thirsty breed and do not like to dry out If you let them go from dry to wet they will get blossom-end rot as well as cracks in the fruit from expanding too fast To avoid these problems keep the soil consistently moist

Keep your ground moist by using an organic mulch such as wheat straw finely ground bark pine needles or chopped leaves Spread mulch on the ground around and under plants This will protect the soil and roots from the hot sun A two to three inch layer of mulch makes a huge difference in the hot weather Without mulch the sun bakes the soil and you end up watering even more

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 19

Spring Planting

Many flowers can be planted as soon as the ground is soft enough to work in the

spring Some varieties can even survive a late freeze While annual flowers will give

you blossoms early perennials will not bloom right away and instead show their

colors in summer and early fall To ensure continuous color all season do some

research on blooming times

Roses are a perennial that should be planted early All roses thrive in rich well-draining soil and full sunlight

Snapdragons are an easy to grow annual that love cooler climates You can plant these in early spring when the ground is cool as they will survive a light frost They grow best in full sun and well-drained soil

Pansies are another cool season annual and extremely cold-hardy flower They can freeze thaw and continue blooming Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist but well-draining soil They will bloom until it gets too hot then they will fade and need to be replaced

Lilies are hardy flowering bulbs that are easy to care for and can be planted almost any time of the year The plantings can be staggered so they will bloom from May through September Plant lilies in early spring but place a 4 inch layer of mulch over the planting site to protect against hard freezes As the shoots emerge gradually remove the mulch Plant where they will have full sunlight and well-drained soil Beware too much water will rot the bulbs

SPRING 2015 Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

HARDY VEGETABLESBroccoli Cabbage Kohlrabi Onions Lettuce Peas Radish Spinach Turnips

GROWING CONDITIONSCool 60 - 80 degreesLose quality in hot weatherMay be replanted mid-summer for fall harvestMay survive a light frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two-four weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

your best garden

PLANTING GUIDE

Sharing tips from the Colorado Master Gardner program at Colorado State University

SEMI-HARDY VEGETABLESBeets Carrots Cauliflower Parsley Parsnips Potatoes Swiss Chard

GROWING CONDITIONSMinimum daytime temperatures of 40 - 50 degreesLess tolerant of frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

TENDER VEGETABLESBeans Celery Corn Cucumbers Summer Squash

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

VERY TENDER VEGETABLESLima Beans Cantaloupe Eggplant Peppers Pumpkin Winter Squash Pumpkins Tomatoes Watermelon

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 21Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

SPRING 2015

ONWARD LOCAL FLORALS

FRONT RANGEFLORALS

1 Savor the sunshine yellow at Happy Life Gardens in Evans located at the edge of Greeley 2000 37th St 2 Growing season is in full swing at Creekside Gardens in Littleton 5730 W Coal Mine Ave 3 Bright colors bring on spring fever at Sundance Gardens amp Landscaping in Evergreen 27866 Meadow Dr 4 Yard art inspiration at Loveland Garden Center 1801 S Lincoln Ave gtgt

Local greenhouses are gearing up for the summer season ready to provide you with beautiful plants

endless inspiration and extensive know-how for growing your best and brightest beds yet

1

2

SPRING 2015 23

We educate more than 54000 children and serve over 300000 residents in 108 square miles that spread across eight municipalities Cherry Hills Village Centennial Fox-field Glendale Greenwood Village and portions of Aurora Englewood and Denver

The Cherry Creek School District is one of the high-est achieving school districts in the state Cherry Creek Schools students consistently score well above state aver-ages on Colorado standardized assessments and above state and national averages on SAT and ACT exams

The district 2014 graduation rate is 87 compared to the state average of 77 and the national average of 782

The Cherry Creek School District has the third most Na-tional Board Certified Teachers in Colorado

Members of the 2014 graduating class earned more than $54 million in scholarships

SchoolMatchcopy an independent nationwide service has recognized the Cherry Creek School District as among only 16 of school districts nationwide with its ldquoWhat Parents Wantrdquo Award for 20 consecutive years

3037731184 wwwcherrycreekschoolsorg

ldquoTo inspire every student to think to learn to achieve to carerdquo

ldquoAll children deserve a great school in their neighborhood one they can walk or ride the bus to

with their friends These friendships between children and their families

unite communities and make them strongerrdquo

Cherry Creek Schools A Great Neighborhood School

in Every Neighborhood

4

3

SPRING 2015

5 A plethora of pansies at Sturtz amp Copeland in Boulder 2851 Valmont 6 Starting strong plants at Echterrsquos Garden Center in Arvada 5150 Garrison St 7 Itrsquos all about the artful containers at Tagawa Gardens in Parker 7711 S Parker Rd 8 Tulips in bloom at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Lakewood 1404 Quail St 9 Houseplants and hanging baskets abound at Golden City Floral in Golden 5331 Quaker St 10 Helpful and ready to share their knowledge at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Westminster 9400 Wadsworth 11 Striking and contemporary garden art at the Bath Garden Center Nursery in Fort Collins where they grow all their own plants organically 2000 E Prospect Rd

5

6

8

7

SPRING 2015 25

9

10 11

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

OVERVIEWThe strawberry plant is a hardy perennial that dies back in the winter and returns in the spring when the weather gets warm After bearing fruit many types of strawberries will produce runners called daughter plants Runners often root nearby attached to the mother plant To keep the mother plant strong and healthy only allow three daughter plants to remain attached clipping the others to plant somewhere else Strawberries will have a resting period after their first big harvest of the season but most plants will produce again in the fall if you keep them watered and weeded

If you live in Zone 6 or further north your strawberries should be planted in the spring so they will be well rooted by the following winter They can be replanted in late summer and moved to a cool protected place such as an unheated garage during the winter months Most sweet fruits require an abundance of sunshine Strawberries require at least 8 hours daily of full sun

Homegrown strawberries just may be the sweetest juiciest and most aromatic berries you will ever taste An easy to grow fruit their crop will reward the home gardener with ample harvests for many years

and prefer a slightly acidic soil If you soil is slightly alkaline it would be better to grow the berries in large containers filled with potting mix The plants wonrsquot do well in clay soil but by mixing in 4 inches of compost they will be fine If you are planting directly into the ground space your plants 18 inches apart making room for runners Be sure to set plants so that their roots are well covered with soil but the central bud or crown is exposed to light and air If you bury the crown your plant could rot

Mulch between plants after planting to keep the soil temperature cool deter weeds and to keep the fruit off the soil Straw is the traditional strawberry mulch Do not use black plastic since it will raise the soil temperature and optimal fruit production requires cool soil Plants will start blooming in early spring and they must be visited by the bees or other pollinating insects before they can set fruit In warm weather you should have ripe fruit about 30 days after blossoms are fertilized

STRAWBERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015 27

GROWING TIPSbull Well drained sandy loam with a

soil pH from 58 to 62 is idealbull Donrsquot plant where tomatoes

potatoes peppers or eggplant have been grown recently (verticillium rot)

bull Be sure you have certified disease-free plants

bull Select plants with large crowns and healthy light-colored roots

bull Amend soil with 1-2 inches of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure

bull Keep weeds from competing with your strawberry plants

bull Make a hole large enough to spread the roots Hill the center of the hole and place the crown slightly above soil level Spread the roots downward on the hill Fill the hole making sure the soil only goes halfway up the crown

bull Do not over fertilize or you will have excessive leaf growth and poor flowering Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting at the rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet

CHOOSING YOUR PLANTSThere are basically 3 types of strawberry plants to choose from June bearing Everbearing and Day Neutral

JUNE BEARINGJune Bearing strawberries produce a single large crop per year during a 2 - 3 week period in the spring June bearers are the traditionally grown plants producing a single flush of flowers and many runners They are classified into early mid-season and late varieties The largest fruits are generally from June bearing varieties

EVERBEARINGEverbearing strawberries produce two to three harvests of fruit intermittently during the spring summer and fall Everbearing plants do not send out many runners

DAY NEUTRALDay Neutral strawberries will produce fruit throughout the growing season These strawberries also produce few runners Everbearing and day neutral strawberries are great when space is limited but the fruits are usually somewhat smaller than June bearers

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

STRAWBERRY RECIPESSavor the bounty of your strawberry crop by indulging in these red berry recipes perfect for fresh spring eating

STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE ICE BOX CAKE

2 lb fresh strawberries2 sleeves graham crackers1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened1 - 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk2 - 34 oz instant cheesecake flavored pudding3 C milk1 - 12 oz carton frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip)

1 Clean and thinly slice strawberries set aside

2 Line the bottom of a 9x13 pan with graham crackers You may need to break some of the crackers to fit them in the pan

3 Combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl beat until creamy Add pudding mix and additional 3 C milk beat until mixture starts to thicken Fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping just until combined

4 Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers Smooth it out and place a layer of strawberries on top Add another layer of graham crackers top with remaining cream cheese mixture and strawberries Cover and refrigerate for 6-8 hours

5 When ready to serve top with remaining whipped topping Garnish with any remaining strawberries and graham cracker crumbs If the strawberries leave extra moisture from setting overnight dab the excess with a paper towel before adding final toppings

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE

(serves 4-6)6 - 7 C baby spinach2 C strawberries hulled and sliced1 C blueberries (optional)12 C toasted chopped pecans4 oz goat cheese (or other favorite soft white cheese)

2 12 Tbsp raspberry vinegar6 Tbsp vegetable oil14 C honey12 tsp dijon mustard2 Tbsp finely minced shallots14 tsp salt18 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 Toast the pecans by placing in a skillet over medium heat Stir or toss so they wonrsquot burn 1-2 minutes or until fragrant Mix with the spinach and berries

2 Whisk all the dressing ingredients together blending well so the honey doesnrsquot settle to the bottom

3 Just before serving toss the spinach mix with the dressing and top with cheese or pass the dressing and cheese separately for individual topping

TRIPLE DECKER STRAWBERRY CLUB SANDWICH

makes 4 large sandwiches

1 lb bacon2 lbs (4 pieces) boneless skinless chicken breast halvessalt and pepper1 avocado2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice13 C mayo12 slices whole wheat bread2 C baby spinach1 12 C strawberries hulled and sliced

1 Fry the bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet and adjust to medium-high heat Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper add to skillet and partially cover Cook until both sides are golden about 10 minutes turning once Let rest 5-10 minutes and thinly slice

2 Mash the avocado with lemon juice and stir in the mayo season with salt and peper

3 Toast the bread slices and spread each with 1 tablespoon avocado mixture Divide the chicken among 4 slices of toast and top each with several slices of bacon Cover each stack with another toast slice layer with spinach sliced strawberries and remaining toast slice Cut into quarters

SPRING 2015 29

FASHION

spring huesGO BOLD WITH MODERN COLOR TRENDS LIKE RED AND NAVY THIS SEASON gtgt

SPRING 2015

5

MODERN SPRING HUES [1] Roll Sleeve Slim Dress Equipment $25800 scoopnyccom [2] Shredded Jersey Tank Raquel Allegra $6600 theoutnetcom [3] Kale Watch WeWood $12000 amazoncom [4] Gold Batik Scarf Color Island $8100 shoptiquescom [5] Skyler Hat Brixton X UO $6000 urbanoutfitterscom

1

4

Spring Into The UNCONVENTIONAL

A mix of classic neutrals and unconventional pops of color make springrsquos go-to color palette a cool and

modern mix of old and new

3

FASHION

NAVY

MILITARYGREEN

GOLDENRODYELLOW

BURNTORANGE

2

SPRING 2015 31

1

[1] Striped Mini Skirt T by Alexander Wang $12500 net-a-portercom [2] Techno Paisley Lace Dress House of Holland $66300 luisaviaromacom [3] Striped Kimono Front Trouser Chloe $171600 matchesoffashioncom [4] Emerald Catrsquos Eye Charm Kendra Scott $2000 neimanmarcuscom

RED

PACIFICBLUE

EMERALD

2

3

4

Shibori TIE-DYE

The seasonrsquos must-have print inspired by a tradi-tional Japanese method of tie-dying fabrics using

various binding techniques to create different pat-terns Look to add a Shibori dyed scarf or tote bag

to your closet this seasonShibori Tie Dye Scarf HSSS Artisans uncommongoodscom

Blue market Tote Bag AikoThreads $2100 etsycomshopAikoThreads

SPRING 2015 33

SPRING 2015 3333

DRAGONFLY APPAREL3615 W 32ND AVE

DENVER CO 80211303-433-6331

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 35

FOOD ETCLIGHTER FARE RECIPES A PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN DECADENT CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE AND FUN RECIPES FOR THE KIDS

FRESH FRUIT SALSA WITH BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS

Skip the chocolate-heavy desserts and opt for this fresh and incredibly satisfying sweet treat

2 lb fresh strawberries chopped8 oz fresh raspberries2 kiwis peeled and diced2 apples diced1 Tbsp brown sugar2 Tbsp granulated sugar3 Tbsp fruit preserves your choice of flavor

4 flour tortillas4 Tbsp granulated sugar1 12 tsp cinnamonbutter flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix up the fruit salsa by combining all ingredients and chill-ing in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes

Combine the cinnamon and sugar spray one side of each flour tortilla with the cooking spray stack and cut into wedges Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (as much as you like) Give the chips another light coat of cooking spray be-fore baking in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes Watch closely so they donrsquot get too brown Let cool before serving with fresh fruit salsa

Lighter FARE

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015 19

Spring Planting

Many flowers can be planted as soon as the ground is soft enough to work in the

spring Some varieties can even survive a late freeze While annual flowers will give

you blossoms early perennials will not bloom right away and instead show their

colors in summer and early fall To ensure continuous color all season do some

research on blooming times

Roses are a perennial that should be planted early All roses thrive in rich well-draining soil and full sunlight

Snapdragons are an easy to grow annual that love cooler climates You can plant these in early spring when the ground is cool as they will survive a light frost They grow best in full sun and well-drained soil

Pansies are another cool season annual and extremely cold-hardy flower They can freeze thaw and continue blooming Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist but well-draining soil They will bloom until it gets too hot then they will fade and need to be replaced

Lilies are hardy flowering bulbs that are easy to care for and can be planted almost any time of the year The plantings can be staggered so they will bloom from May through September Plant lilies in early spring but place a 4 inch layer of mulch over the planting site to protect against hard freezes As the shoots emerge gradually remove the mulch Plant where they will have full sunlight and well-drained soil Beware too much water will rot the bulbs

SPRING 2015 Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

HARDY VEGETABLESBroccoli Cabbage Kohlrabi Onions Lettuce Peas Radish Spinach Turnips

GROWING CONDITIONSCool 60 - 80 degreesLose quality in hot weatherMay be replanted mid-summer for fall harvestMay survive a light frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two-four weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

your best garden

PLANTING GUIDE

Sharing tips from the Colorado Master Gardner program at Colorado State University

SEMI-HARDY VEGETABLESBeets Carrots Cauliflower Parsley Parsnips Potatoes Swiss Chard

GROWING CONDITIONSMinimum daytime temperatures of 40 - 50 degreesLess tolerant of frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

TENDER VEGETABLESBeans Celery Corn Cucumbers Summer Squash

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

VERY TENDER VEGETABLESLima Beans Cantaloupe Eggplant Peppers Pumpkin Winter Squash Pumpkins Tomatoes Watermelon

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 21Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

SPRING 2015

ONWARD LOCAL FLORALS

FRONT RANGEFLORALS

1 Savor the sunshine yellow at Happy Life Gardens in Evans located at the edge of Greeley 2000 37th St 2 Growing season is in full swing at Creekside Gardens in Littleton 5730 W Coal Mine Ave 3 Bright colors bring on spring fever at Sundance Gardens amp Landscaping in Evergreen 27866 Meadow Dr 4 Yard art inspiration at Loveland Garden Center 1801 S Lincoln Ave gtgt

Local greenhouses are gearing up for the summer season ready to provide you with beautiful plants

endless inspiration and extensive know-how for growing your best and brightest beds yet

1

2

SPRING 2015 23

We educate more than 54000 children and serve over 300000 residents in 108 square miles that spread across eight municipalities Cherry Hills Village Centennial Fox-field Glendale Greenwood Village and portions of Aurora Englewood and Denver

The Cherry Creek School District is one of the high-est achieving school districts in the state Cherry Creek Schools students consistently score well above state aver-ages on Colorado standardized assessments and above state and national averages on SAT and ACT exams

The district 2014 graduation rate is 87 compared to the state average of 77 and the national average of 782

The Cherry Creek School District has the third most Na-tional Board Certified Teachers in Colorado

Members of the 2014 graduating class earned more than $54 million in scholarships

SchoolMatchcopy an independent nationwide service has recognized the Cherry Creek School District as among only 16 of school districts nationwide with its ldquoWhat Parents Wantrdquo Award for 20 consecutive years

3037731184 wwwcherrycreekschoolsorg

ldquoTo inspire every student to think to learn to achieve to carerdquo

ldquoAll children deserve a great school in their neighborhood one they can walk or ride the bus to

with their friends These friendships between children and their families

unite communities and make them strongerrdquo

Cherry Creek Schools A Great Neighborhood School

in Every Neighborhood

4

3

SPRING 2015

5 A plethora of pansies at Sturtz amp Copeland in Boulder 2851 Valmont 6 Starting strong plants at Echterrsquos Garden Center in Arvada 5150 Garrison St 7 Itrsquos all about the artful containers at Tagawa Gardens in Parker 7711 S Parker Rd 8 Tulips in bloom at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Lakewood 1404 Quail St 9 Houseplants and hanging baskets abound at Golden City Floral in Golden 5331 Quaker St 10 Helpful and ready to share their knowledge at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Westminster 9400 Wadsworth 11 Striking and contemporary garden art at the Bath Garden Center Nursery in Fort Collins where they grow all their own plants organically 2000 E Prospect Rd

5

6

8

7

SPRING 2015 25

9

10 11

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

OVERVIEWThe strawberry plant is a hardy perennial that dies back in the winter and returns in the spring when the weather gets warm After bearing fruit many types of strawberries will produce runners called daughter plants Runners often root nearby attached to the mother plant To keep the mother plant strong and healthy only allow three daughter plants to remain attached clipping the others to plant somewhere else Strawberries will have a resting period after their first big harvest of the season but most plants will produce again in the fall if you keep them watered and weeded

If you live in Zone 6 or further north your strawberries should be planted in the spring so they will be well rooted by the following winter They can be replanted in late summer and moved to a cool protected place such as an unheated garage during the winter months Most sweet fruits require an abundance of sunshine Strawberries require at least 8 hours daily of full sun

Homegrown strawberries just may be the sweetest juiciest and most aromatic berries you will ever taste An easy to grow fruit their crop will reward the home gardener with ample harvests for many years

and prefer a slightly acidic soil If you soil is slightly alkaline it would be better to grow the berries in large containers filled with potting mix The plants wonrsquot do well in clay soil but by mixing in 4 inches of compost they will be fine If you are planting directly into the ground space your plants 18 inches apart making room for runners Be sure to set plants so that their roots are well covered with soil but the central bud or crown is exposed to light and air If you bury the crown your plant could rot

Mulch between plants after planting to keep the soil temperature cool deter weeds and to keep the fruit off the soil Straw is the traditional strawberry mulch Do not use black plastic since it will raise the soil temperature and optimal fruit production requires cool soil Plants will start blooming in early spring and they must be visited by the bees or other pollinating insects before they can set fruit In warm weather you should have ripe fruit about 30 days after blossoms are fertilized

STRAWBERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015 27

GROWING TIPSbull Well drained sandy loam with a

soil pH from 58 to 62 is idealbull Donrsquot plant where tomatoes

potatoes peppers or eggplant have been grown recently (verticillium rot)

bull Be sure you have certified disease-free plants

bull Select plants with large crowns and healthy light-colored roots

bull Amend soil with 1-2 inches of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure

bull Keep weeds from competing with your strawberry plants

bull Make a hole large enough to spread the roots Hill the center of the hole and place the crown slightly above soil level Spread the roots downward on the hill Fill the hole making sure the soil only goes halfway up the crown

bull Do not over fertilize or you will have excessive leaf growth and poor flowering Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting at the rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet

CHOOSING YOUR PLANTSThere are basically 3 types of strawberry plants to choose from June bearing Everbearing and Day Neutral

JUNE BEARINGJune Bearing strawberries produce a single large crop per year during a 2 - 3 week period in the spring June bearers are the traditionally grown plants producing a single flush of flowers and many runners They are classified into early mid-season and late varieties The largest fruits are generally from June bearing varieties

EVERBEARINGEverbearing strawberries produce two to three harvests of fruit intermittently during the spring summer and fall Everbearing plants do not send out many runners

DAY NEUTRALDay Neutral strawberries will produce fruit throughout the growing season These strawberries also produce few runners Everbearing and day neutral strawberries are great when space is limited but the fruits are usually somewhat smaller than June bearers

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

STRAWBERRY RECIPESSavor the bounty of your strawberry crop by indulging in these red berry recipes perfect for fresh spring eating

STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE ICE BOX CAKE

2 lb fresh strawberries2 sleeves graham crackers1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened1 - 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk2 - 34 oz instant cheesecake flavored pudding3 C milk1 - 12 oz carton frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip)

1 Clean and thinly slice strawberries set aside

2 Line the bottom of a 9x13 pan with graham crackers You may need to break some of the crackers to fit them in the pan

3 Combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl beat until creamy Add pudding mix and additional 3 C milk beat until mixture starts to thicken Fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping just until combined

4 Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers Smooth it out and place a layer of strawberries on top Add another layer of graham crackers top with remaining cream cheese mixture and strawberries Cover and refrigerate for 6-8 hours

5 When ready to serve top with remaining whipped topping Garnish with any remaining strawberries and graham cracker crumbs If the strawberries leave extra moisture from setting overnight dab the excess with a paper towel before adding final toppings

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE

(serves 4-6)6 - 7 C baby spinach2 C strawberries hulled and sliced1 C blueberries (optional)12 C toasted chopped pecans4 oz goat cheese (or other favorite soft white cheese)

2 12 Tbsp raspberry vinegar6 Tbsp vegetable oil14 C honey12 tsp dijon mustard2 Tbsp finely minced shallots14 tsp salt18 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 Toast the pecans by placing in a skillet over medium heat Stir or toss so they wonrsquot burn 1-2 minutes or until fragrant Mix with the spinach and berries

2 Whisk all the dressing ingredients together blending well so the honey doesnrsquot settle to the bottom

3 Just before serving toss the spinach mix with the dressing and top with cheese or pass the dressing and cheese separately for individual topping

TRIPLE DECKER STRAWBERRY CLUB SANDWICH

makes 4 large sandwiches

1 lb bacon2 lbs (4 pieces) boneless skinless chicken breast halvessalt and pepper1 avocado2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice13 C mayo12 slices whole wheat bread2 C baby spinach1 12 C strawberries hulled and sliced

1 Fry the bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet and adjust to medium-high heat Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper add to skillet and partially cover Cook until both sides are golden about 10 minutes turning once Let rest 5-10 minutes and thinly slice

2 Mash the avocado with lemon juice and stir in the mayo season with salt and peper

3 Toast the bread slices and spread each with 1 tablespoon avocado mixture Divide the chicken among 4 slices of toast and top each with several slices of bacon Cover each stack with another toast slice layer with spinach sliced strawberries and remaining toast slice Cut into quarters

SPRING 2015 29

FASHION

spring huesGO BOLD WITH MODERN COLOR TRENDS LIKE RED AND NAVY THIS SEASON gtgt

SPRING 2015

5

MODERN SPRING HUES [1] Roll Sleeve Slim Dress Equipment $25800 scoopnyccom [2] Shredded Jersey Tank Raquel Allegra $6600 theoutnetcom [3] Kale Watch WeWood $12000 amazoncom [4] Gold Batik Scarf Color Island $8100 shoptiquescom [5] Skyler Hat Brixton X UO $6000 urbanoutfitterscom

1

4

Spring Into The UNCONVENTIONAL

A mix of classic neutrals and unconventional pops of color make springrsquos go-to color palette a cool and

modern mix of old and new

3

FASHION

NAVY

MILITARYGREEN

GOLDENRODYELLOW

BURNTORANGE

2

SPRING 2015 31

1

[1] Striped Mini Skirt T by Alexander Wang $12500 net-a-portercom [2] Techno Paisley Lace Dress House of Holland $66300 luisaviaromacom [3] Striped Kimono Front Trouser Chloe $171600 matchesoffashioncom [4] Emerald Catrsquos Eye Charm Kendra Scott $2000 neimanmarcuscom

RED

PACIFICBLUE

EMERALD

2

3

4

Shibori TIE-DYE

The seasonrsquos must-have print inspired by a tradi-tional Japanese method of tie-dying fabrics using

various binding techniques to create different pat-terns Look to add a Shibori dyed scarf or tote bag

to your closet this seasonShibori Tie Dye Scarf HSSS Artisans uncommongoodscom

Blue market Tote Bag AikoThreads $2100 etsycomshopAikoThreads

SPRING 2015 33

SPRING 2015 3333

DRAGONFLY APPAREL3615 W 32ND AVE

DENVER CO 80211303-433-6331

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 35

FOOD ETCLIGHTER FARE RECIPES A PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN DECADENT CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE AND FUN RECIPES FOR THE KIDS

FRESH FRUIT SALSA WITH BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS

Skip the chocolate-heavy desserts and opt for this fresh and incredibly satisfying sweet treat

2 lb fresh strawberries chopped8 oz fresh raspberries2 kiwis peeled and diced2 apples diced1 Tbsp brown sugar2 Tbsp granulated sugar3 Tbsp fruit preserves your choice of flavor

4 flour tortillas4 Tbsp granulated sugar1 12 tsp cinnamonbutter flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix up the fruit salsa by combining all ingredients and chill-ing in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes

Combine the cinnamon and sugar spray one side of each flour tortilla with the cooking spray stack and cut into wedges Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (as much as you like) Give the chips another light coat of cooking spray be-fore baking in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes Watch closely so they donrsquot get too brown Let cool before serving with fresh fruit salsa

Lighter FARE

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015 Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

HARDY VEGETABLESBroccoli Cabbage Kohlrabi Onions Lettuce Peas Radish Spinach Turnips

GROWING CONDITIONSCool 60 - 80 degreesLose quality in hot weatherMay be replanted mid-summer for fall harvestMay survive a light frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two-four weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

your best garden

PLANTING GUIDE

Sharing tips from the Colorado Master Gardner program at Colorado State University

SEMI-HARDY VEGETABLESBeets Carrots Cauliflower Parsley Parsnips Potatoes Swiss Chard

GROWING CONDITIONSMinimum daytime temperatures of 40 - 50 degreesLess tolerant of frost

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil adequately dries in spring

May be planted as early as two weeks before the date of the average last spring frost

TENDER VEGETABLESBeans Celery Corn Cucumbers Summer Squash

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

VERY TENDER VEGETABLESLima Beans Cantaloupe Eggplant Peppers Pumpkin Winter Squash Pumpkins Tomatoes Watermelon

GROWING CONDITIONSWarm 70 - 95 degrees

WHEN TO PLANTAs soon as soil is adequately dry to work

Typically planted 2 weeks or more after the average last spring frost dateSummer-like weather with daytime temps above 60 degrees and breezes are no longer coolA week of daytime temps below 55 degrees may stunt the crop

ONWARD GARDEN TENDING

SPRING 2015 21Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

SPRING 2015

ONWARD LOCAL FLORALS

FRONT RANGEFLORALS

1 Savor the sunshine yellow at Happy Life Gardens in Evans located at the edge of Greeley 2000 37th St 2 Growing season is in full swing at Creekside Gardens in Littleton 5730 W Coal Mine Ave 3 Bright colors bring on spring fever at Sundance Gardens amp Landscaping in Evergreen 27866 Meadow Dr 4 Yard art inspiration at Loveland Garden Center 1801 S Lincoln Ave gtgt

Local greenhouses are gearing up for the summer season ready to provide you with beautiful plants

endless inspiration and extensive know-how for growing your best and brightest beds yet

1

2

SPRING 2015 23

We educate more than 54000 children and serve over 300000 residents in 108 square miles that spread across eight municipalities Cherry Hills Village Centennial Fox-field Glendale Greenwood Village and portions of Aurora Englewood and Denver

The Cherry Creek School District is one of the high-est achieving school districts in the state Cherry Creek Schools students consistently score well above state aver-ages on Colorado standardized assessments and above state and national averages on SAT and ACT exams

The district 2014 graduation rate is 87 compared to the state average of 77 and the national average of 782

The Cherry Creek School District has the third most Na-tional Board Certified Teachers in Colorado

Members of the 2014 graduating class earned more than $54 million in scholarships

SchoolMatchcopy an independent nationwide service has recognized the Cherry Creek School District as among only 16 of school districts nationwide with its ldquoWhat Parents Wantrdquo Award for 20 consecutive years

3037731184 wwwcherrycreekschoolsorg

ldquoTo inspire every student to think to learn to achieve to carerdquo

ldquoAll children deserve a great school in their neighborhood one they can walk or ride the bus to

with their friends These friendships between children and their families

unite communities and make them strongerrdquo

Cherry Creek Schools A Great Neighborhood School

in Every Neighborhood

4

3

SPRING 2015

5 A plethora of pansies at Sturtz amp Copeland in Boulder 2851 Valmont 6 Starting strong plants at Echterrsquos Garden Center in Arvada 5150 Garrison St 7 Itrsquos all about the artful containers at Tagawa Gardens in Parker 7711 S Parker Rd 8 Tulips in bloom at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Lakewood 1404 Quail St 9 Houseplants and hanging baskets abound at Golden City Floral in Golden 5331 Quaker St 10 Helpful and ready to share their knowledge at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Westminster 9400 Wadsworth 11 Striking and contemporary garden art at the Bath Garden Center Nursery in Fort Collins where they grow all their own plants organically 2000 E Prospect Rd

5

6

8

7

SPRING 2015 25

9

10 11

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

OVERVIEWThe strawberry plant is a hardy perennial that dies back in the winter and returns in the spring when the weather gets warm After bearing fruit many types of strawberries will produce runners called daughter plants Runners often root nearby attached to the mother plant To keep the mother plant strong and healthy only allow three daughter plants to remain attached clipping the others to plant somewhere else Strawberries will have a resting period after their first big harvest of the season but most plants will produce again in the fall if you keep them watered and weeded

If you live in Zone 6 or further north your strawberries should be planted in the spring so they will be well rooted by the following winter They can be replanted in late summer and moved to a cool protected place such as an unheated garage during the winter months Most sweet fruits require an abundance of sunshine Strawberries require at least 8 hours daily of full sun

Homegrown strawberries just may be the sweetest juiciest and most aromatic berries you will ever taste An easy to grow fruit their crop will reward the home gardener with ample harvests for many years

and prefer a slightly acidic soil If you soil is slightly alkaline it would be better to grow the berries in large containers filled with potting mix The plants wonrsquot do well in clay soil but by mixing in 4 inches of compost they will be fine If you are planting directly into the ground space your plants 18 inches apart making room for runners Be sure to set plants so that their roots are well covered with soil but the central bud or crown is exposed to light and air If you bury the crown your plant could rot

Mulch between plants after planting to keep the soil temperature cool deter weeds and to keep the fruit off the soil Straw is the traditional strawberry mulch Do not use black plastic since it will raise the soil temperature and optimal fruit production requires cool soil Plants will start blooming in early spring and they must be visited by the bees or other pollinating insects before they can set fruit In warm weather you should have ripe fruit about 30 days after blossoms are fertilized

STRAWBERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015 27

GROWING TIPSbull Well drained sandy loam with a

soil pH from 58 to 62 is idealbull Donrsquot plant where tomatoes

potatoes peppers or eggplant have been grown recently (verticillium rot)

bull Be sure you have certified disease-free plants

bull Select plants with large crowns and healthy light-colored roots

bull Amend soil with 1-2 inches of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure

bull Keep weeds from competing with your strawberry plants

bull Make a hole large enough to spread the roots Hill the center of the hole and place the crown slightly above soil level Spread the roots downward on the hill Fill the hole making sure the soil only goes halfway up the crown

bull Do not over fertilize or you will have excessive leaf growth and poor flowering Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting at the rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet

CHOOSING YOUR PLANTSThere are basically 3 types of strawberry plants to choose from June bearing Everbearing and Day Neutral

JUNE BEARINGJune Bearing strawberries produce a single large crop per year during a 2 - 3 week period in the spring June bearers are the traditionally grown plants producing a single flush of flowers and many runners They are classified into early mid-season and late varieties The largest fruits are generally from June bearing varieties

EVERBEARINGEverbearing strawberries produce two to three harvests of fruit intermittently during the spring summer and fall Everbearing plants do not send out many runners

DAY NEUTRALDay Neutral strawberries will produce fruit throughout the growing season These strawberries also produce few runners Everbearing and day neutral strawberries are great when space is limited but the fruits are usually somewhat smaller than June bearers

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

STRAWBERRY RECIPESSavor the bounty of your strawberry crop by indulging in these red berry recipes perfect for fresh spring eating

STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE ICE BOX CAKE

2 lb fresh strawberries2 sleeves graham crackers1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened1 - 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk2 - 34 oz instant cheesecake flavored pudding3 C milk1 - 12 oz carton frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip)

1 Clean and thinly slice strawberries set aside

2 Line the bottom of a 9x13 pan with graham crackers You may need to break some of the crackers to fit them in the pan

3 Combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl beat until creamy Add pudding mix and additional 3 C milk beat until mixture starts to thicken Fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping just until combined

4 Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers Smooth it out and place a layer of strawberries on top Add another layer of graham crackers top with remaining cream cheese mixture and strawberries Cover and refrigerate for 6-8 hours

5 When ready to serve top with remaining whipped topping Garnish with any remaining strawberries and graham cracker crumbs If the strawberries leave extra moisture from setting overnight dab the excess with a paper towel before adding final toppings

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE

(serves 4-6)6 - 7 C baby spinach2 C strawberries hulled and sliced1 C blueberries (optional)12 C toasted chopped pecans4 oz goat cheese (or other favorite soft white cheese)

2 12 Tbsp raspberry vinegar6 Tbsp vegetable oil14 C honey12 tsp dijon mustard2 Tbsp finely minced shallots14 tsp salt18 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 Toast the pecans by placing in a skillet over medium heat Stir or toss so they wonrsquot burn 1-2 minutes or until fragrant Mix with the spinach and berries

2 Whisk all the dressing ingredients together blending well so the honey doesnrsquot settle to the bottom

3 Just before serving toss the spinach mix with the dressing and top with cheese or pass the dressing and cheese separately for individual topping

TRIPLE DECKER STRAWBERRY CLUB SANDWICH

makes 4 large sandwiches

1 lb bacon2 lbs (4 pieces) boneless skinless chicken breast halvessalt and pepper1 avocado2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice13 C mayo12 slices whole wheat bread2 C baby spinach1 12 C strawberries hulled and sliced

1 Fry the bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet and adjust to medium-high heat Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper add to skillet and partially cover Cook until both sides are golden about 10 minutes turning once Let rest 5-10 minutes and thinly slice

2 Mash the avocado with lemon juice and stir in the mayo season with salt and peper

3 Toast the bread slices and spread each with 1 tablespoon avocado mixture Divide the chicken among 4 slices of toast and top each with several slices of bacon Cover each stack with another toast slice layer with spinach sliced strawberries and remaining toast slice Cut into quarters

SPRING 2015 29

FASHION

spring huesGO BOLD WITH MODERN COLOR TRENDS LIKE RED AND NAVY THIS SEASON gtgt

SPRING 2015

5

MODERN SPRING HUES [1] Roll Sleeve Slim Dress Equipment $25800 scoopnyccom [2] Shredded Jersey Tank Raquel Allegra $6600 theoutnetcom [3] Kale Watch WeWood $12000 amazoncom [4] Gold Batik Scarf Color Island $8100 shoptiquescom [5] Skyler Hat Brixton X UO $6000 urbanoutfitterscom

1

4

Spring Into The UNCONVENTIONAL

A mix of classic neutrals and unconventional pops of color make springrsquos go-to color palette a cool and

modern mix of old and new

3

FASHION

NAVY

MILITARYGREEN

GOLDENRODYELLOW

BURNTORANGE

2

SPRING 2015 31

1

[1] Striped Mini Skirt T by Alexander Wang $12500 net-a-portercom [2] Techno Paisley Lace Dress House of Holland $66300 luisaviaromacom [3] Striped Kimono Front Trouser Chloe $171600 matchesoffashioncom [4] Emerald Catrsquos Eye Charm Kendra Scott $2000 neimanmarcuscom

RED

PACIFICBLUE

EMERALD

2

3

4

Shibori TIE-DYE

The seasonrsquos must-have print inspired by a tradi-tional Japanese method of tie-dying fabrics using

various binding techniques to create different pat-terns Look to add a Shibori dyed scarf or tote bag

to your closet this seasonShibori Tie Dye Scarf HSSS Artisans uncommongoodscom

Blue market Tote Bag AikoThreads $2100 etsycomshopAikoThreads

SPRING 2015 33

SPRING 2015 3333

DRAGONFLY APPAREL3615 W 32ND AVE

DENVER CO 80211303-433-6331

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 35

FOOD ETCLIGHTER FARE RECIPES A PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN DECADENT CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE AND FUN RECIPES FOR THE KIDS

FRESH FRUIT SALSA WITH BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS

Skip the chocolate-heavy desserts and opt for this fresh and incredibly satisfying sweet treat

2 lb fresh strawberries chopped8 oz fresh raspberries2 kiwis peeled and diced2 apples diced1 Tbsp brown sugar2 Tbsp granulated sugar3 Tbsp fruit preserves your choice of flavor

4 flour tortillas4 Tbsp granulated sugar1 12 tsp cinnamonbutter flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix up the fruit salsa by combining all ingredients and chill-ing in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes

Combine the cinnamon and sugar spray one side of each flour tortilla with the cooking spray stack and cut into wedges Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (as much as you like) Give the chips another light coat of cooking spray be-fore baking in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes Watch closely so they donrsquot get too brown Let cool before serving with fresh fruit salsa

Lighter FARE

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015 21Subject to credit approval Minimum monthly payments required See Design Consultant for details copy 2015 3 Day Blinds Corporation

Call to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Design Consultation888-994-5678 or visit www3DayOffer354com

CUSTOM BLINDS

SHADES SHUTTERS

AND DRAPES

SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE

LivingInFrontRangeMagazine_Spring_022015indd 1 21715 1147 AM

SPRING 2015

ONWARD LOCAL FLORALS

FRONT RANGEFLORALS

1 Savor the sunshine yellow at Happy Life Gardens in Evans located at the edge of Greeley 2000 37th St 2 Growing season is in full swing at Creekside Gardens in Littleton 5730 W Coal Mine Ave 3 Bright colors bring on spring fever at Sundance Gardens amp Landscaping in Evergreen 27866 Meadow Dr 4 Yard art inspiration at Loveland Garden Center 1801 S Lincoln Ave gtgt

Local greenhouses are gearing up for the summer season ready to provide you with beautiful plants

endless inspiration and extensive know-how for growing your best and brightest beds yet

1

2

SPRING 2015 23

We educate more than 54000 children and serve over 300000 residents in 108 square miles that spread across eight municipalities Cherry Hills Village Centennial Fox-field Glendale Greenwood Village and portions of Aurora Englewood and Denver

The Cherry Creek School District is one of the high-est achieving school districts in the state Cherry Creek Schools students consistently score well above state aver-ages on Colorado standardized assessments and above state and national averages on SAT and ACT exams

The district 2014 graduation rate is 87 compared to the state average of 77 and the national average of 782

The Cherry Creek School District has the third most Na-tional Board Certified Teachers in Colorado

Members of the 2014 graduating class earned more than $54 million in scholarships

SchoolMatchcopy an independent nationwide service has recognized the Cherry Creek School District as among only 16 of school districts nationwide with its ldquoWhat Parents Wantrdquo Award for 20 consecutive years

3037731184 wwwcherrycreekschoolsorg

ldquoTo inspire every student to think to learn to achieve to carerdquo

ldquoAll children deserve a great school in their neighborhood one they can walk or ride the bus to

with their friends These friendships between children and their families

unite communities and make them strongerrdquo

Cherry Creek Schools A Great Neighborhood School

in Every Neighborhood

4

3

SPRING 2015

5 A plethora of pansies at Sturtz amp Copeland in Boulder 2851 Valmont 6 Starting strong plants at Echterrsquos Garden Center in Arvada 5150 Garrison St 7 Itrsquos all about the artful containers at Tagawa Gardens in Parker 7711 S Parker Rd 8 Tulips in bloom at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Lakewood 1404 Quail St 9 Houseplants and hanging baskets abound at Golden City Floral in Golden 5331 Quaker St 10 Helpful and ready to share their knowledge at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Westminster 9400 Wadsworth 11 Striking and contemporary garden art at the Bath Garden Center Nursery in Fort Collins where they grow all their own plants organically 2000 E Prospect Rd

5

6

8

7

SPRING 2015 25

9

10 11

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

OVERVIEWThe strawberry plant is a hardy perennial that dies back in the winter and returns in the spring when the weather gets warm After bearing fruit many types of strawberries will produce runners called daughter plants Runners often root nearby attached to the mother plant To keep the mother plant strong and healthy only allow three daughter plants to remain attached clipping the others to plant somewhere else Strawberries will have a resting period after their first big harvest of the season but most plants will produce again in the fall if you keep them watered and weeded

If you live in Zone 6 or further north your strawberries should be planted in the spring so they will be well rooted by the following winter They can be replanted in late summer and moved to a cool protected place such as an unheated garage during the winter months Most sweet fruits require an abundance of sunshine Strawberries require at least 8 hours daily of full sun

Homegrown strawberries just may be the sweetest juiciest and most aromatic berries you will ever taste An easy to grow fruit their crop will reward the home gardener with ample harvests for many years

and prefer a slightly acidic soil If you soil is slightly alkaline it would be better to grow the berries in large containers filled with potting mix The plants wonrsquot do well in clay soil but by mixing in 4 inches of compost they will be fine If you are planting directly into the ground space your plants 18 inches apart making room for runners Be sure to set plants so that their roots are well covered with soil but the central bud or crown is exposed to light and air If you bury the crown your plant could rot

Mulch between plants after planting to keep the soil temperature cool deter weeds and to keep the fruit off the soil Straw is the traditional strawberry mulch Do not use black plastic since it will raise the soil temperature and optimal fruit production requires cool soil Plants will start blooming in early spring and they must be visited by the bees or other pollinating insects before they can set fruit In warm weather you should have ripe fruit about 30 days after blossoms are fertilized

STRAWBERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015 27

GROWING TIPSbull Well drained sandy loam with a

soil pH from 58 to 62 is idealbull Donrsquot plant where tomatoes

potatoes peppers or eggplant have been grown recently (verticillium rot)

bull Be sure you have certified disease-free plants

bull Select plants with large crowns and healthy light-colored roots

bull Amend soil with 1-2 inches of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure

bull Keep weeds from competing with your strawberry plants

bull Make a hole large enough to spread the roots Hill the center of the hole and place the crown slightly above soil level Spread the roots downward on the hill Fill the hole making sure the soil only goes halfway up the crown

bull Do not over fertilize or you will have excessive leaf growth and poor flowering Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting at the rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet

CHOOSING YOUR PLANTSThere are basically 3 types of strawberry plants to choose from June bearing Everbearing and Day Neutral

JUNE BEARINGJune Bearing strawberries produce a single large crop per year during a 2 - 3 week period in the spring June bearers are the traditionally grown plants producing a single flush of flowers and many runners They are classified into early mid-season and late varieties The largest fruits are generally from June bearing varieties

EVERBEARINGEverbearing strawberries produce two to three harvests of fruit intermittently during the spring summer and fall Everbearing plants do not send out many runners

DAY NEUTRALDay Neutral strawberries will produce fruit throughout the growing season These strawberries also produce few runners Everbearing and day neutral strawberries are great when space is limited but the fruits are usually somewhat smaller than June bearers

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

STRAWBERRY RECIPESSavor the bounty of your strawberry crop by indulging in these red berry recipes perfect for fresh spring eating

STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE ICE BOX CAKE

2 lb fresh strawberries2 sleeves graham crackers1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened1 - 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk2 - 34 oz instant cheesecake flavored pudding3 C milk1 - 12 oz carton frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip)

1 Clean and thinly slice strawberries set aside

2 Line the bottom of a 9x13 pan with graham crackers You may need to break some of the crackers to fit them in the pan

3 Combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl beat until creamy Add pudding mix and additional 3 C milk beat until mixture starts to thicken Fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping just until combined

4 Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers Smooth it out and place a layer of strawberries on top Add another layer of graham crackers top with remaining cream cheese mixture and strawberries Cover and refrigerate for 6-8 hours

5 When ready to serve top with remaining whipped topping Garnish with any remaining strawberries and graham cracker crumbs If the strawberries leave extra moisture from setting overnight dab the excess with a paper towel before adding final toppings

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE

(serves 4-6)6 - 7 C baby spinach2 C strawberries hulled and sliced1 C blueberries (optional)12 C toasted chopped pecans4 oz goat cheese (or other favorite soft white cheese)

2 12 Tbsp raspberry vinegar6 Tbsp vegetable oil14 C honey12 tsp dijon mustard2 Tbsp finely minced shallots14 tsp salt18 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 Toast the pecans by placing in a skillet over medium heat Stir or toss so they wonrsquot burn 1-2 minutes or until fragrant Mix with the spinach and berries

2 Whisk all the dressing ingredients together blending well so the honey doesnrsquot settle to the bottom

3 Just before serving toss the spinach mix with the dressing and top with cheese or pass the dressing and cheese separately for individual topping

TRIPLE DECKER STRAWBERRY CLUB SANDWICH

makes 4 large sandwiches

1 lb bacon2 lbs (4 pieces) boneless skinless chicken breast halvessalt and pepper1 avocado2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice13 C mayo12 slices whole wheat bread2 C baby spinach1 12 C strawberries hulled and sliced

1 Fry the bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet and adjust to medium-high heat Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper add to skillet and partially cover Cook until both sides are golden about 10 minutes turning once Let rest 5-10 minutes and thinly slice

2 Mash the avocado with lemon juice and stir in the mayo season with salt and peper

3 Toast the bread slices and spread each with 1 tablespoon avocado mixture Divide the chicken among 4 slices of toast and top each with several slices of bacon Cover each stack with another toast slice layer with spinach sliced strawberries and remaining toast slice Cut into quarters

SPRING 2015 29

FASHION

spring huesGO BOLD WITH MODERN COLOR TRENDS LIKE RED AND NAVY THIS SEASON gtgt

SPRING 2015

5

MODERN SPRING HUES [1] Roll Sleeve Slim Dress Equipment $25800 scoopnyccom [2] Shredded Jersey Tank Raquel Allegra $6600 theoutnetcom [3] Kale Watch WeWood $12000 amazoncom [4] Gold Batik Scarf Color Island $8100 shoptiquescom [5] Skyler Hat Brixton X UO $6000 urbanoutfitterscom

1

4

Spring Into The UNCONVENTIONAL

A mix of classic neutrals and unconventional pops of color make springrsquos go-to color palette a cool and

modern mix of old and new

3

FASHION

NAVY

MILITARYGREEN

GOLDENRODYELLOW

BURNTORANGE

2

SPRING 2015 31

1

[1] Striped Mini Skirt T by Alexander Wang $12500 net-a-portercom [2] Techno Paisley Lace Dress House of Holland $66300 luisaviaromacom [3] Striped Kimono Front Trouser Chloe $171600 matchesoffashioncom [4] Emerald Catrsquos Eye Charm Kendra Scott $2000 neimanmarcuscom

RED

PACIFICBLUE

EMERALD

2

3

4

Shibori TIE-DYE

The seasonrsquos must-have print inspired by a tradi-tional Japanese method of tie-dying fabrics using

various binding techniques to create different pat-terns Look to add a Shibori dyed scarf or tote bag

to your closet this seasonShibori Tie Dye Scarf HSSS Artisans uncommongoodscom

Blue market Tote Bag AikoThreads $2100 etsycomshopAikoThreads

SPRING 2015 33

SPRING 2015 3333

DRAGONFLY APPAREL3615 W 32ND AVE

DENVER CO 80211303-433-6331

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 35

FOOD ETCLIGHTER FARE RECIPES A PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN DECADENT CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE AND FUN RECIPES FOR THE KIDS

FRESH FRUIT SALSA WITH BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS

Skip the chocolate-heavy desserts and opt for this fresh and incredibly satisfying sweet treat

2 lb fresh strawberries chopped8 oz fresh raspberries2 kiwis peeled and diced2 apples diced1 Tbsp brown sugar2 Tbsp granulated sugar3 Tbsp fruit preserves your choice of flavor

4 flour tortillas4 Tbsp granulated sugar1 12 tsp cinnamonbutter flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix up the fruit salsa by combining all ingredients and chill-ing in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes

Combine the cinnamon and sugar spray one side of each flour tortilla with the cooking spray stack and cut into wedges Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (as much as you like) Give the chips another light coat of cooking spray be-fore baking in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes Watch closely so they donrsquot get too brown Let cool before serving with fresh fruit salsa

Lighter FARE

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015

ONWARD LOCAL FLORALS

FRONT RANGEFLORALS

1 Savor the sunshine yellow at Happy Life Gardens in Evans located at the edge of Greeley 2000 37th St 2 Growing season is in full swing at Creekside Gardens in Littleton 5730 W Coal Mine Ave 3 Bright colors bring on spring fever at Sundance Gardens amp Landscaping in Evergreen 27866 Meadow Dr 4 Yard art inspiration at Loveland Garden Center 1801 S Lincoln Ave gtgt

Local greenhouses are gearing up for the summer season ready to provide you with beautiful plants

endless inspiration and extensive know-how for growing your best and brightest beds yet

1

2

SPRING 2015 23

We educate more than 54000 children and serve over 300000 residents in 108 square miles that spread across eight municipalities Cherry Hills Village Centennial Fox-field Glendale Greenwood Village and portions of Aurora Englewood and Denver

The Cherry Creek School District is one of the high-est achieving school districts in the state Cherry Creek Schools students consistently score well above state aver-ages on Colorado standardized assessments and above state and national averages on SAT and ACT exams

The district 2014 graduation rate is 87 compared to the state average of 77 and the national average of 782

The Cherry Creek School District has the third most Na-tional Board Certified Teachers in Colorado

Members of the 2014 graduating class earned more than $54 million in scholarships

SchoolMatchcopy an independent nationwide service has recognized the Cherry Creek School District as among only 16 of school districts nationwide with its ldquoWhat Parents Wantrdquo Award for 20 consecutive years

3037731184 wwwcherrycreekschoolsorg

ldquoTo inspire every student to think to learn to achieve to carerdquo

ldquoAll children deserve a great school in their neighborhood one they can walk or ride the bus to

with their friends These friendships between children and their families

unite communities and make them strongerrdquo

Cherry Creek Schools A Great Neighborhood School

in Every Neighborhood

4

3

SPRING 2015

5 A plethora of pansies at Sturtz amp Copeland in Boulder 2851 Valmont 6 Starting strong plants at Echterrsquos Garden Center in Arvada 5150 Garrison St 7 Itrsquos all about the artful containers at Tagawa Gardens in Parker 7711 S Parker Rd 8 Tulips in bloom at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Lakewood 1404 Quail St 9 Houseplants and hanging baskets abound at Golden City Floral in Golden 5331 Quaker St 10 Helpful and ready to share their knowledge at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Westminster 9400 Wadsworth 11 Striking and contemporary garden art at the Bath Garden Center Nursery in Fort Collins where they grow all their own plants organically 2000 E Prospect Rd

5

6

8

7

SPRING 2015 25

9

10 11

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

OVERVIEWThe strawberry plant is a hardy perennial that dies back in the winter and returns in the spring when the weather gets warm After bearing fruit many types of strawberries will produce runners called daughter plants Runners often root nearby attached to the mother plant To keep the mother plant strong and healthy only allow three daughter plants to remain attached clipping the others to plant somewhere else Strawberries will have a resting period after their first big harvest of the season but most plants will produce again in the fall if you keep them watered and weeded

If you live in Zone 6 or further north your strawberries should be planted in the spring so they will be well rooted by the following winter They can be replanted in late summer and moved to a cool protected place such as an unheated garage during the winter months Most sweet fruits require an abundance of sunshine Strawberries require at least 8 hours daily of full sun

Homegrown strawberries just may be the sweetest juiciest and most aromatic berries you will ever taste An easy to grow fruit their crop will reward the home gardener with ample harvests for many years

and prefer a slightly acidic soil If you soil is slightly alkaline it would be better to grow the berries in large containers filled with potting mix The plants wonrsquot do well in clay soil but by mixing in 4 inches of compost they will be fine If you are planting directly into the ground space your plants 18 inches apart making room for runners Be sure to set plants so that their roots are well covered with soil but the central bud or crown is exposed to light and air If you bury the crown your plant could rot

Mulch between plants after planting to keep the soil temperature cool deter weeds and to keep the fruit off the soil Straw is the traditional strawberry mulch Do not use black plastic since it will raise the soil temperature and optimal fruit production requires cool soil Plants will start blooming in early spring and they must be visited by the bees or other pollinating insects before they can set fruit In warm weather you should have ripe fruit about 30 days after blossoms are fertilized

STRAWBERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015 27

GROWING TIPSbull Well drained sandy loam with a

soil pH from 58 to 62 is idealbull Donrsquot plant where tomatoes

potatoes peppers or eggplant have been grown recently (verticillium rot)

bull Be sure you have certified disease-free plants

bull Select plants with large crowns and healthy light-colored roots

bull Amend soil with 1-2 inches of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure

bull Keep weeds from competing with your strawberry plants

bull Make a hole large enough to spread the roots Hill the center of the hole and place the crown slightly above soil level Spread the roots downward on the hill Fill the hole making sure the soil only goes halfway up the crown

bull Do not over fertilize or you will have excessive leaf growth and poor flowering Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting at the rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet

CHOOSING YOUR PLANTSThere are basically 3 types of strawberry plants to choose from June bearing Everbearing and Day Neutral

JUNE BEARINGJune Bearing strawberries produce a single large crop per year during a 2 - 3 week period in the spring June bearers are the traditionally grown plants producing a single flush of flowers and many runners They are classified into early mid-season and late varieties The largest fruits are generally from June bearing varieties

EVERBEARINGEverbearing strawberries produce two to three harvests of fruit intermittently during the spring summer and fall Everbearing plants do not send out many runners

DAY NEUTRALDay Neutral strawberries will produce fruit throughout the growing season These strawberries also produce few runners Everbearing and day neutral strawberries are great when space is limited but the fruits are usually somewhat smaller than June bearers

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

STRAWBERRY RECIPESSavor the bounty of your strawberry crop by indulging in these red berry recipes perfect for fresh spring eating

STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE ICE BOX CAKE

2 lb fresh strawberries2 sleeves graham crackers1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened1 - 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk2 - 34 oz instant cheesecake flavored pudding3 C milk1 - 12 oz carton frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip)

1 Clean and thinly slice strawberries set aside

2 Line the bottom of a 9x13 pan with graham crackers You may need to break some of the crackers to fit them in the pan

3 Combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl beat until creamy Add pudding mix and additional 3 C milk beat until mixture starts to thicken Fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping just until combined

4 Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers Smooth it out and place a layer of strawberries on top Add another layer of graham crackers top with remaining cream cheese mixture and strawberries Cover and refrigerate for 6-8 hours

5 When ready to serve top with remaining whipped topping Garnish with any remaining strawberries and graham cracker crumbs If the strawberries leave extra moisture from setting overnight dab the excess with a paper towel before adding final toppings

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE

(serves 4-6)6 - 7 C baby spinach2 C strawberries hulled and sliced1 C blueberries (optional)12 C toasted chopped pecans4 oz goat cheese (or other favorite soft white cheese)

2 12 Tbsp raspberry vinegar6 Tbsp vegetable oil14 C honey12 tsp dijon mustard2 Tbsp finely minced shallots14 tsp salt18 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 Toast the pecans by placing in a skillet over medium heat Stir or toss so they wonrsquot burn 1-2 minutes or until fragrant Mix with the spinach and berries

2 Whisk all the dressing ingredients together blending well so the honey doesnrsquot settle to the bottom

3 Just before serving toss the spinach mix with the dressing and top with cheese or pass the dressing and cheese separately for individual topping

TRIPLE DECKER STRAWBERRY CLUB SANDWICH

makes 4 large sandwiches

1 lb bacon2 lbs (4 pieces) boneless skinless chicken breast halvessalt and pepper1 avocado2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice13 C mayo12 slices whole wheat bread2 C baby spinach1 12 C strawberries hulled and sliced

1 Fry the bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet and adjust to medium-high heat Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper add to skillet and partially cover Cook until both sides are golden about 10 minutes turning once Let rest 5-10 minutes and thinly slice

2 Mash the avocado with lemon juice and stir in the mayo season with salt and peper

3 Toast the bread slices and spread each with 1 tablespoon avocado mixture Divide the chicken among 4 slices of toast and top each with several slices of bacon Cover each stack with another toast slice layer with spinach sliced strawberries and remaining toast slice Cut into quarters

SPRING 2015 29

FASHION

spring huesGO BOLD WITH MODERN COLOR TRENDS LIKE RED AND NAVY THIS SEASON gtgt

SPRING 2015

5

MODERN SPRING HUES [1] Roll Sleeve Slim Dress Equipment $25800 scoopnyccom [2] Shredded Jersey Tank Raquel Allegra $6600 theoutnetcom [3] Kale Watch WeWood $12000 amazoncom [4] Gold Batik Scarf Color Island $8100 shoptiquescom [5] Skyler Hat Brixton X UO $6000 urbanoutfitterscom

1

4

Spring Into The UNCONVENTIONAL

A mix of classic neutrals and unconventional pops of color make springrsquos go-to color palette a cool and

modern mix of old and new

3

FASHION

NAVY

MILITARYGREEN

GOLDENRODYELLOW

BURNTORANGE

2

SPRING 2015 31

1

[1] Striped Mini Skirt T by Alexander Wang $12500 net-a-portercom [2] Techno Paisley Lace Dress House of Holland $66300 luisaviaromacom [3] Striped Kimono Front Trouser Chloe $171600 matchesoffashioncom [4] Emerald Catrsquos Eye Charm Kendra Scott $2000 neimanmarcuscom

RED

PACIFICBLUE

EMERALD

2

3

4

Shibori TIE-DYE

The seasonrsquos must-have print inspired by a tradi-tional Japanese method of tie-dying fabrics using

various binding techniques to create different pat-terns Look to add a Shibori dyed scarf or tote bag

to your closet this seasonShibori Tie Dye Scarf HSSS Artisans uncommongoodscom

Blue market Tote Bag AikoThreads $2100 etsycomshopAikoThreads

SPRING 2015 33

SPRING 2015 3333

DRAGONFLY APPAREL3615 W 32ND AVE

DENVER CO 80211303-433-6331

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 35

FOOD ETCLIGHTER FARE RECIPES A PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN DECADENT CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE AND FUN RECIPES FOR THE KIDS

FRESH FRUIT SALSA WITH BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS

Skip the chocolate-heavy desserts and opt for this fresh and incredibly satisfying sweet treat

2 lb fresh strawberries chopped8 oz fresh raspberries2 kiwis peeled and diced2 apples diced1 Tbsp brown sugar2 Tbsp granulated sugar3 Tbsp fruit preserves your choice of flavor

4 flour tortillas4 Tbsp granulated sugar1 12 tsp cinnamonbutter flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix up the fruit salsa by combining all ingredients and chill-ing in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes

Combine the cinnamon and sugar spray one side of each flour tortilla with the cooking spray stack and cut into wedges Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (as much as you like) Give the chips another light coat of cooking spray be-fore baking in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes Watch closely so they donrsquot get too brown Let cool before serving with fresh fruit salsa

Lighter FARE

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015 23

We educate more than 54000 children and serve over 300000 residents in 108 square miles that spread across eight municipalities Cherry Hills Village Centennial Fox-field Glendale Greenwood Village and portions of Aurora Englewood and Denver

The Cherry Creek School District is one of the high-est achieving school districts in the state Cherry Creek Schools students consistently score well above state aver-ages on Colorado standardized assessments and above state and national averages on SAT and ACT exams

The district 2014 graduation rate is 87 compared to the state average of 77 and the national average of 782

The Cherry Creek School District has the third most Na-tional Board Certified Teachers in Colorado

Members of the 2014 graduating class earned more than $54 million in scholarships

SchoolMatchcopy an independent nationwide service has recognized the Cherry Creek School District as among only 16 of school districts nationwide with its ldquoWhat Parents Wantrdquo Award for 20 consecutive years

3037731184 wwwcherrycreekschoolsorg

ldquoTo inspire every student to think to learn to achieve to carerdquo

ldquoAll children deserve a great school in their neighborhood one they can walk or ride the bus to

with their friends These friendships between children and their families

unite communities and make them strongerrdquo

Cherry Creek Schools A Great Neighborhood School

in Every Neighborhood

4

3

SPRING 2015

5 A plethora of pansies at Sturtz amp Copeland in Boulder 2851 Valmont 6 Starting strong plants at Echterrsquos Garden Center in Arvada 5150 Garrison St 7 Itrsquos all about the artful containers at Tagawa Gardens in Parker 7711 S Parker Rd 8 Tulips in bloom at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Lakewood 1404 Quail St 9 Houseplants and hanging baskets abound at Golden City Floral in Golden 5331 Quaker St 10 Helpful and ready to share their knowledge at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Westminster 9400 Wadsworth 11 Striking and contemporary garden art at the Bath Garden Center Nursery in Fort Collins where they grow all their own plants organically 2000 E Prospect Rd

5

6

8

7

SPRING 2015 25

9

10 11

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

OVERVIEWThe strawberry plant is a hardy perennial that dies back in the winter and returns in the spring when the weather gets warm After bearing fruit many types of strawberries will produce runners called daughter plants Runners often root nearby attached to the mother plant To keep the mother plant strong and healthy only allow three daughter plants to remain attached clipping the others to plant somewhere else Strawberries will have a resting period after their first big harvest of the season but most plants will produce again in the fall if you keep them watered and weeded

If you live in Zone 6 or further north your strawberries should be planted in the spring so they will be well rooted by the following winter They can be replanted in late summer and moved to a cool protected place such as an unheated garage during the winter months Most sweet fruits require an abundance of sunshine Strawberries require at least 8 hours daily of full sun

Homegrown strawberries just may be the sweetest juiciest and most aromatic berries you will ever taste An easy to grow fruit their crop will reward the home gardener with ample harvests for many years

and prefer a slightly acidic soil If you soil is slightly alkaline it would be better to grow the berries in large containers filled with potting mix The plants wonrsquot do well in clay soil but by mixing in 4 inches of compost they will be fine If you are planting directly into the ground space your plants 18 inches apart making room for runners Be sure to set plants so that their roots are well covered with soil but the central bud or crown is exposed to light and air If you bury the crown your plant could rot

Mulch between plants after planting to keep the soil temperature cool deter weeds and to keep the fruit off the soil Straw is the traditional strawberry mulch Do not use black plastic since it will raise the soil temperature and optimal fruit production requires cool soil Plants will start blooming in early spring and they must be visited by the bees or other pollinating insects before they can set fruit In warm weather you should have ripe fruit about 30 days after blossoms are fertilized

STRAWBERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015 27

GROWING TIPSbull Well drained sandy loam with a

soil pH from 58 to 62 is idealbull Donrsquot plant where tomatoes

potatoes peppers or eggplant have been grown recently (verticillium rot)

bull Be sure you have certified disease-free plants

bull Select plants with large crowns and healthy light-colored roots

bull Amend soil with 1-2 inches of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure

bull Keep weeds from competing with your strawberry plants

bull Make a hole large enough to spread the roots Hill the center of the hole and place the crown slightly above soil level Spread the roots downward on the hill Fill the hole making sure the soil only goes halfway up the crown

bull Do not over fertilize or you will have excessive leaf growth and poor flowering Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting at the rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet

CHOOSING YOUR PLANTSThere are basically 3 types of strawberry plants to choose from June bearing Everbearing and Day Neutral

JUNE BEARINGJune Bearing strawberries produce a single large crop per year during a 2 - 3 week period in the spring June bearers are the traditionally grown plants producing a single flush of flowers and many runners They are classified into early mid-season and late varieties The largest fruits are generally from June bearing varieties

EVERBEARINGEverbearing strawberries produce two to three harvests of fruit intermittently during the spring summer and fall Everbearing plants do not send out many runners

DAY NEUTRALDay Neutral strawberries will produce fruit throughout the growing season These strawberries also produce few runners Everbearing and day neutral strawberries are great when space is limited but the fruits are usually somewhat smaller than June bearers

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

STRAWBERRY RECIPESSavor the bounty of your strawberry crop by indulging in these red berry recipes perfect for fresh spring eating

STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE ICE BOX CAKE

2 lb fresh strawberries2 sleeves graham crackers1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened1 - 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk2 - 34 oz instant cheesecake flavored pudding3 C milk1 - 12 oz carton frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip)

1 Clean and thinly slice strawberries set aside

2 Line the bottom of a 9x13 pan with graham crackers You may need to break some of the crackers to fit them in the pan

3 Combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl beat until creamy Add pudding mix and additional 3 C milk beat until mixture starts to thicken Fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping just until combined

4 Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers Smooth it out and place a layer of strawberries on top Add another layer of graham crackers top with remaining cream cheese mixture and strawberries Cover and refrigerate for 6-8 hours

5 When ready to serve top with remaining whipped topping Garnish with any remaining strawberries and graham cracker crumbs If the strawberries leave extra moisture from setting overnight dab the excess with a paper towel before adding final toppings

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE

(serves 4-6)6 - 7 C baby spinach2 C strawberries hulled and sliced1 C blueberries (optional)12 C toasted chopped pecans4 oz goat cheese (or other favorite soft white cheese)

2 12 Tbsp raspberry vinegar6 Tbsp vegetable oil14 C honey12 tsp dijon mustard2 Tbsp finely minced shallots14 tsp salt18 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 Toast the pecans by placing in a skillet over medium heat Stir or toss so they wonrsquot burn 1-2 minutes or until fragrant Mix with the spinach and berries

2 Whisk all the dressing ingredients together blending well so the honey doesnrsquot settle to the bottom

3 Just before serving toss the spinach mix with the dressing and top with cheese or pass the dressing and cheese separately for individual topping

TRIPLE DECKER STRAWBERRY CLUB SANDWICH

makes 4 large sandwiches

1 lb bacon2 lbs (4 pieces) boneless skinless chicken breast halvessalt and pepper1 avocado2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice13 C mayo12 slices whole wheat bread2 C baby spinach1 12 C strawberries hulled and sliced

1 Fry the bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet and adjust to medium-high heat Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper add to skillet and partially cover Cook until both sides are golden about 10 minutes turning once Let rest 5-10 minutes and thinly slice

2 Mash the avocado with lemon juice and stir in the mayo season with salt and peper

3 Toast the bread slices and spread each with 1 tablespoon avocado mixture Divide the chicken among 4 slices of toast and top each with several slices of bacon Cover each stack with another toast slice layer with spinach sliced strawberries and remaining toast slice Cut into quarters

SPRING 2015 29

FASHION

spring huesGO BOLD WITH MODERN COLOR TRENDS LIKE RED AND NAVY THIS SEASON gtgt

SPRING 2015

5

MODERN SPRING HUES [1] Roll Sleeve Slim Dress Equipment $25800 scoopnyccom [2] Shredded Jersey Tank Raquel Allegra $6600 theoutnetcom [3] Kale Watch WeWood $12000 amazoncom [4] Gold Batik Scarf Color Island $8100 shoptiquescom [5] Skyler Hat Brixton X UO $6000 urbanoutfitterscom

1

4

Spring Into The UNCONVENTIONAL

A mix of classic neutrals and unconventional pops of color make springrsquos go-to color palette a cool and

modern mix of old and new

3

FASHION

NAVY

MILITARYGREEN

GOLDENRODYELLOW

BURNTORANGE

2

SPRING 2015 31

1

[1] Striped Mini Skirt T by Alexander Wang $12500 net-a-portercom [2] Techno Paisley Lace Dress House of Holland $66300 luisaviaromacom [3] Striped Kimono Front Trouser Chloe $171600 matchesoffashioncom [4] Emerald Catrsquos Eye Charm Kendra Scott $2000 neimanmarcuscom

RED

PACIFICBLUE

EMERALD

2

3

4

Shibori TIE-DYE

The seasonrsquos must-have print inspired by a tradi-tional Japanese method of tie-dying fabrics using

various binding techniques to create different pat-terns Look to add a Shibori dyed scarf or tote bag

to your closet this seasonShibori Tie Dye Scarf HSSS Artisans uncommongoodscom

Blue market Tote Bag AikoThreads $2100 etsycomshopAikoThreads

SPRING 2015 33

SPRING 2015 3333

DRAGONFLY APPAREL3615 W 32ND AVE

DENVER CO 80211303-433-6331

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 35

FOOD ETCLIGHTER FARE RECIPES A PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN DECADENT CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE AND FUN RECIPES FOR THE KIDS

FRESH FRUIT SALSA WITH BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS

Skip the chocolate-heavy desserts and opt for this fresh and incredibly satisfying sweet treat

2 lb fresh strawberries chopped8 oz fresh raspberries2 kiwis peeled and diced2 apples diced1 Tbsp brown sugar2 Tbsp granulated sugar3 Tbsp fruit preserves your choice of flavor

4 flour tortillas4 Tbsp granulated sugar1 12 tsp cinnamonbutter flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix up the fruit salsa by combining all ingredients and chill-ing in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes

Combine the cinnamon and sugar spray one side of each flour tortilla with the cooking spray stack and cut into wedges Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (as much as you like) Give the chips another light coat of cooking spray be-fore baking in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes Watch closely so they donrsquot get too brown Let cool before serving with fresh fruit salsa

Lighter FARE

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015

5 A plethora of pansies at Sturtz amp Copeland in Boulder 2851 Valmont 6 Starting strong plants at Echterrsquos Garden Center in Arvada 5150 Garrison St 7 Itrsquos all about the artful containers at Tagawa Gardens in Parker 7711 S Parker Rd 8 Tulips in bloom at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Lakewood 1404 Quail St 9 Houseplants and hanging baskets abound at Golden City Floral in Golden 5331 Quaker St 10 Helpful and ready to share their knowledge at OrsquoTooles Garden Center in Westminster 9400 Wadsworth 11 Striking and contemporary garden art at the Bath Garden Center Nursery in Fort Collins where they grow all their own plants organically 2000 E Prospect Rd

5

6

8

7

SPRING 2015 25

9

10 11

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

OVERVIEWThe strawberry plant is a hardy perennial that dies back in the winter and returns in the spring when the weather gets warm After bearing fruit many types of strawberries will produce runners called daughter plants Runners often root nearby attached to the mother plant To keep the mother plant strong and healthy only allow three daughter plants to remain attached clipping the others to plant somewhere else Strawberries will have a resting period after their first big harvest of the season but most plants will produce again in the fall if you keep them watered and weeded

If you live in Zone 6 or further north your strawberries should be planted in the spring so they will be well rooted by the following winter They can be replanted in late summer and moved to a cool protected place such as an unheated garage during the winter months Most sweet fruits require an abundance of sunshine Strawberries require at least 8 hours daily of full sun

Homegrown strawberries just may be the sweetest juiciest and most aromatic berries you will ever taste An easy to grow fruit their crop will reward the home gardener with ample harvests for many years

and prefer a slightly acidic soil If you soil is slightly alkaline it would be better to grow the berries in large containers filled with potting mix The plants wonrsquot do well in clay soil but by mixing in 4 inches of compost they will be fine If you are planting directly into the ground space your plants 18 inches apart making room for runners Be sure to set plants so that their roots are well covered with soil but the central bud or crown is exposed to light and air If you bury the crown your plant could rot

Mulch between plants after planting to keep the soil temperature cool deter weeds and to keep the fruit off the soil Straw is the traditional strawberry mulch Do not use black plastic since it will raise the soil temperature and optimal fruit production requires cool soil Plants will start blooming in early spring and they must be visited by the bees or other pollinating insects before they can set fruit In warm weather you should have ripe fruit about 30 days after blossoms are fertilized

STRAWBERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015 27

GROWING TIPSbull Well drained sandy loam with a

soil pH from 58 to 62 is idealbull Donrsquot plant where tomatoes

potatoes peppers or eggplant have been grown recently (verticillium rot)

bull Be sure you have certified disease-free plants

bull Select plants with large crowns and healthy light-colored roots

bull Amend soil with 1-2 inches of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure

bull Keep weeds from competing with your strawberry plants

bull Make a hole large enough to spread the roots Hill the center of the hole and place the crown slightly above soil level Spread the roots downward on the hill Fill the hole making sure the soil only goes halfway up the crown

bull Do not over fertilize or you will have excessive leaf growth and poor flowering Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting at the rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet

CHOOSING YOUR PLANTSThere are basically 3 types of strawberry plants to choose from June bearing Everbearing and Day Neutral

JUNE BEARINGJune Bearing strawberries produce a single large crop per year during a 2 - 3 week period in the spring June bearers are the traditionally grown plants producing a single flush of flowers and many runners They are classified into early mid-season and late varieties The largest fruits are generally from June bearing varieties

EVERBEARINGEverbearing strawberries produce two to three harvests of fruit intermittently during the spring summer and fall Everbearing plants do not send out many runners

DAY NEUTRALDay Neutral strawberries will produce fruit throughout the growing season These strawberries also produce few runners Everbearing and day neutral strawberries are great when space is limited but the fruits are usually somewhat smaller than June bearers

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

STRAWBERRY RECIPESSavor the bounty of your strawberry crop by indulging in these red berry recipes perfect for fresh spring eating

STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE ICE BOX CAKE

2 lb fresh strawberries2 sleeves graham crackers1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened1 - 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk2 - 34 oz instant cheesecake flavored pudding3 C milk1 - 12 oz carton frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip)

1 Clean and thinly slice strawberries set aside

2 Line the bottom of a 9x13 pan with graham crackers You may need to break some of the crackers to fit them in the pan

3 Combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl beat until creamy Add pudding mix and additional 3 C milk beat until mixture starts to thicken Fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping just until combined

4 Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers Smooth it out and place a layer of strawberries on top Add another layer of graham crackers top with remaining cream cheese mixture and strawberries Cover and refrigerate for 6-8 hours

5 When ready to serve top with remaining whipped topping Garnish with any remaining strawberries and graham cracker crumbs If the strawberries leave extra moisture from setting overnight dab the excess with a paper towel before adding final toppings

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE

(serves 4-6)6 - 7 C baby spinach2 C strawberries hulled and sliced1 C blueberries (optional)12 C toasted chopped pecans4 oz goat cheese (or other favorite soft white cheese)

2 12 Tbsp raspberry vinegar6 Tbsp vegetable oil14 C honey12 tsp dijon mustard2 Tbsp finely minced shallots14 tsp salt18 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 Toast the pecans by placing in a skillet over medium heat Stir or toss so they wonrsquot burn 1-2 minutes or until fragrant Mix with the spinach and berries

2 Whisk all the dressing ingredients together blending well so the honey doesnrsquot settle to the bottom

3 Just before serving toss the spinach mix with the dressing and top with cheese or pass the dressing and cheese separately for individual topping

TRIPLE DECKER STRAWBERRY CLUB SANDWICH

makes 4 large sandwiches

1 lb bacon2 lbs (4 pieces) boneless skinless chicken breast halvessalt and pepper1 avocado2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice13 C mayo12 slices whole wheat bread2 C baby spinach1 12 C strawberries hulled and sliced

1 Fry the bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet and adjust to medium-high heat Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper add to skillet and partially cover Cook until both sides are golden about 10 minutes turning once Let rest 5-10 minutes and thinly slice

2 Mash the avocado with lemon juice and stir in the mayo season with salt and peper

3 Toast the bread slices and spread each with 1 tablespoon avocado mixture Divide the chicken among 4 slices of toast and top each with several slices of bacon Cover each stack with another toast slice layer with spinach sliced strawberries and remaining toast slice Cut into quarters

SPRING 2015 29

FASHION

spring huesGO BOLD WITH MODERN COLOR TRENDS LIKE RED AND NAVY THIS SEASON gtgt

SPRING 2015

5

MODERN SPRING HUES [1] Roll Sleeve Slim Dress Equipment $25800 scoopnyccom [2] Shredded Jersey Tank Raquel Allegra $6600 theoutnetcom [3] Kale Watch WeWood $12000 amazoncom [4] Gold Batik Scarf Color Island $8100 shoptiquescom [5] Skyler Hat Brixton X UO $6000 urbanoutfitterscom

1

4

Spring Into The UNCONVENTIONAL

A mix of classic neutrals and unconventional pops of color make springrsquos go-to color palette a cool and

modern mix of old and new

3

FASHION

NAVY

MILITARYGREEN

GOLDENRODYELLOW

BURNTORANGE

2

SPRING 2015 31

1

[1] Striped Mini Skirt T by Alexander Wang $12500 net-a-portercom [2] Techno Paisley Lace Dress House of Holland $66300 luisaviaromacom [3] Striped Kimono Front Trouser Chloe $171600 matchesoffashioncom [4] Emerald Catrsquos Eye Charm Kendra Scott $2000 neimanmarcuscom

RED

PACIFICBLUE

EMERALD

2

3

4

Shibori TIE-DYE

The seasonrsquos must-have print inspired by a tradi-tional Japanese method of tie-dying fabrics using

various binding techniques to create different pat-terns Look to add a Shibori dyed scarf or tote bag

to your closet this seasonShibori Tie Dye Scarf HSSS Artisans uncommongoodscom

Blue market Tote Bag AikoThreads $2100 etsycomshopAikoThreads

SPRING 2015 33

SPRING 2015 3333

DRAGONFLY APPAREL3615 W 32ND AVE

DENVER CO 80211303-433-6331

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 35

FOOD ETCLIGHTER FARE RECIPES A PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN DECADENT CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE AND FUN RECIPES FOR THE KIDS

FRESH FRUIT SALSA WITH BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS

Skip the chocolate-heavy desserts and opt for this fresh and incredibly satisfying sweet treat

2 lb fresh strawberries chopped8 oz fresh raspberries2 kiwis peeled and diced2 apples diced1 Tbsp brown sugar2 Tbsp granulated sugar3 Tbsp fruit preserves your choice of flavor

4 flour tortillas4 Tbsp granulated sugar1 12 tsp cinnamonbutter flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix up the fruit salsa by combining all ingredients and chill-ing in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes

Combine the cinnamon and sugar spray one side of each flour tortilla with the cooking spray stack and cut into wedges Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (as much as you like) Give the chips another light coat of cooking spray be-fore baking in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes Watch closely so they donrsquot get too brown Let cool before serving with fresh fruit salsa

Lighter FARE

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015 25

9

10 11

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

OVERVIEWThe strawberry plant is a hardy perennial that dies back in the winter and returns in the spring when the weather gets warm After bearing fruit many types of strawberries will produce runners called daughter plants Runners often root nearby attached to the mother plant To keep the mother plant strong and healthy only allow three daughter plants to remain attached clipping the others to plant somewhere else Strawberries will have a resting period after their first big harvest of the season but most plants will produce again in the fall if you keep them watered and weeded

If you live in Zone 6 or further north your strawberries should be planted in the spring so they will be well rooted by the following winter They can be replanted in late summer and moved to a cool protected place such as an unheated garage during the winter months Most sweet fruits require an abundance of sunshine Strawberries require at least 8 hours daily of full sun

Homegrown strawberries just may be the sweetest juiciest and most aromatic berries you will ever taste An easy to grow fruit their crop will reward the home gardener with ample harvests for many years

and prefer a slightly acidic soil If you soil is slightly alkaline it would be better to grow the berries in large containers filled with potting mix The plants wonrsquot do well in clay soil but by mixing in 4 inches of compost they will be fine If you are planting directly into the ground space your plants 18 inches apart making room for runners Be sure to set plants so that their roots are well covered with soil but the central bud or crown is exposed to light and air If you bury the crown your plant could rot

Mulch between plants after planting to keep the soil temperature cool deter weeds and to keep the fruit off the soil Straw is the traditional strawberry mulch Do not use black plastic since it will raise the soil temperature and optimal fruit production requires cool soil Plants will start blooming in early spring and they must be visited by the bees or other pollinating insects before they can set fruit In warm weather you should have ripe fruit about 30 days after blossoms are fertilized

STRAWBERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015 27

GROWING TIPSbull Well drained sandy loam with a

soil pH from 58 to 62 is idealbull Donrsquot plant where tomatoes

potatoes peppers or eggplant have been grown recently (verticillium rot)

bull Be sure you have certified disease-free plants

bull Select plants with large crowns and healthy light-colored roots

bull Amend soil with 1-2 inches of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure

bull Keep weeds from competing with your strawberry plants

bull Make a hole large enough to spread the roots Hill the center of the hole and place the crown slightly above soil level Spread the roots downward on the hill Fill the hole making sure the soil only goes halfway up the crown

bull Do not over fertilize or you will have excessive leaf growth and poor flowering Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting at the rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet

CHOOSING YOUR PLANTSThere are basically 3 types of strawberry plants to choose from June bearing Everbearing and Day Neutral

JUNE BEARINGJune Bearing strawberries produce a single large crop per year during a 2 - 3 week period in the spring June bearers are the traditionally grown plants producing a single flush of flowers and many runners They are classified into early mid-season and late varieties The largest fruits are generally from June bearing varieties

EVERBEARINGEverbearing strawberries produce two to three harvests of fruit intermittently during the spring summer and fall Everbearing plants do not send out many runners

DAY NEUTRALDay Neutral strawberries will produce fruit throughout the growing season These strawberries also produce few runners Everbearing and day neutral strawberries are great when space is limited but the fruits are usually somewhat smaller than June bearers

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

STRAWBERRY RECIPESSavor the bounty of your strawberry crop by indulging in these red berry recipes perfect for fresh spring eating

STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE ICE BOX CAKE

2 lb fresh strawberries2 sleeves graham crackers1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened1 - 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk2 - 34 oz instant cheesecake flavored pudding3 C milk1 - 12 oz carton frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip)

1 Clean and thinly slice strawberries set aside

2 Line the bottom of a 9x13 pan with graham crackers You may need to break some of the crackers to fit them in the pan

3 Combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl beat until creamy Add pudding mix and additional 3 C milk beat until mixture starts to thicken Fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping just until combined

4 Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers Smooth it out and place a layer of strawberries on top Add another layer of graham crackers top with remaining cream cheese mixture and strawberries Cover and refrigerate for 6-8 hours

5 When ready to serve top with remaining whipped topping Garnish with any remaining strawberries and graham cracker crumbs If the strawberries leave extra moisture from setting overnight dab the excess with a paper towel before adding final toppings

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE

(serves 4-6)6 - 7 C baby spinach2 C strawberries hulled and sliced1 C blueberries (optional)12 C toasted chopped pecans4 oz goat cheese (or other favorite soft white cheese)

2 12 Tbsp raspberry vinegar6 Tbsp vegetable oil14 C honey12 tsp dijon mustard2 Tbsp finely minced shallots14 tsp salt18 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 Toast the pecans by placing in a skillet over medium heat Stir or toss so they wonrsquot burn 1-2 minutes or until fragrant Mix with the spinach and berries

2 Whisk all the dressing ingredients together blending well so the honey doesnrsquot settle to the bottom

3 Just before serving toss the spinach mix with the dressing and top with cheese or pass the dressing and cheese separately for individual topping

TRIPLE DECKER STRAWBERRY CLUB SANDWICH

makes 4 large sandwiches

1 lb bacon2 lbs (4 pieces) boneless skinless chicken breast halvessalt and pepper1 avocado2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice13 C mayo12 slices whole wheat bread2 C baby spinach1 12 C strawberries hulled and sliced

1 Fry the bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet and adjust to medium-high heat Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper add to skillet and partially cover Cook until both sides are golden about 10 minutes turning once Let rest 5-10 minutes and thinly slice

2 Mash the avocado with lemon juice and stir in the mayo season with salt and peper

3 Toast the bread slices and spread each with 1 tablespoon avocado mixture Divide the chicken among 4 slices of toast and top each with several slices of bacon Cover each stack with another toast slice layer with spinach sliced strawberries and remaining toast slice Cut into quarters

SPRING 2015 29

FASHION

spring huesGO BOLD WITH MODERN COLOR TRENDS LIKE RED AND NAVY THIS SEASON gtgt

SPRING 2015

5

MODERN SPRING HUES [1] Roll Sleeve Slim Dress Equipment $25800 scoopnyccom [2] Shredded Jersey Tank Raquel Allegra $6600 theoutnetcom [3] Kale Watch WeWood $12000 amazoncom [4] Gold Batik Scarf Color Island $8100 shoptiquescom [5] Skyler Hat Brixton X UO $6000 urbanoutfitterscom

1

4

Spring Into The UNCONVENTIONAL

A mix of classic neutrals and unconventional pops of color make springrsquos go-to color palette a cool and

modern mix of old and new

3

FASHION

NAVY

MILITARYGREEN

GOLDENRODYELLOW

BURNTORANGE

2

SPRING 2015 31

1

[1] Striped Mini Skirt T by Alexander Wang $12500 net-a-portercom [2] Techno Paisley Lace Dress House of Holland $66300 luisaviaromacom [3] Striped Kimono Front Trouser Chloe $171600 matchesoffashioncom [4] Emerald Catrsquos Eye Charm Kendra Scott $2000 neimanmarcuscom

RED

PACIFICBLUE

EMERALD

2

3

4

Shibori TIE-DYE

The seasonrsquos must-have print inspired by a tradi-tional Japanese method of tie-dying fabrics using

various binding techniques to create different pat-terns Look to add a Shibori dyed scarf or tote bag

to your closet this seasonShibori Tie Dye Scarf HSSS Artisans uncommongoodscom

Blue market Tote Bag AikoThreads $2100 etsycomshopAikoThreads

SPRING 2015 33

SPRING 2015 3333

DRAGONFLY APPAREL3615 W 32ND AVE

DENVER CO 80211303-433-6331

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 35

FOOD ETCLIGHTER FARE RECIPES A PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN DECADENT CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE AND FUN RECIPES FOR THE KIDS

FRESH FRUIT SALSA WITH BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS

Skip the chocolate-heavy desserts and opt for this fresh and incredibly satisfying sweet treat

2 lb fresh strawberries chopped8 oz fresh raspberries2 kiwis peeled and diced2 apples diced1 Tbsp brown sugar2 Tbsp granulated sugar3 Tbsp fruit preserves your choice of flavor

4 flour tortillas4 Tbsp granulated sugar1 12 tsp cinnamonbutter flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix up the fruit salsa by combining all ingredients and chill-ing in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes

Combine the cinnamon and sugar spray one side of each flour tortilla with the cooking spray stack and cut into wedges Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (as much as you like) Give the chips another light coat of cooking spray be-fore baking in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes Watch closely so they donrsquot get too brown Let cool before serving with fresh fruit salsa

Lighter FARE

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

OVERVIEWThe strawberry plant is a hardy perennial that dies back in the winter and returns in the spring when the weather gets warm After bearing fruit many types of strawberries will produce runners called daughter plants Runners often root nearby attached to the mother plant To keep the mother plant strong and healthy only allow three daughter plants to remain attached clipping the others to plant somewhere else Strawberries will have a resting period after their first big harvest of the season but most plants will produce again in the fall if you keep them watered and weeded

If you live in Zone 6 or further north your strawberries should be planted in the spring so they will be well rooted by the following winter They can be replanted in late summer and moved to a cool protected place such as an unheated garage during the winter months Most sweet fruits require an abundance of sunshine Strawberries require at least 8 hours daily of full sun

Homegrown strawberries just may be the sweetest juiciest and most aromatic berries you will ever taste An easy to grow fruit their crop will reward the home gardener with ample harvests for many years

and prefer a slightly acidic soil If you soil is slightly alkaline it would be better to grow the berries in large containers filled with potting mix The plants wonrsquot do well in clay soil but by mixing in 4 inches of compost they will be fine If you are planting directly into the ground space your plants 18 inches apart making room for runners Be sure to set plants so that their roots are well covered with soil but the central bud or crown is exposed to light and air If you bury the crown your plant could rot

Mulch between plants after planting to keep the soil temperature cool deter weeds and to keep the fruit off the soil Straw is the traditional strawberry mulch Do not use black plastic since it will raise the soil temperature and optimal fruit production requires cool soil Plants will start blooming in early spring and they must be visited by the bees or other pollinating insects before they can set fruit In warm weather you should have ripe fruit about 30 days after blossoms are fertilized

STRAWBERRY BLISS

SPRING 2015 27

GROWING TIPSbull Well drained sandy loam with a

soil pH from 58 to 62 is idealbull Donrsquot plant where tomatoes

potatoes peppers or eggplant have been grown recently (verticillium rot)

bull Be sure you have certified disease-free plants

bull Select plants with large crowns and healthy light-colored roots

bull Amend soil with 1-2 inches of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure

bull Keep weeds from competing with your strawberry plants

bull Make a hole large enough to spread the roots Hill the center of the hole and place the crown slightly above soil level Spread the roots downward on the hill Fill the hole making sure the soil only goes halfway up the crown

bull Do not over fertilize or you will have excessive leaf growth and poor flowering Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting at the rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet

CHOOSING YOUR PLANTSThere are basically 3 types of strawberry plants to choose from June bearing Everbearing and Day Neutral

JUNE BEARINGJune Bearing strawberries produce a single large crop per year during a 2 - 3 week period in the spring June bearers are the traditionally grown plants producing a single flush of flowers and many runners They are classified into early mid-season and late varieties The largest fruits are generally from June bearing varieties

EVERBEARINGEverbearing strawberries produce two to three harvests of fruit intermittently during the spring summer and fall Everbearing plants do not send out many runners

DAY NEUTRALDay Neutral strawberries will produce fruit throughout the growing season These strawberries also produce few runners Everbearing and day neutral strawberries are great when space is limited but the fruits are usually somewhat smaller than June bearers

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

STRAWBERRY RECIPESSavor the bounty of your strawberry crop by indulging in these red berry recipes perfect for fresh spring eating

STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE ICE BOX CAKE

2 lb fresh strawberries2 sleeves graham crackers1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened1 - 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk2 - 34 oz instant cheesecake flavored pudding3 C milk1 - 12 oz carton frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip)

1 Clean and thinly slice strawberries set aside

2 Line the bottom of a 9x13 pan with graham crackers You may need to break some of the crackers to fit them in the pan

3 Combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl beat until creamy Add pudding mix and additional 3 C milk beat until mixture starts to thicken Fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping just until combined

4 Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers Smooth it out and place a layer of strawberries on top Add another layer of graham crackers top with remaining cream cheese mixture and strawberries Cover and refrigerate for 6-8 hours

5 When ready to serve top with remaining whipped topping Garnish with any remaining strawberries and graham cracker crumbs If the strawberries leave extra moisture from setting overnight dab the excess with a paper towel before adding final toppings

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE

(serves 4-6)6 - 7 C baby spinach2 C strawberries hulled and sliced1 C blueberries (optional)12 C toasted chopped pecans4 oz goat cheese (or other favorite soft white cheese)

2 12 Tbsp raspberry vinegar6 Tbsp vegetable oil14 C honey12 tsp dijon mustard2 Tbsp finely minced shallots14 tsp salt18 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 Toast the pecans by placing in a skillet over medium heat Stir or toss so they wonrsquot burn 1-2 minutes or until fragrant Mix with the spinach and berries

2 Whisk all the dressing ingredients together blending well so the honey doesnrsquot settle to the bottom

3 Just before serving toss the spinach mix with the dressing and top with cheese or pass the dressing and cheese separately for individual topping

TRIPLE DECKER STRAWBERRY CLUB SANDWICH

makes 4 large sandwiches

1 lb bacon2 lbs (4 pieces) boneless skinless chicken breast halvessalt and pepper1 avocado2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice13 C mayo12 slices whole wheat bread2 C baby spinach1 12 C strawberries hulled and sliced

1 Fry the bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet and adjust to medium-high heat Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper add to skillet and partially cover Cook until both sides are golden about 10 minutes turning once Let rest 5-10 minutes and thinly slice

2 Mash the avocado with lemon juice and stir in the mayo season with salt and peper

3 Toast the bread slices and spread each with 1 tablespoon avocado mixture Divide the chicken among 4 slices of toast and top each with several slices of bacon Cover each stack with another toast slice layer with spinach sliced strawberries and remaining toast slice Cut into quarters

SPRING 2015 29

FASHION

spring huesGO BOLD WITH MODERN COLOR TRENDS LIKE RED AND NAVY THIS SEASON gtgt

SPRING 2015

5

MODERN SPRING HUES [1] Roll Sleeve Slim Dress Equipment $25800 scoopnyccom [2] Shredded Jersey Tank Raquel Allegra $6600 theoutnetcom [3] Kale Watch WeWood $12000 amazoncom [4] Gold Batik Scarf Color Island $8100 shoptiquescom [5] Skyler Hat Brixton X UO $6000 urbanoutfitterscom

1

4

Spring Into The UNCONVENTIONAL

A mix of classic neutrals and unconventional pops of color make springrsquos go-to color palette a cool and

modern mix of old and new

3

FASHION

NAVY

MILITARYGREEN

GOLDENRODYELLOW

BURNTORANGE

2

SPRING 2015 31

1

[1] Striped Mini Skirt T by Alexander Wang $12500 net-a-portercom [2] Techno Paisley Lace Dress House of Holland $66300 luisaviaromacom [3] Striped Kimono Front Trouser Chloe $171600 matchesoffashioncom [4] Emerald Catrsquos Eye Charm Kendra Scott $2000 neimanmarcuscom

RED

PACIFICBLUE

EMERALD

2

3

4

Shibori TIE-DYE

The seasonrsquos must-have print inspired by a tradi-tional Japanese method of tie-dying fabrics using

various binding techniques to create different pat-terns Look to add a Shibori dyed scarf or tote bag

to your closet this seasonShibori Tie Dye Scarf HSSS Artisans uncommongoodscom

Blue market Tote Bag AikoThreads $2100 etsycomshopAikoThreads

SPRING 2015 33

SPRING 2015 3333

DRAGONFLY APPAREL3615 W 32ND AVE

DENVER CO 80211303-433-6331

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 35

FOOD ETCLIGHTER FARE RECIPES A PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN DECADENT CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE AND FUN RECIPES FOR THE KIDS

FRESH FRUIT SALSA WITH BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS

Skip the chocolate-heavy desserts and opt for this fresh and incredibly satisfying sweet treat

2 lb fresh strawberries chopped8 oz fresh raspberries2 kiwis peeled and diced2 apples diced1 Tbsp brown sugar2 Tbsp granulated sugar3 Tbsp fruit preserves your choice of flavor

4 flour tortillas4 Tbsp granulated sugar1 12 tsp cinnamonbutter flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix up the fruit salsa by combining all ingredients and chill-ing in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes

Combine the cinnamon and sugar spray one side of each flour tortilla with the cooking spray stack and cut into wedges Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (as much as you like) Give the chips another light coat of cooking spray be-fore baking in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes Watch closely so they donrsquot get too brown Let cool before serving with fresh fruit salsa

Lighter FARE

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015 27

GROWING TIPSbull Well drained sandy loam with a

soil pH from 58 to 62 is idealbull Donrsquot plant where tomatoes

potatoes peppers or eggplant have been grown recently (verticillium rot)

bull Be sure you have certified disease-free plants

bull Select plants with large crowns and healthy light-colored roots

bull Amend soil with 1-2 inches of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure

bull Keep weeds from competing with your strawberry plants

bull Make a hole large enough to spread the roots Hill the center of the hole and place the crown slightly above soil level Spread the roots downward on the hill Fill the hole making sure the soil only goes halfway up the crown

bull Do not over fertilize or you will have excessive leaf growth and poor flowering Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting at the rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet

CHOOSING YOUR PLANTSThere are basically 3 types of strawberry plants to choose from June bearing Everbearing and Day Neutral

JUNE BEARINGJune Bearing strawberries produce a single large crop per year during a 2 - 3 week period in the spring June bearers are the traditionally grown plants producing a single flush of flowers and many runners They are classified into early mid-season and late varieties The largest fruits are generally from June bearing varieties

EVERBEARINGEverbearing strawberries produce two to three harvests of fruit intermittently during the spring summer and fall Everbearing plants do not send out many runners

DAY NEUTRALDay Neutral strawberries will produce fruit throughout the growing season These strawberries also produce few runners Everbearing and day neutral strawberries are great when space is limited but the fruits are usually somewhat smaller than June bearers

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

STRAWBERRY RECIPESSavor the bounty of your strawberry crop by indulging in these red berry recipes perfect for fresh spring eating

STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE ICE BOX CAKE

2 lb fresh strawberries2 sleeves graham crackers1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened1 - 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk2 - 34 oz instant cheesecake flavored pudding3 C milk1 - 12 oz carton frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip)

1 Clean and thinly slice strawberries set aside

2 Line the bottom of a 9x13 pan with graham crackers You may need to break some of the crackers to fit them in the pan

3 Combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl beat until creamy Add pudding mix and additional 3 C milk beat until mixture starts to thicken Fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping just until combined

4 Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers Smooth it out and place a layer of strawberries on top Add another layer of graham crackers top with remaining cream cheese mixture and strawberries Cover and refrigerate for 6-8 hours

5 When ready to serve top with remaining whipped topping Garnish with any remaining strawberries and graham cracker crumbs If the strawberries leave extra moisture from setting overnight dab the excess with a paper towel before adding final toppings

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE

(serves 4-6)6 - 7 C baby spinach2 C strawberries hulled and sliced1 C blueberries (optional)12 C toasted chopped pecans4 oz goat cheese (or other favorite soft white cheese)

2 12 Tbsp raspberry vinegar6 Tbsp vegetable oil14 C honey12 tsp dijon mustard2 Tbsp finely minced shallots14 tsp salt18 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 Toast the pecans by placing in a skillet over medium heat Stir or toss so they wonrsquot burn 1-2 minutes or until fragrant Mix with the spinach and berries

2 Whisk all the dressing ingredients together blending well so the honey doesnrsquot settle to the bottom

3 Just before serving toss the spinach mix with the dressing and top with cheese or pass the dressing and cheese separately for individual topping

TRIPLE DECKER STRAWBERRY CLUB SANDWICH

makes 4 large sandwiches

1 lb bacon2 lbs (4 pieces) boneless skinless chicken breast halvessalt and pepper1 avocado2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice13 C mayo12 slices whole wheat bread2 C baby spinach1 12 C strawberries hulled and sliced

1 Fry the bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet and adjust to medium-high heat Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper add to skillet and partially cover Cook until both sides are golden about 10 minutes turning once Let rest 5-10 minutes and thinly slice

2 Mash the avocado with lemon juice and stir in the mayo season with salt and peper

3 Toast the bread slices and spread each with 1 tablespoon avocado mixture Divide the chicken among 4 slices of toast and top each with several slices of bacon Cover each stack with another toast slice layer with spinach sliced strawberries and remaining toast slice Cut into quarters

SPRING 2015 29

FASHION

spring huesGO BOLD WITH MODERN COLOR TRENDS LIKE RED AND NAVY THIS SEASON gtgt

SPRING 2015

5

MODERN SPRING HUES [1] Roll Sleeve Slim Dress Equipment $25800 scoopnyccom [2] Shredded Jersey Tank Raquel Allegra $6600 theoutnetcom [3] Kale Watch WeWood $12000 amazoncom [4] Gold Batik Scarf Color Island $8100 shoptiquescom [5] Skyler Hat Brixton X UO $6000 urbanoutfitterscom

1

4

Spring Into The UNCONVENTIONAL

A mix of classic neutrals and unconventional pops of color make springrsquos go-to color palette a cool and

modern mix of old and new

3

FASHION

NAVY

MILITARYGREEN

GOLDENRODYELLOW

BURNTORANGE

2

SPRING 2015 31

1

[1] Striped Mini Skirt T by Alexander Wang $12500 net-a-portercom [2] Techno Paisley Lace Dress House of Holland $66300 luisaviaromacom [3] Striped Kimono Front Trouser Chloe $171600 matchesoffashioncom [4] Emerald Catrsquos Eye Charm Kendra Scott $2000 neimanmarcuscom

RED

PACIFICBLUE

EMERALD

2

3

4

Shibori TIE-DYE

The seasonrsquos must-have print inspired by a tradi-tional Japanese method of tie-dying fabrics using

various binding techniques to create different pat-terns Look to add a Shibori dyed scarf or tote bag

to your closet this seasonShibori Tie Dye Scarf HSSS Artisans uncommongoodscom

Blue market Tote Bag AikoThreads $2100 etsycomshopAikoThreads

SPRING 2015 33

SPRING 2015 3333

DRAGONFLY APPAREL3615 W 32ND AVE

DENVER CO 80211303-433-6331

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 35

FOOD ETCLIGHTER FARE RECIPES A PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN DECADENT CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE AND FUN RECIPES FOR THE KIDS

FRESH FRUIT SALSA WITH BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS

Skip the chocolate-heavy desserts and opt for this fresh and incredibly satisfying sweet treat

2 lb fresh strawberries chopped8 oz fresh raspberries2 kiwis peeled and diced2 apples diced1 Tbsp brown sugar2 Tbsp granulated sugar3 Tbsp fruit preserves your choice of flavor

4 flour tortillas4 Tbsp granulated sugar1 12 tsp cinnamonbutter flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix up the fruit salsa by combining all ingredients and chill-ing in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes

Combine the cinnamon and sugar spray one side of each flour tortilla with the cooking spray stack and cut into wedges Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (as much as you like) Give the chips another light coat of cooking spray be-fore baking in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes Watch closely so they donrsquot get too brown Let cool before serving with fresh fruit salsa

Lighter FARE

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015

ONWARD SWEET BERRY BLISS

STRAWBERRY RECIPESSavor the bounty of your strawberry crop by indulging in these red berry recipes perfect for fresh spring eating

STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE ICE BOX CAKE

2 lb fresh strawberries2 sleeves graham crackers1 - 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened1 - 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk2 - 34 oz instant cheesecake flavored pudding3 C milk1 - 12 oz carton frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip)

1 Clean and thinly slice strawberries set aside

2 Line the bottom of a 9x13 pan with graham crackers You may need to break some of the crackers to fit them in the pan

3 Combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk in a large bowl beat until creamy Add pudding mix and additional 3 C milk beat until mixture starts to thicken Fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping just until combined

4 Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham crackers Smooth it out and place a layer of strawberries on top Add another layer of graham crackers top with remaining cream cheese mixture and strawberries Cover and refrigerate for 6-8 hours

5 When ready to serve top with remaining whipped topping Garnish with any remaining strawberries and graham cracker crumbs If the strawberries leave extra moisture from setting overnight dab the excess with a paper towel before adding final toppings

STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD WITH RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE

(serves 4-6)6 - 7 C baby spinach2 C strawberries hulled and sliced1 C blueberries (optional)12 C toasted chopped pecans4 oz goat cheese (or other favorite soft white cheese)

2 12 Tbsp raspberry vinegar6 Tbsp vegetable oil14 C honey12 tsp dijon mustard2 Tbsp finely minced shallots14 tsp salt18 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 Toast the pecans by placing in a skillet over medium heat Stir or toss so they wonrsquot burn 1-2 minutes or until fragrant Mix with the spinach and berries

2 Whisk all the dressing ingredients together blending well so the honey doesnrsquot settle to the bottom

3 Just before serving toss the spinach mix with the dressing and top with cheese or pass the dressing and cheese separately for individual topping

TRIPLE DECKER STRAWBERRY CLUB SANDWICH

makes 4 large sandwiches

1 lb bacon2 lbs (4 pieces) boneless skinless chicken breast halvessalt and pepper1 avocado2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice13 C mayo12 slices whole wheat bread2 C baby spinach1 12 C strawberries hulled and sliced

1 Fry the bacon until crisp and drain on paper towels Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet and adjust to medium-high heat Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper add to skillet and partially cover Cook until both sides are golden about 10 minutes turning once Let rest 5-10 minutes and thinly slice

2 Mash the avocado with lemon juice and stir in the mayo season with salt and peper

3 Toast the bread slices and spread each with 1 tablespoon avocado mixture Divide the chicken among 4 slices of toast and top each with several slices of bacon Cover each stack with another toast slice layer with spinach sliced strawberries and remaining toast slice Cut into quarters

SPRING 2015 29

FASHION

spring huesGO BOLD WITH MODERN COLOR TRENDS LIKE RED AND NAVY THIS SEASON gtgt

SPRING 2015

5

MODERN SPRING HUES [1] Roll Sleeve Slim Dress Equipment $25800 scoopnyccom [2] Shredded Jersey Tank Raquel Allegra $6600 theoutnetcom [3] Kale Watch WeWood $12000 amazoncom [4] Gold Batik Scarf Color Island $8100 shoptiquescom [5] Skyler Hat Brixton X UO $6000 urbanoutfitterscom

1

4

Spring Into The UNCONVENTIONAL

A mix of classic neutrals and unconventional pops of color make springrsquos go-to color palette a cool and

modern mix of old and new

3

FASHION

NAVY

MILITARYGREEN

GOLDENRODYELLOW

BURNTORANGE

2

SPRING 2015 31

1

[1] Striped Mini Skirt T by Alexander Wang $12500 net-a-portercom [2] Techno Paisley Lace Dress House of Holland $66300 luisaviaromacom [3] Striped Kimono Front Trouser Chloe $171600 matchesoffashioncom [4] Emerald Catrsquos Eye Charm Kendra Scott $2000 neimanmarcuscom

RED

PACIFICBLUE

EMERALD

2

3

4

Shibori TIE-DYE

The seasonrsquos must-have print inspired by a tradi-tional Japanese method of tie-dying fabrics using

various binding techniques to create different pat-terns Look to add a Shibori dyed scarf or tote bag

to your closet this seasonShibori Tie Dye Scarf HSSS Artisans uncommongoodscom

Blue market Tote Bag AikoThreads $2100 etsycomshopAikoThreads

SPRING 2015 33

SPRING 2015 3333

DRAGONFLY APPAREL3615 W 32ND AVE

DENVER CO 80211303-433-6331

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 35

FOOD ETCLIGHTER FARE RECIPES A PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN DECADENT CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE AND FUN RECIPES FOR THE KIDS

FRESH FRUIT SALSA WITH BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS

Skip the chocolate-heavy desserts and opt for this fresh and incredibly satisfying sweet treat

2 lb fresh strawberries chopped8 oz fresh raspberries2 kiwis peeled and diced2 apples diced1 Tbsp brown sugar2 Tbsp granulated sugar3 Tbsp fruit preserves your choice of flavor

4 flour tortillas4 Tbsp granulated sugar1 12 tsp cinnamonbutter flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix up the fruit salsa by combining all ingredients and chill-ing in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes

Combine the cinnamon and sugar spray one side of each flour tortilla with the cooking spray stack and cut into wedges Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (as much as you like) Give the chips another light coat of cooking spray be-fore baking in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes Watch closely so they donrsquot get too brown Let cool before serving with fresh fruit salsa

Lighter FARE

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015 29

FASHION

spring huesGO BOLD WITH MODERN COLOR TRENDS LIKE RED AND NAVY THIS SEASON gtgt

SPRING 2015

5

MODERN SPRING HUES [1] Roll Sleeve Slim Dress Equipment $25800 scoopnyccom [2] Shredded Jersey Tank Raquel Allegra $6600 theoutnetcom [3] Kale Watch WeWood $12000 amazoncom [4] Gold Batik Scarf Color Island $8100 shoptiquescom [5] Skyler Hat Brixton X UO $6000 urbanoutfitterscom

1

4

Spring Into The UNCONVENTIONAL

A mix of classic neutrals and unconventional pops of color make springrsquos go-to color palette a cool and

modern mix of old and new

3

FASHION

NAVY

MILITARYGREEN

GOLDENRODYELLOW

BURNTORANGE

2

SPRING 2015 31

1

[1] Striped Mini Skirt T by Alexander Wang $12500 net-a-portercom [2] Techno Paisley Lace Dress House of Holland $66300 luisaviaromacom [3] Striped Kimono Front Trouser Chloe $171600 matchesoffashioncom [4] Emerald Catrsquos Eye Charm Kendra Scott $2000 neimanmarcuscom

RED

PACIFICBLUE

EMERALD

2

3

4

Shibori TIE-DYE

The seasonrsquos must-have print inspired by a tradi-tional Japanese method of tie-dying fabrics using

various binding techniques to create different pat-terns Look to add a Shibori dyed scarf or tote bag

to your closet this seasonShibori Tie Dye Scarf HSSS Artisans uncommongoodscom

Blue market Tote Bag AikoThreads $2100 etsycomshopAikoThreads

SPRING 2015 33

SPRING 2015 3333

DRAGONFLY APPAREL3615 W 32ND AVE

DENVER CO 80211303-433-6331

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 35

FOOD ETCLIGHTER FARE RECIPES A PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN DECADENT CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE AND FUN RECIPES FOR THE KIDS

FRESH FRUIT SALSA WITH BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS

Skip the chocolate-heavy desserts and opt for this fresh and incredibly satisfying sweet treat

2 lb fresh strawberries chopped8 oz fresh raspberries2 kiwis peeled and diced2 apples diced1 Tbsp brown sugar2 Tbsp granulated sugar3 Tbsp fruit preserves your choice of flavor

4 flour tortillas4 Tbsp granulated sugar1 12 tsp cinnamonbutter flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix up the fruit salsa by combining all ingredients and chill-ing in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes

Combine the cinnamon and sugar spray one side of each flour tortilla with the cooking spray stack and cut into wedges Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (as much as you like) Give the chips another light coat of cooking spray be-fore baking in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes Watch closely so they donrsquot get too brown Let cool before serving with fresh fruit salsa

Lighter FARE

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015

5

MODERN SPRING HUES [1] Roll Sleeve Slim Dress Equipment $25800 scoopnyccom [2] Shredded Jersey Tank Raquel Allegra $6600 theoutnetcom [3] Kale Watch WeWood $12000 amazoncom [4] Gold Batik Scarf Color Island $8100 shoptiquescom [5] Skyler Hat Brixton X UO $6000 urbanoutfitterscom

1

4

Spring Into The UNCONVENTIONAL

A mix of classic neutrals and unconventional pops of color make springrsquos go-to color palette a cool and

modern mix of old and new

3

FASHION

NAVY

MILITARYGREEN

GOLDENRODYELLOW

BURNTORANGE

2

SPRING 2015 31

1

[1] Striped Mini Skirt T by Alexander Wang $12500 net-a-portercom [2] Techno Paisley Lace Dress House of Holland $66300 luisaviaromacom [3] Striped Kimono Front Trouser Chloe $171600 matchesoffashioncom [4] Emerald Catrsquos Eye Charm Kendra Scott $2000 neimanmarcuscom

RED

PACIFICBLUE

EMERALD

2

3

4

Shibori TIE-DYE

The seasonrsquos must-have print inspired by a tradi-tional Japanese method of tie-dying fabrics using

various binding techniques to create different pat-terns Look to add a Shibori dyed scarf or tote bag

to your closet this seasonShibori Tie Dye Scarf HSSS Artisans uncommongoodscom

Blue market Tote Bag AikoThreads $2100 etsycomshopAikoThreads

SPRING 2015 33

SPRING 2015 3333

DRAGONFLY APPAREL3615 W 32ND AVE

DENVER CO 80211303-433-6331

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 35

FOOD ETCLIGHTER FARE RECIPES A PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN DECADENT CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE AND FUN RECIPES FOR THE KIDS

FRESH FRUIT SALSA WITH BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS

Skip the chocolate-heavy desserts and opt for this fresh and incredibly satisfying sweet treat

2 lb fresh strawberries chopped8 oz fresh raspberries2 kiwis peeled and diced2 apples diced1 Tbsp brown sugar2 Tbsp granulated sugar3 Tbsp fruit preserves your choice of flavor

4 flour tortillas4 Tbsp granulated sugar1 12 tsp cinnamonbutter flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix up the fruit salsa by combining all ingredients and chill-ing in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes

Combine the cinnamon and sugar spray one side of each flour tortilla with the cooking spray stack and cut into wedges Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (as much as you like) Give the chips another light coat of cooking spray be-fore baking in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes Watch closely so they donrsquot get too brown Let cool before serving with fresh fruit salsa

Lighter FARE

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015 31

1

[1] Striped Mini Skirt T by Alexander Wang $12500 net-a-portercom [2] Techno Paisley Lace Dress House of Holland $66300 luisaviaromacom [3] Striped Kimono Front Trouser Chloe $171600 matchesoffashioncom [4] Emerald Catrsquos Eye Charm Kendra Scott $2000 neimanmarcuscom

RED

PACIFICBLUE

EMERALD

2

3

4

Shibori TIE-DYE

The seasonrsquos must-have print inspired by a tradi-tional Japanese method of tie-dying fabrics using

various binding techniques to create different pat-terns Look to add a Shibori dyed scarf or tote bag

to your closet this seasonShibori Tie Dye Scarf HSSS Artisans uncommongoodscom

Blue market Tote Bag AikoThreads $2100 etsycomshopAikoThreads

SPRING 2015 33

SPRING 2015 3333

DRAGONFLY APPAREL3615 W 32ND AVE

DENVER CO 80211303-433-6331

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 35

FOOD ETCLIGHTER FARE RECIPES A PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN DECADENT CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE AND FUN RECIPES FOR THE KIDS

FRESH FRUIT SALSA WITH BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS

Skip the chocolate-heavy desserts and opt for this fresh and incredibly satisfying sweet treat

2 lb fresh strawberries chopped8 oz fresh raspberries2 kiwis peeled and diced2 apples diced1 Tbsp brown sugar2 Tbsp granulated sugar3 Tbsp fruit preserves your choice of flavor

4 flour tortillas4 Tbsp granulated sugar1 12 tsp cinnamonbutter flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix up the fruit salsa by combining all ingredients and chill-ing in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes

Combine the cinnamon and sugar spray one side of each flour tortilla with the cooking spray stack and cut into wedges Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (as much as you like) Give the chips another light coat of cooking spray be-fore baking in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes Watch closely so they donrsquot get too brown Let cool before serving with fresh fruit salsa

Lighter FARE

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015 33

SPRING 2015 3333

DRAGONFLY APPAREL3615 W 32ND AVE

DENVER CO 80211303-433-6331

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 35

FOOD ETCLIGHTER FARE RECIPES A PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN DECADENT CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE AND FUN RECIPES FOR THE KIDS

FRESH FRUIT SALSA WITH BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS

Skip the chocolate-heavy desserts and opt for this fresh and incredibly satisfying sweet treat

2 lb fresh strawberries chopped8 oz fresh raspberries2 kiwis peeled and diced2 apples diced1 Tbsp brown sugar2 Tbsp granulated sugar3 Tbsp fruit preserves your choice of flavor

4 flour tortillas4 Tbsp granulated sugar1 12 tsp cinnamonbutter flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix up the fruit salsa by combining all ingredients and chill-ing in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes

Combine the cinnamon and sugar spray one side of each flour tortilla with the cooking spray stack and cut into wedges Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (as much as you like) Give the chips another light coat of cooking spray be-fore baking in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes Watch closely so they donrsquot get too brown Let cool before serving with fresh fruit salsa

Lighter FARE

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015 3333

DRAGONFLY APPAREL3615 W 32ND AVE

DENVER CO 80211303-433-6331

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 35

FOOD ETCLIGHTER FARE RECIPES A PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN DECADENT CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE AND FUN RECIPES FOR THE KIDS

FRESH FRUIT SALSA WITH BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS

Skip the chocolate-heavy desserts and opt for this fresh and incredibly satisfying sweet treat

2 lb fresh strawberries chopped8 oz fresh raspberries2 kiwis peeled and diced2 apples diced1 Tbsp brown sugar2 Tbsp granulated sugar3 Tbsp fruit preserves your choice of flavor

4 flour tortillas4 Tbsp granulated sugar1 12 tsp cinnamonbutter flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix up the fruit salsa by combining all ingredients and chill-ing in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes

Combine the cinnamon and sugar spray one side of each flour tortilla with the cooking spray stack and cut into wedges Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (as much as you like) Give the chips another light coat of cooking spray be-fore baking in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes Watch closely so they donrsquot get too brown Let cool before serving with fresh fruit salsa

Lighter FARE

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 35

FOOD ETCLIGHTER FARE RECIPES A PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN DECADENT CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE AND FUN RECIPES FOR THE KIDS

FRESH FRUIT SALSA WITH BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS

Skip the chocolate-heavy desserts and opt for this fresh and incredibly satisfying sweet treat

2 lb fresh strawberries chopped8 oz fresh raspberries2 kiwis peeled and diced2 apples diced1 Tbsp brown sugar2 Tbsp granulated sugar3 Tbsp fruit preserves your choice of flavor

4 flour tortillas4 Tbsp granulated sugar1 12 tsp cinnamonbutter flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix up the fruit salsa by combining all ingredients and chill-ing in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes

Combine the cinnamon and sugar spray one side of each flour tortilla with the cooking spray stack and cut into wedges Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (as much as you like) Give the chips another light coat of cooking spray be-fore baking in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes Watch closely so they donrsquot get too brown Let cool before serving with fresh fruit salsa

Lighter FARE

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015 35

FOOD ETCLIGHTER FARE RECIPES A PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN DECADENT CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE AND FUN RECIPES FOR THE KIDS

FRESH FRUIT SALSA WITH BAKED CINNAMON-SUGAR TORTILLA CHIPS

Skip the chocolate-heavy desserts and opt for this fresh and incredibly satisfying sweet treat

2 lb fresh strawberries chopped8 oz fresh raspberries2 kiwis peeled and diced2 apples diced1 Tbsp brown sugar2 Tbsp granulated sugar3 Tbsp fruit preserves your choice of flavor

4 flour tortillas4 Tbsp granulated sugar1 12 tsp cinnamonbutter flavored cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix up the fruit salsa by combining all ingredients and chill-ing in your refrigerator for at least 15 minutes

Combine the cinnamon and sugar spray one side of each flour tortilla with the cooking spray stack and cut into wedges Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture (as much as you like) Give the chips another light coat of cooking spray be-fore baking in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes Watch closely so they donrsquot get too brown Let cool before serving with fresh fruit salsa

Lighter FARE

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015 37

a lot easier Mix it in with mayo celery salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice stuff it in a pita for lunch

Make a one-pot chicken noodles wonder by transferring all the chicken meat from the slow cooker to a soup pot ad-ding in any onions you can find Dice 2 carrots and 2 stalks

of celery 2 minced cloves of garlic and add to the pot along with 4 cups of chicken stock salt and pepper a pinch of poultry seasoning and a pinch of oregano Bring to a boil and add 1 package frozen egg noodles to the pot - cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed

Bump up a standard by adding it into your favorite homemade maca-roni and cheese recipe If you donrsquot have one follow this boil 8 oz ma-caroni and drain meanwhile melt 4 Tbsp butter and add in 4 Tbsp flour whisk until thick and light brown add in 2 C half amp half slowly whisking until thick remove from heat and add 2 C shredded Cheddar cheese stir until smooth Mix 1 C shredded chicken into the pasta and add to a casserole dish top with cheese sauce and mix to combine Sprinkle top with 12 C breadcrumbs and dot with butter bake at 350 degrees until the top is brown and bubbly

Chicken tacos enchiladas and quesadillas are simple solutions for taco Tuesdayrsquos and adding it to pasta tossed with olive oil parmesan and toasted walnuts creates an elegant Friday night meal when paired with a glass of Pinot Grigio or your favori-te white wine So get out your slow cooker and start creating your own chicken meal masterpieces

THE PERFECTLY COOKED CHICKEN is a myth to many After countless attempts at pulling a perfectly cooked bird from the oven only ends in dry coarse meat and chinese delivery the confidence is deflated Well ring the dinner bell invite friends over and get out your crock pot because we have the method to cooking a chicken that will bring your kitchen confidence back in less than 8 hours

THE PROCESS

Simple eating of natural foods and ingredients elimina-ting processed foods high in sugars and syrups is a healthy habit that becomes easier as the weather warms and fresh produce is readily available Simple eating begins with simple cooking which is exactly why this chicken was introduced There is no butter or oil in this recipe so the natural juices of the bird can really come through enhanced by the fresh onion and seasonings Cooking it low and slow ensures moist meat where an oven can easily dry it out before you have even set the timer It also ensures that you can carry on your day without worrying about being present to watch baste rotate and remove

THE USES

Having a fridge full of shredded chicken makes your world

PERFECT CHICKEN

Use your slow cooker to create magic while you are at work or running errands and come home to juicy chicken that has fallen from the bone Cook it on a Sunday and use it all week for chicken salads casseroles and healthy protein whenever you want it

1 whole chicken rinsed and patted dry1 large onion sliced1 tbsp paprika1 tsp salt (lawrys salt if you have it)1 tsp pepper15 tbsp garlic powder2 tbsp onion flakes

Turn the slow cooker to High heat Layer the on-ion slices in the bottom Set the chicken on top (breast down) Mix all seasonings together and sprinkle over the top Cook on High for 1 hour turn down to Low for 6-8 hours After 6 hours poke your chicken to see if itrsquos coming off the bones yet if not let it go another hour or two If you are putting a frozen chicken into the cooker increase your cooktime on High to 3 hours

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

34 C sifted cake flour14 C unsweetened cocoa powder1 12 C granulated sugar12 egg whites room temperaturepinch salt1 12 tsp cream of tartar34 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Sift the cake flour with cocoa powder and 34 cup of the sugar Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy Sprinkle the cream of tartar over the egg whites and continue to beat until they hold a soft peak Add the va-nilla extract and gradually add the remaining 34 cup sugar 2 tablespoons at a time until stiff peaks form Gradually fold in the flour mixture using a spatula 14 cup at a time Pour the batter into an ungreased 9rdquo angel food cake pan and bake until the cake springs back when pressed with your finger about 30 minutes Invert the pan onto a bottle (soy or a worchestershire size) and let cool for 1 hour before loosening the cake from the sides and center of the pan with a knife Frost and serve cover and store in the refrigerator

1 C powdered (confectioners) sugar12 C unsweetened cocoa powderpinch cream of tartar2 C heavy whipping cream chilled

Combine all ingredients in your mixer and whip with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form apply to top and smooth down sides of cake

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH WHIPPED CHOCOLATE FROSTING For times when chocolate is the only answer this airy cake recipe is guaranteed to impress Perfect for spring and summer soirees itrsquos light consistency contrasts nicely with the cool creamy frosting For an extra treat slice strawberries and toss with sugar to go alongside this crowd-pleaser

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015 39

CAPRESE BITES Replace your traditional salad course with these mini-bites or serve them as an elegant appetizer for warm weather get togethers

Whole milk fresh mozzarella either miniature balls or cut into chunksGrape tomatoesAged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glazeOlive oilSalt and pepper12 fresh basil leaves cleanedToothpicks

Halve the grape tomatoes and any extra large basil leaves Layer mozzarella basil and tomato onto a toothpick Arrange on a serving tray and drizzle with balsamic olive oil and a light sprinkling of salt and pepper

ROASTED GARLIC HUMMUS Forget fat-laden chips and dip this creamy hummus recipe will transport your taste buds to an exotic place while giving you a he-althy dose of legumes and garlic Addicting and easily adaptable to your personal taste this casual snack may just make it onto your regular recipe rotation

2 (15 oz) cans garbanzo beans drained1 head garlic1 Tbsp + 14 C olive oil divided2 tsp ground cumin18 tsp cayenne pepper12 tsp salt2 Tbsp (12 lemon) fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Cut off the top 14 of the entire head of garlic expo-sing the cloves place on a small piece of aluminum foil drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkling of salt Wrap the foil around the garlic and place the package into the preheated oven bake 30-40 minutes or until fragrant Once cool squeeze the garlic from the bottom to push all the cloves up and out

Add the roasted garlic garbanzo beans and spices to the bowl of a food processor Pulse until smooth and creamy Add in 14 cup olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Pulse until completely combined Spoon into a dish and top with opti-onal paprika or additional cayenne a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs Experiment with adding fresh herbs or different spices to make your own personal flavors Serve with vegetables or pita chips

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees spread pizza crust onto desired pan size When oven is preheated pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes

2 Toss the asparagus with 14 cup olive oil and parme-san cheese Drizzle the crust with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic

3 Arrange half of the mozzarella cheese over the garlic top with asparagus spears black olives sliced onions and the remaining mozzarella Bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until crust is cooked through and cheese is starting to brown

ASPARAGUS amp BLACK OLIVE PIZZA

1 tube refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough1 small bunch asparagus trimmed of woody ends1 can black olives chopped (may use kalamata)4 garlic cloves minced14 C plus 2 Tbsp olive oil12 C sliced white or red onion2 Tbsp parmesan cheese2-3 C mozzarella cheese shredded

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015 41

TRY SOMETHINGNEWHALIBUT FISH TACOS WITH RED CABBAGE amp AVOCADO SLAW

2 lbs halibut fish filets12-16 corn tortillasMarinade1-2 cloves garlic minced2 tsp honey2 tsp cumin2 tsp chili powder1 tsp onion powder1 tsp sea salt12 tsp black pepperFor slaw1 head red cabbage chopped 1 avocado diced13 C cilantro leaves chopped1 jalapeno or red jalapeno seeded and chopped13 C mayonnaise14 C olive oil1 Tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce pureed12 Tbsp apple cider vinegarsalt and pepper

1 Prepare marinade in a small bowl place halibut filets in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over fish Seal bag and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes

2 In a large bowl combine mayo oil cider vinegar and chipotle in adobo puree Once combined add cabbage jalapeno and cilantro season with salt and pepper Do not add chopped avocado at this point - cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use

3 Preheat indoor or outdoor grill to medium heat Remove fish from mari-nade and place flesh side down onto well oiled grill grate Cook 3-4 minutes until grill marks appear Using a spatula carefully turn fish and continue cooking an additional 10-12 minutes until fish is cooked through and flakes easily Remove to large baking sheet and keep warm Place corn tortillas on the grill and heat for 1 minute on each side Add avocado to slaw and as-semble tacos or top each with individual avocado

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015

FOOD ETC

FUN FOODS WITH KIDSSometimes all it takes for kids to eat healthy is a simple recipe they can help with and fun transformations of otherwise boring foods Try these easy recipes with your young ones and be inspired to get creative with your daily food choices

ANTS ON A LOG

5 stalks celery12 C peanut butter14 C raisins

Cut celery in half and spread with peanut but-ter sprinkle with raisins

STRAWBERRY BANANA CREAMS

8 strawberries2 oz vanilla yogurt12 small banana1 Tbsp slivered almonds

Mash together the banana and yogurt - cut out the top of each strawberry and fill with some of the yogurt mixture - top with almonds

APPLE LADYBUG TREATS

2 red apples14 C raisins2 Tbsp peanut butter8 thin pretzel sticks

Slice apples in half and scoop out core Spread flesh side with a thin layer of pea-nut butter and place on a plate Dab small amounts of peanut butter on the skin of the apple and apply a raisin (for ladybug spots) Create antennas by sticking a pretzel into the apple and dabbing just enough peanut butter on the end to attach another raisin

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015 43

WELCOMEHOME

MAKING THE DREAM OF HOME OWNERSHIP A REALITY

The 6 Steps To Buying A HomeMortgage Rates Impact On Home Ownership

The Art Of House HuntingDesign Files High Style Prairie Design

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

THE 6 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME ampWHY YOU NEED A REAL ESTATE AGENT

With the purchase of real estate being one of the biggest financial transactions

most people will experience in their lifetime why not let a professional with years of experience and knowledge help

you on this exciting journey

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015 45

DECIDING TO BUYWITH AN AGENTThe housing market is tricky Real estate agents can help you to navigate foreclosures short sales tight lending standards and a whole host of other issues

WITHOUT AN AGENTThe weight is on your shoulders Thanks to the internet it can be done but be prepared to dedicate many hours a week to your search and home-buying process

FINANCING YOUR HOMEWITH AN AGENTA good agent will already have a contact with local lenders They can help you find a reputable local lender who will provide good service and act in your best interest

WITHOUT AN AGENTItrsquos you against the financial world as you sift through different lenders looking for the best deal

FINDING YOUR NEW HOMEWITH AN AGENTLocating your dream home is an agentrsquos role in their professional life They have the contacts the databases of homes and the know-how to get things done An experienced real estate agent will have up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace including pricing financial terms and trends in the market

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to be very organized in your home search This includes keeping track of locations prices bedrooms baths likes and dislikes visit dates and other details Not to mention keeping all this information handy as you move from home to home

MAKING AN OFFERWITH AN AGENTGood real estate agents are experienced negotiators able to help you complete a real estate transaction that involves a win-win price transaction details like time lines closing dates financing details and other important information that fits your specific situation

WITHOUT AN AGENTPrepare to roll with the punches Not everything is as easy as whatrsquos portrayed on HGTV and if you get in a bidding war with another buyer things could get messy fast

DUE DILLIGENCE amp INSPECTIONSWITH AN AGENTThe initial agreement is only the beginning of the process Appraisals inspection and financing all pose as possible pitfalls in a real estate transaction An agent can deal with any complications in a professional unemotional way resolving issues and moving a transaction smoothly into closing

WITHOUT AN AGENTBuying and selling a home requires a staggering amount of paperwork not to mention all the un-forseeables that often arise The process can often become an emotional draining and discouraging process and experience

CLOSINGWITH AN AGENTAn experienced agent will understand the closing paperwork and knows what to expect in regards to closing costs title insurance pro-rations and other fees that surface at closing time

WITHOUT AN AGENTMost homebuyers donrsquot know anything about title insurance fees or the daunting amount of paperwork

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

MORTGAGE RATES

IMPACT ON HOME OWNERSHIP

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015 47

Home ownership is a primary component of most Americanrsquos financial and emotional health And for the vast majority of Americans the availability of home mortgage loans is the primary determinant in acquiring a home It follows that home mortgage loans are an important component of middle class life

Americans discovered (the hard way) that home mortgage loans are an important component of our entire financial system Home mortgage loans were at the center of the 2008 financial crisis and understanding mortgage loans in 2015 requires some familiarity with the recent recession

In January 2011 the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission released the official government edition of its report on the cause of the 2008 financial crisis Although a lengthy report (633 pages) it is written in plain language and relatively easy to understand wwwgpogovfdsys

The government report concluded that home mortgages were ground zero for the 2008 financial crisis by stating ldquoWhile the vulnerabilities that created the potential for crisis were years in the making it was the collapse of the housing bubblemdashfueled by low interest rates easy and available credit scant regulation and toxic mortgagesmdashthat was the spark that ignited a string of events which led to a full-blown crisis in the fall of 2008rdquo

The mortgage loan industry has changed significantly since 2008 as investors politicians and regulators have squeezed out the ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo resulting from easy credit underwriting and ineffective regulation

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB is a government agency with the stated goal of helping ldquoconsumers make smarter decisions about mortgagesrdquo wwwconsumerfinancegov The failures of government leading up to the 2008 financial crisis make some cynical about governmental assistance However the CFPB recently advocated some common sense changes to credit underwriting that seem reasonable

The CFPB recommended that mortgage lenders comply with two fundamental requirements The Ability to Repay rule

and Qualified Mortgages CFPBrsquos Ability to Repay recommendation is primarily a warning to mortgage lenders to be better credit underwriters For borrowers that means a more careful analysis of income available to pay debt and better verification of income information CFPBrsquos Qualified Mortgages recommendation means that mortgage lenders should not offer mortgages with risky features like interest only payments high up front fees or short term teaser rates

The 2008 financial crisis was sparked by ldquotoxic mortgagesrdquo but it permeated every aspect of the American financial system The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is the independent guardian of our countryrsquos financial system and it guards our financial safety by using monetary policy to set interest rates The FRB fired the opening salvo in a battle against financial chaos on January 22 2008 when it lowered interest rates by an unprecedented amount Interest rates were lowered by nearly 20 in one day with frac34 decrease in shorter interest rates from 4frac14 to 3frac12

Long term mortgage interest rates do not directly correspond with short term interest rates However the long term impact of the FRBrsquos short term interest rate reductions in response to the 2008 financial crisis has contributed to historical low mortgage interest rates

The 2008 financial crisis caused an economic recession which in turn was largely responsible for persistently low inflation rates during the last six years Inflation expectations directly impact long term interest rates because lenders must project that they will receive loan repayment in the future with money that has not deteriorated in value at a pace that is more than the interest rate charged For example if annual inflation averages 4 and the annual interest rate is 35 then the lender has a loss on its investment

Largely as a result of persistently low inflation rates and historically low short term interest rates home mortgage loan rates are currently less than 4 Mortgage loan rates have trended down from an average of 542 in 2009 to 366 in 2012 and have remained approximately 4 since 2012 What has been the impact of low mortgage rates on home prices and the

inventory of homes for sale

According to the SampPCase-Shiller Denver Home Price Index Denver area home prices went down every year from 2008 to 2011 (except for a modest increase in 2009) Denver area home prices have increased 8-9 each year from 2012 to 2014

Common sense indicates that when interest rates are less then home prices go up However Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) researchers had looked at mortgage rates for the past 25 years and came to the conclusion that while rising rates were likely to hurt the number of home sales they had virtually no impact on home prices Mark Palim FNMA vice president stated ldquoIn fact therersquos no strong relationship between house prices and interest rates Rates tend to rise because in a relative sense the economy is doing well incomes are going up people can afford more and theyrsquore willing to take out a larger mortgage Intuitively yoursquod think that if interest rates go up of course house prices go down But they donrsquotrdquo The Denver home price data over the last several years seems to support FNMArsquos research leading to the conclusion that home prices will continue to rise (even if mortgage rates rise) as long as the Denver economy continues to improve

The Denver Post recently reported that the number of homes available for sale in Denver metro area reached an all-time low in January 2015 The Post reported that the Denver Metro Association of Realtors had calculated that there were 4171 homes available for sale at the end of January 2015 This all-time low compared to all-time high inventory of about 32000 in 2006 and a 12-year average inventory of 16717 The Denver Post article concluded that higher rents less cautious credit underwriting and low mortgage rates were factors contributing to the historically low levels of home inventories Denverrsquos relatively robust economy is also a likely contributing factor It appears that low mortgage rates is one of several factors affecting the number of homes for sale leading to the conclusion that finding a home for sale in Denver will continue to be challenging even if mortgage rates increase

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATIONFigure out what city and neighborhood you want to live in Look for signs of economic vitality a mixture of young families and older couples low unemployment and good incomes Pay special attention to districts with good schools even if you donrsquot have school-age children When it comes time to sell a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value Also try to get an idea about the real estate market in the area If homes are selling close to or even above the asking price that shows the area is desirable

WELCOME HOME

BE FLEXIBLEIf yoursquore able consider doing your house hunt in the off-season generally in the colder months of the year Yoursquoll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate

Be wary of choosing search criteria that is too restrictive Perhaps you select a price range 10 above and 10 below your true range Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify

If yoursquore a first-time buyer pay special attention to condominiums and cooperatives or co-ops Condos generally sell for 15-20 less than the cost of comparable detached homes in the same neighborhood giving you more space for your money

Donrsquot automatically reject a house just because it doesnrsquot measure up to your desires either in features or price You can always add a deck or update the kitchen Since the asking price is just a starting point for negotiation you will be making offers and counteroffers as both parties seek an acceptable price

STAY ORGANIZEDWhen you start touring homes bring a notebook and a digital camera to help you remember details Your real estate agent should supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sets on the property tax assessment and the asking price Your camera and notebook are there to record other details ranging from the cost of heating to the view out the master bedroom window

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015 49

The Art Of HOUSE HUNTING

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015 51

HIGH STYLEPRAIRIE DESIGN

DESIGN FILES CONTEMPORARY MEETS COUNTRY

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015 53

Above Neutral colors and soft fabrics in a spare bedroom allow in maximum light and contrast well with a wrought iron bed frame and lighting fixtures Below A contemporary kitchen retains prairie style with a re-furbished gas stove farm

style sink and natural earthtones in the cabinetry tile work and butcher-block countertop

Opposite An extensive single-piece wood vanity in the master ensuite bath houses modern white double sinks

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015

WELCOME HOME

Clockwise from top Keeping with neutral tones and original wood grains an airy sense of country elegance shines through in vintage accessories

and specially curated antique pieces A large oil painting depicting a midwestern prairie scene drives home the feeling of generational pride

and traditional comfort

A stainless steel armoire adds eclectic glamour to a dining space fitted with an antique table and bench In the parlor more natural finishes in a

console table desk and rustic accessories

The property featured in this Design Files is a fully restored historic stone mansion in the Flint Hills of Kansas located just outside of Topeka

it is currently offered for sale with all the furnishings through Wildlife Properties Visit wwwMyWildlifePropertycom for more information

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015 55

GIVE BACK

Colorado has a program to help children get nutritious meals during the summer months so that a child will not go hungry The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides ldquofood thatrsquos in when school is outrdquo The SFSP helps schools and com-munity-based sites like churches and recreation centers offer meals to kids and teens up to 18 years of age throughout the summer Many Colorado sites also offer engaging activities so you can be assured that your children are eating nutritious meals in a safe environment The program provides detailed guidelines for approved organizations known as ldquosponsorsrdquo to receive reimbursements for meals served at approved ldquositesrdquo that meet eligibility requirements

If your organization is interested in sponsoring the Summer Food Service Program contact the Colorado Department of Education to get started You can email them at nutritioncdestatecous or call 303-866-6661 or toll free in Colorado 888-245-6092

For more information please visit HungerFreeColoradoorg or call the bilingual Hunger Free Hotline - toll free at 855-855-4626

ENSURING NO CHILD GOES HUNGRY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS amp ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO KEEP THEM SAFE amp HEALTHY

No Child Hungry SUMMER SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAMS

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015 57

Summer Fun 2015

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015 57

LITTLETONSUMMER PROGRAMS 2015

Summer Quests for Heroes Since 1995 Renaissance Adventures has led summer quests for kids in an exciting adventure banding together in small groups of about 6 children so everyone gets a chance to shine and be the hero For ages 6-16 grouped by age

Foothills Park amp Recreation District Childrenrsquos Programs with online enrollment for summer camps starts June 1 2015 All camp enrollment will be online so mark your calendar because camps fill quickly

bull Aquatics- Classes for all agesbull Lifeguard Training Classesbull Swim Endurance amp Triathlon Trainingbull Adaptive Swimmingbull Flip amp Dip

Arts-Visual Arts-Clay Art amp Pottery Classes offered for toddlers-adults

Performing Arts-Dance Music amp TheatreDance-Recreational Classes Traditional Classes amp Ballet Performances-Ballet classes for ages 2-adult

Foothills Community Concert SeriesClasses are offered in a group setting for tod-dlers preschool and school aged children and teens

Foothills Theatre CompanyClasses in musical theatre acting and vocal training are taught year roundFoothills Youth Theatre offers summer performance opportu-nites for talented youth in our community

Arts on Fire Studio Summer Camp Activities for ages 6 amp up enough fun and creativity to keep your kids busy this summer

5280 Gymnastics Summer Day CampBest gymnastics program around home to 2008 Olympic Bronze Medal Champion Alexander ldquoSashardquo Artemev and 2010 Level 9 National Champion Yul Moldauer

Littleton Family YMCA Day CampsAmong the best childrenrsquos summer programs in Denver they offer age appropriate activities through-out the Denver Metro Area

Camps offered are Day Camp ages 5-12Adventure Camp ages 9-12 Teen Camp ages 12-14 Leaders in Training ages 11-15 Part-time Day Camp and Overnight CampsJungle Quest Day Camp ndash A licensed day camp-Enroll for a day a week or you entire vacation

School Days OffSpecially designed for ages 5-12 School Days Off is a day long program filled with adventure and fun When your child has no school but you still have to work bring them to the Kid-Friendly Jungle to Climb amp Conquer

Denver Equestrians Riding School Popular horse program for horse loverS ages 8-16-divided into groups according to age and ability

How Are Your Kids Spending Their Summer

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

THE ART ofSPRING

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

59

AN ARTISTrsquoS PAINTERLY VIEW OF THE SPRING SEASON IN LITTLETON

Paintings by KBR

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015 61

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015

Key Distribution Points Living In Littleton

BLUEBERRYrsquoS BAKERY CAFE1500 West Littleton Blvd Suite 110A(303) 237-5252

CITY OF LITTLETON2255 West Berry Avenue(303) 795-3700

LITTLETON CAFE1409 West Littleton Blvd(720) 283-2233

NED KELLYrsquoS IRISH PUB5686 South Sycamore Street(720) 283-8717

THE RAV HOUSE191 W Mineral Avenue 140(303) 955-5973

ROMANCING THE BEAN5800 South Prince Street(303) 641-6070

TOWN HALL ARTS CENTER2450 West Main Street(303) 794-2787

TOAST FINE FOOD amp COFFEE2700 W Bowles Avenue(303) 797-9543

If your business would like to be a key distribution point for Living In Littleton call (303) 955-5036 for more information

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

SPRING 2015

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon

wwwflydenvercom

Itrsquos all about access and choice isnrsquot it From Denver International Airport major airlines give you nonstop access to more than 180 destinations in the United States Canada the Caribbean Costa Rica Europe Mexico and Japan

And if yoursquore flying to a major citymdashwhether for business a vacation or simply to see friends or familymdashyou want the ability to choose a carrier and a flight that suits your schedule

Denver International Airport offers you major routes that are served by more than one airline several times a day What could be more convenient

Nonstop service to almost anywhere well maybe not the moon