Food + Beverage

Gingerbread Martini

The Gingerbread Martini is a decadent, dessert-inspired cocktail that perfectly encapsulates the festive spirit of the holiday season. Article by Tiana Thompson Ingredients: 2 oz vanilla vodka  (or regular vodka as a substitute) 1 oz gingerbread syrup  (store-bought or homemade) 1 oz coffee liqueur  (e.g., Kahlúa) or  Irish cream  (e.g., Baileys) – optional 1 oz heavy cream , half-and-half, or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or oat milk Ice  (enough to fill a...

Wellness

Invest in a Legacy of Healing

Support The Aspen Effect Article by Jerry Van Leuven | Photography by Provided Nestled in the rolling landscapes of Douglas County, The Aspen Effect is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit changing the trajectory of youth and family mental health through one powerful approach—connection. Using equine-guided and nature-based mentorship, The Aspen Effect surrounds youth and families with supportive relationships that cultivate trust, resilience, and emotional growth. Their model has been especially...

Auto + Marine

Castle Rock Auto Storage

Giving the Gift of An Extra Parking Space Article by Kristen Gonzales | Photography by Castle Rock Headshots When garage space is limited, owners of Castle Rock Auto Storage, Jay and Mandie Simpson, have the remedy. “I came up with this idea because I raced with the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America),” Jay explains. “I always had the guys I raced with asking me what I did with my car in the winter. I told them I stored it in my garage. They kept asking, ‘Well, can I rent a bay of your...

Shopping

Holiday Gift Guide

Castle Rocks & Jewelry - Amazing Gifts for Your Loved Ones Article and Photography by Photo 2 - Revelation Lab-Grown Diamonds   Discover stunning brilliance at an exceptional value. Available in 14kt gold and platinum—crafted to perfection at a fraction of the price of natural diamonds.   In-stock designs starting at just $590 Photo 3 - Ania Haie Jewelry . Sterling silver with 14kt yellow gold vermeil and dazzling cubic zirconia accents. Chic, timeless, and effortlessly affordable.  ...

Food + Beverage

Pear and Ginger Sparkler

The Perfect Cocktail for Thanksgiving or any Occasion Article by Clare - MyMoneyCottage.com Ingredients: 2 oz pear vodka 1 oz ginger liqueur 1/2 oz lemon juice Sparkling water Ice Pear slice and ginger slice for garnish Instructions: In a shaker, combine pear vodka, ginger liqueur, lemon juice, and ice. Shake well. Strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling water and stir gently. Garnish with a pear slice and a ginger slice. This light and bubbly...

Life + Culture

K9-P.A.W.S. Shelter Dogs to Service Dogs

Making Veterans Whole Again Through The Love Of Dogs Article by Kristen Gonzales | Photography by Provided General William Tecumseh Sherman once said, “War is hell.” For veteran Michael Connors, the hellish part extends far beyond the war itself. Acclimating back to society after seeing, hearing, and smelling the horrors of war causes trauma that cannot be undone. When he was injured overseas, Michael recovered at Walter Reed. A dog program within the hospital changed his trajectory when a...

Health + Wellness

AdventHealth Castle Rock's New Cancer Center

A Beautiful New Space Treating Cancer Patients Opens Soon For Our Castle Rock Community Article by Kristen Gonzales | Photography by Provided For cancer survivors, Melissa Rufenacht and Marcy Blair, the new cancer center at AdventHealth Castle Rock is a Godsend for the local community. “Unless you have been diagnosed with cancer, you don’t know there is no cancer center,” Marcy, the chairman of the foundation for AdventHealth Castle Rock, states. “You have to get in your car and drive.” ...

Travel

Christmas Shines Bright

Gaylord on the Rockies Offers a Beautiful Winter Wonderland Getaway Article by Kara Witherow | Photography by Gaylord Hotels Brightest at Gaylord Rockies The best Christmas memories don’t have to be made far from home. Just a quick drive from Denver, Gaylord Rockies Resort in Aurora will soon turn into a winter wonderland where families can slow down, laugh together, and make new traditions. From November 24, 2025, through January 2, 2026, the resort comes alive with millions of twinkling...

Food + Beverage

From Wide Open to Wide Awake

Wide Awake Eatery Brings A Lively Brunch To Wilcox Street Article by Kristen Gonzales For Sedalia’s Wide Open Saloon’s owners, Leah and Todd Hills, embracing their newest endeavor, Wide Awake Eatery on Wilcox Street, was about bringing an elevated brunch to Downtown Castle Rock. “We love brunch food,” Leah explains. “And for our menu, we just created what our favorite dishes are and decided to implement them into that space, and thought that it was something that the community could really...

Food + Beverage

Toasted S’mores Martini with Marshmallow Vodka

The Perfect Cocktail to Sip Fireside Article by Becky Hardin | Photography by Sveta Zarzamora Ingredients: For the Rim ½ tablespoon  chocolate syrup 1 tablespoon crushed graham crackers For the Drink 1 ounce chocolate liqueur dark or milk ½ ounce marshmallow vodka ½ ounce heavy cream 1 marshmallow for garnish Method Dip the rim of your glass in the chocolate syrup and then in the crushed graham cracker. ½ tablespoon chocolate syrup, 1 tablespoon crushed graham crackers...