​MidiCi Pizza recently opened its doors in Fort Collins. Yes, another pizza place. However - while there are MANY MANY pizza places throughout town this is not just “another” pizza place. In fact, MidiCi is focused more on PEOPLE and RELATIONSHIPS than pizza. “People are the best thing that can happen to anyone” is a tag line you will see around MidiCi and that is because they are a people-focused business. With that being said, their pizza and all other food was pretty darn fantastic… the pizza, meat and cheese trays, salads, gelato, nutella calzones…. Ahhh the gelato and nutella calzones. They use fresh, natural, high quality, mostly non-GMO ingredients in the dishes on their menu. Not to mention they have a gorgeous live olive tree in the middle of the restaurant that is made to be a place where "strangers become friends."

Dutch Brothers is finally in Fort Collins and it is AMAZING! I had visited their Loveland location once and truly enjoyed my beverage. So when I heard it was opening in Fort Collins, I could not wait. I went on Dec 28th for their Grand Opening and got my FREE 16 oz drink. Let me tell you - they had it down to the second on this day. The wait was minimal, the customer service was friendly and interactive - it just passed on an energy that you don’t get everyday and the drinks were on point. I knew I would be back.
 
I heard from some people they thought the energy wasn’t sustainable and it would soon fizzle to just a “typical” customer service experience - well let me tell you, they were wrong! Any time I have been back to Dutch Brothers it has been equally as amazing as their grand opening. The staff are all having a great time, and they make you feel welcome as you place your order and provide an all around a fabulous experience! Even their hot coffee cup lids have motivational statements on them. It brings you a smile as you are drinking your coffee, chai, or other hot beverage.
 
Did you also know they have something called WHITE COFFEE…this is for all COFFEE and NON-COFFEE drinkers alike. You see, White Coffee is coffee but does not have a coffee taste. White coffee has very low acidity and contains 70% more caffeine than their traditional three-bean blend. They also describe it as having a very “light earthy flavor” which is great for people who don’t care for the taste of coffee. I can attest it is a light earthy and almost nutty flavor. This comes from not roasting the coffee beans as long. Did you know the longer you roast a coffee bean the less caffeine the coffee will have? So those DARK brews have the least amount of caffeine compared to the lighter brews. Try the White Coffee next time you are there.
 
Another did you know…they offer sugar free in ALL of their signature drinks-  that is right, ALL of them! Other places are usually limited in sugar free flavors and they have it in all the main popular ones - even my most favorite COCOMOCO (Coconut mocha).
 
Check out their full menu here
 
I will be back soon!
 
Welcome to Fort Collins, Dutch Brothers!

It was date night for my sister-in-law and I, so we decided to check out Painting with a Twist, one of the newest paint and wine boutiques in Fort Collins. It was a first time for both of us and we were excited. What we had not shared with each other was that we were both a little anxious too. Stephanie and I both enjoy being crafty (painting, decorating, etc.), but it is usually in the confines of our own home and not in a class with strangers. Our anxiety about how our painting would turn out and the thought “am I even going to be able to enjoy this when I am not a great painter” was in both our minds, but we failed to share that with each other. However, let me tell you, we were greatly relieved once the class began and started having SO MUCH FUN. We actually said to each other “I can’t believe I was feeling anxious about this” or “I can’t believe it has taken me this long to attend one of these classes.” We left planning our next visit, and thinking about whether or not to bring our husbands.
 
Painting with a Twist is a paint and wine (or beer, soda, water) class where an instructor teaches you step-by-step how to paint the selected picture of the day/evening. There is also an instructor walking around to help out as well. 

​When you first arrive you check in and then grab a drink at the bar before heading over to your spot (or find your spot and then get a drink). Every person has a designated paint space already set up and marked with your name, so if you are registering in a group you will all be seated together. It is wonderful and makes it so easy upon arrival. Ok, back to grabbing your drink before getting started. The bar here has SO MUCH to offer. There are a variety of non-alcoholic beverages to choose from, not just water. Then there are many beers including local breweries like New Belgium and Odell to name a few. As for wine, they have a variety of red and white wines to pick from, AND they even carry Blue Skies Winery, which is local to Fort Collins and delicious. The bar prices here might be some of the best in town! Now that you have checked in, found your painting spot, and grabbed a drink, you’re now ready to begin.
 

Class starts with an introduction of your instructors. We had 2 awesome ones, including Beckie, the owner of Painting with a Twist, who was our stage instructor and the one walking us through our step-by-step. She had a great attitude and presence. Her introduction of the class and explanation of the painting process truly helped in deflating our anxieties on not being great painters. We really enjoyed Beckie and she got the group engaged and laughing. Our next instructor was Audrey and she was our floor instructor. She walked around and gave positive feedback to each of us. If she had a suggestion or tip to make, it came across in such a manner that excited you to make the addition to your painting. Thank you ladies!
 
The space was great for class and they even have a private party room to use for a variety of events (think bridal showers, birthday parties, bachelorette parties, girls night out, or just because parties). The music selection was also on point, a little bit of everything! The class attendees were singing along and having a great time!
 
The evening flow was nice...we worked on our paintings, took breaks to look at it from different angles, played a few games (with prizes!!) and mingled with the class. It was such a pleasant experience. Even though this was my first “paint and wine” class, it has set the bar very high. It has also sparked an excitement within and encouragement to continue trying new things. I will be back for sure. As for now, my painting is hanging in my daughters room and she loves the piece of art I brought home for her.
 
Thanks Beckie, Audrey, and Painting with a Twist staff for a great new addition to Fort Collins. I look forward to seeing you all soon.

Cheers!!

When I workout I pull my hair back or put it in pigtails. Sometimes it depends on the fitness activity and other times on my haircut. I have tried headbands (wide and skinny), bandanas, and many other accessories to keep my hair back, but more importantly, to keep my SPARKLE (let’s be real...my sweat) out of my eyes. It stings and it burns and it is no fun if it gets in my eye. Sometimes I even use my headband as a dual purpose to hold my earphones in my ears (because I cannot find earbuds that stay put, but that is a whole other issue) and to keep my sweat from interfering with my sight.

When I run I don't always think about needing a headband but when I teach Turbokick, I say after EVERY class when we are stretching “I will remember my headband next time” as sweat is dripping into my eyes. Yuck. Yet I continue to forget to wear a headband.

I’ll be honest, one of the reasons I do not always remember a headband is because I have not found one that stays. It becomes more of a nuisance, and I am always fiddling with it and it interferes with my workout. Who wants to wear something that is going to cause them to fidget throughout their entire workout? I would rather just go without…

Then I was introduced to the Bolder Band. It is a headband that looks super cute and stays in place when you workout! WHAT?! It can be worn wide or thin or in between and is even cute enough that I can run errands after my workout with my hair up and feel “presentable” in public. I can wear it when I workout, teach turbo, go running, even just run errands. Its comfortable, stylish, and STAYS PUT!

What is even better about them is their motto to be “the most BOLD, BEAUTIFUL version of yourself.” YES, PLEASE. We need more of this.

There are so many styles, colors, and types of Bolder Bands available that you can use some for your everyday wear and others just for working out. There are even cold weather ones. The company continues to listen to feedback and improve their product. This is a company that makes a great product, but is also one I am proud to support and continue to share with others, as the foundation of the company goes far beyond the product they make (as fabulous as it is). It speaks a language of loving and believing in oneself. We as women need to Be YOU, Love YOU, BBolder.

They are so awesome they have even provided all the Housewives in the City readers/followers with a promo code. Visit www.bbolder.com and when you check out enter promo code HOUSEWIVES25 for 25% off any order placed through 11/1.

Win a Bolder Band below...giveaway ends 10/22/16.
​

​We spent THREE (you read that correctly) THREE hours at this fall festival. I don’t know about you but that is probably the longest we have ever spent at one before. We probably would have spent longer but my little guy was starting to voice his dislike for being in a stroller and the heat (it was slightly warmer yesterday than a true fall day). When we go back, hopefully it will be cooler. I want to spend some time at the fire pit roasting s'mores on our next visit.

​There was everything from petting zoos, hay bails, tires, and a spider web contraption to climb to hay rides, corn mazes, pig races, corn cannons, and so much more. They have some of the best kettle corn I have tasted. Usually kettle corn is good with its hint of sweetness, but this also had a nice glazed crunch. I even ate some more today and it tasted just as fresh as yesterday. There are food options there as well and plentiful bathroom facilities. 

Aside from this fall festival providing lots of entertainment and activities for the whole family, Harvest Farm works in partnership with Fort Collins Rescue Mission, and both operate under the umbrella of Denver Rescue Mission.  It is a fully functioning farm, has a CSA, and even beef sales. All of the work on the farm is provided by the residents of a larger long-term rehabilitation program that accommodates up to 72 men, with the goal of breaking the cycle of addiction and homelessness.  It is an amazing program and the Fall Festival is their biggest fundraiser of the year. Come on out and experience this amazing Fall Festival for yourself and celebrate a program that supports growth, change, and possibility.

www.harvestfarm.net


CHEERS!

​Have you been to Smokin Fins yet? If not, what are you waiting for? We stopped in for lunch on my husband’s birthday (his choice) and we left more than satisfied. We will be back again. First of all, the space is a modern rustic chic décor. There is a wooden paneled wall above some booths that I thought added a little style and comfort (I am a huge fan of paneled walls though). Then above another area were wine bottles stored in racks along the wall. Super Cool décor. I am telling you Modern Rustic Chic. Awesome!

​They had some local beers on draft and we were each able to find something we enjoyed. To start off food wise, we ordered The Diablo sushi roll. So delicious…but for me a fried sushi roll with spicy sauces, spicy tuna, salmon, and cream cheese is a slice of heaven. My only regret is that my husband and I had to share it. Next time I will have to get my own. Then for our main dishes we decided to order two items and split them. We ordered the Kalua Pig and the Lobster Mac n Cheese. Both extremely satisfying. The pig was tender and had been slow cooked in a delicious Dr. Pepper sauce. It’s funny because I always see recipes using Dr. Pepper or Root Beer for pork but never got around to trying it. Wow… what flavor. It came paired with delicious mashed potatoes and homemade beans. The plate provided A LOT of food. Even with the two of us splitting it we took leftovers home, along with some Lobster Mac n Cheese. Speaking of that Lobster Mac n Cheese, it actually had LOBSTER in it. Like big chunks of claw meat lobster. The sauce was creamy but not too rich, the lobster was plentiful, and the noodles were cooked to a great consistency. A true comfort food, but one worth the splurge.

​We were also able to connect with the Manager while there and learn more about Smokin Fins and the small local chain it is a part of. I had no idea it was connected to Lucky Fins in Greeley. Well let me tell you…the location is great and once the construction for the ice skating rink is complete, their patio will be spot on for any time of year (unless it is actively snowing outside). If you have not been yet, GO! Next time I will have to bring more of an appetite so I can try some of the delicious sounding desserts. Until next time Smokin Fins! See you soon. 

Check them out:  www.smokinfins.com