Evergreen Mobile Auto Repair 303-679-3519

 Growing up in a small Midwestern town there were always two guys you called when you needed auto repairs. They didn't have a shop, you called and they came to your house and repaired your car in your garage. They showed up with all the tools and expertise without the expense of maintaining a physical location. That is what Evergreen Mobile Auto Repair is offering with an added feature: they will come to your office, the gym, anywhere the car is.

This is a small town style of service offered by two small town guys with very big credentials. If you have lived in Evergreen any length of time you probably know Jim (Racecar) Weigle, and Rusty. Both have 35 years in the auto repair business as certified mechanics. Both have a passion for cars and grew up racing and working on cars which lead them into working on and building high-performance engines.

Jim and Rusty offer full service repair and maintenance (and convenience): oil changes - tune ups - brakes - transmissions - cooling systems - clutches - differential repair - front suspension - shocks - steering components - electrical - scheduled new car maintenance - extended warranty repairs - AND THE LIST GOES ON!

Evergreen Mobile Auto Repairs offers quality auto repair at prices that fit into your budget - saving you both money and time.


303-679-3519
                                     303-358-2446

DIY from Marc's toolbox:

 

Marc’s Mountain Maintenance shows you how to fix: The Hole Behind the Door

We've all seen them. We’ve all had them. So how do you fix The Hole Behind the Door?

Before you set out to fix anything, get a proper door stop, and position it on the baseboard molding behind the door, ensuring that the stop will hit within the bottom inch of the door (where the door is reinforced). Be sure to leave at least one inch clearance space between the wall and the door knob when the door is fully opened.

Step 1:
Square the hole by using a small ruler or square and drawing a box around the hole. Cut out carefully with a utility knife.

Step 2:

Insert a piece of scrap wood or molding at least 1/2 inch thick into the hole being sure not to let the piece drop down inside the wall. This will provide support for the next step.


Using 1-1/4 to 1-5/8 sheetrock screws, attach the wallboard to the scrap wood at least 2 inches from the edge of your squared hole. Use one screw on each side and tighten until the screw head is just slightly below the surface of the wallboard.

Steps 3, 4 & 5:
Cut a piece of sheetrock to fit inside the squared hole and screw into place with sheetrock screws.

Cut adhesive-backed Fibertape to fit, and place adhesive side down covering the seams around the hole.

Step 6:
Using joint compound, and a 6” joint knife, apply a smooth coat of compound over the hole, covering all seams, the hole itself and all screw holes. Let dry and apply two additional coats spreading out your working area with each additional coat to achieve a smooth, feathered patch.

Step 7:
Sand and paint.

Email Marc Jones of Marc’s Mountain Maintenance at marcgjones@aol.com with any question or phone Marc at 720-261-7569.

I would like to thank Marc for the DIY instructions. Marc is a true craftsman and artisan. He did all the illustrations for this post. (you should see what he can do with tile).

Chrome and Montagne in the business of style!

Chrome and Montagne are two very different businesses with many similarities. Both are women owned and operated, both are in the style business and both are in businesses where image is important. Chrome is a hair salon at 32156 Castle Ct. and Montagne Interiors is an interior design firm at 1153 Bergen Parkway. Chrome and Montagne interpret their clients personal style to produce works of art, beauty and functionality.Both businesses are driven to keep informed on the current trends, products, and techniques.

 Dawn, the owner, of Chrome, works with Shana Schubert of Montagn's hair, to create a natural, professional look. And, Shana works with Dawn on the design and image of Chrome. Chrome's reflects the personality of  Dawn and her staff.

  It is fresh, innovative, and contemporary. There is an edgy elegance, complimented by the friendly, casual and comfortable atmosphere that is Evergreen. The staff was hand picked by Dawn for their expertise and experience. All aspects of the salon is designed to offer Evergreen high quality, professional hair care. Chrome was one of the five businesses that hosted the January Chamber Mixer. Their commitment to the community extends beyond their front door.
Stop by for a consultation or call:       303-670-5661

Diane Giebner and Shana Schubert of Montagne Interiors are available for interior design consultations at 303-670-3610. Montagne has one of the best designed websites I've seen. I recommend checking it out, it represents their business image and expertise, their projects, and is visually pleasing and easy to use.

http://www.MontagneInteriors.com/

Evergreen, Colorado. The Famous and the Notorious.



Evergreen has always attracted unique, creative individualists and more than a few eccentrics. These mountains are home to writers, artists, musicians, gourmet home chefs, rodeo cowboys, and local characters.
Here's a partial list of some of the more famous.

• South Park co-creator Trey Parker graduated from Evergreen High School in 1988. Much of the early show is based on Parker's experiences living in nearby Conifer and going to school in Evergreen.


• Space shuttle astronaut Jeffrey Ashby graduated from Evergreen High School in 1972.

• Country star Willie Nelson owned a ranch in Evergreen for several years.

• MLB player Kevin Kouzmanoff grew up in Evergreen and graduated from Evergreen High School in 1999.

• Diane Mott Davidson, Anthony award-winning and New York Times best-selling author

• Joanne Greenberg, author of I Never Promised You a Rose Garden, currently resides in Evergreen.

• Jasmine Cresswell, Noted romance novelist summers in Evergreen.

• Levi Brackman, author, rabbi and noted Jewish writer and thinker leads a Jewish community in Evergreen.

Fuller / Sotheby's Mixing it up at the Evergreen Chamber Mixer.

Fuller Sotheby's International Realty was one of five businesses hosting the January Evergreen Area Chamber Mixer in the Castle Court Center. The Castle Court Center is located off Bergen Parkway across from the fire station. It is one of the premiere retail locations in Evergreen.

Evergreen spreads out over 130 square miles of mountain beauty. The businesses and homes are surrounded by Aspens and Evergreens (and Elk). The best word to describe this community is "quality," quality lifestyle, quality people, quality schools, and quality businesses. One of the first homesteaders was a rancher, named Thomas Bergen. The north part of Evergreen was named after him. Dwight P. Wilmot is credited with naming Evergreen. It was the an obvious name. In the 1880's Evergreen had grown to 200 full time resident. Today the population is approximately 41,000.

The homes are tucked away in the mountain canyons offering privacy and amazing views. Fuller Sotheby's has a great website with complete listing information and slideshows of the homes. The website has agent profiles and contact information.
http://www.fullersothebysrealty.com/
 You may also stop in and view the Egallery, a wall of current listings, at 32156 Castle Court, Suite 201.

Valentine Day Menu at The Brook Forest Inn

The Brook Forest Inn is the most romantic place in Evergreen. It was built with love and a dream. The Brook Forest Inn has seen decades of first dates, proposals, weddings, honeymoons and Valentine Days.

Valentine's Day Dinner Menu

Monday February 14

$50.00 per person. Reservations Required

303-679-1521

First Course:

Mixed Greens, Pears and Roasted Walnuts Drizzled with Passion Fruit Vinaigrette

Second Course:

Choice of Oysters Rockefeller or Crostini with Duck Prosciutto, Dry Figs, Mints and Rose-infused Balsamic

Third Course: 

Choice of

Champagne poached salmon with a rose berries butter sauce or

Cider and Clove Honey Glazed Lamb Chops or

Muscovy Duck Breast with Pomegranate Wine Sauce or

Chateau Brionne

Dessert Course:

Choice of Chocolate dipped Strawberries or Chocolate Velvet Cake

Wine Pairing Dinner Feb. 3rd

The sparkle and festive mood of the holidays are packed away in boxes. It's back to routine and cold winter evenings. The Historic Brook Forest Inn is offering a Wine Pairing Dinner that will turn a boring Thursday into an evening of fine wine and gourmet dining. Chef Larry will explain the subtle blends of herbs and spices in each dish of the four course meal. Alexis with Grand Vin will expand on the nuances of the wines and the elements that gave each its flavor and body.

Enjoy the warmth and casual mountain elegance of The Brook Forest Inn. Begin with French Onion Soup topped with toast and Gruyere cheese, paired with Silverdo Vineyards Carneros Chardonnay 2009.

image downloaded from Google images

The Carneros Chardonay 2009 is traditionally fermented in both 60 gallon French oak and 75 gallon stainless steel barrels. This vintage 48% of the blend was fermented in stainless steel barrels and the balance was fermented in French oak barrels. Alexis will explain the complexities of this wine which makes it a perfect compliment to the French Onion Soup.

The Warm Spring Mix Salad with goat cheese and a honey-cranberry vinaigrette is served with St. Clement Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2009. The grapes were handpicked and whole cluster pressed to preserve the wonderful exotic fruit flavors and aromas.

The Duck Prosciutto is made in-house and served with sweet melon, extra virgin olive oil and balsamic reduction. It is complimented with Queen of Hearts, Santa Barbara Pinot Noir 2008.
This lovely Pinot was fermented in small batches, aged in oak barrels, carefully blended and bottled at the peak of quality. This vintage has aromas of ripe blackberry, black cherry, and cola with smooth fruit driven flavors of plum, strawberry and warm spices.

The entree is Grilled New York Strip topped with a red wine and wild mushroom sauce over new potatoes and vegetables. The wine is Roth Estate Alexander Cabernet Sauvignon 2007.

Google Image

Roth Cabernet Sauvignon is an expression of its Alexander Valley origins. The 2007 vintage has the deep fruit and firm tannins characteristic of this AVA's southern expanses - blackberry, red cherry, plum and cassis, accented by hints of white pepper.


Seating begins at 6:30 and Reservations are recommended.
$55.00 per person (excluding taxes taxes and gratuity)

303-679-1521

http://www.thebrookforestinn.com/   info@thebrookforestinn.com

The Little Businesses that Make Evergreen Unique.

It is the character and diversity of the people in business that adds to Evergreen's uniqueness. There are four little businesses along Evergreen Parkway Access Road that together have over 60 years in business in our community. It is no secret that I think Susan and Paul Fontana (Fontana Family Chiropractics)  are miracle workers. They are the reason I continue to walk in my high heels on a daily basis. Instead of boring you with accolades I'll let Susan and Paul tell you about health.

Probiotics have been making the news recently with the advent of specially formulated yogurts, cereals and other fortified foods.  More and more we see foods appearing on the supermarket shelves boasting added bacteria strains for healthy digestion. In reality if you have no remarkable digestive issues and you don’t want to add another supplement to your daily regime, the easiest way to introduce good bacteria into your diet is through yogurt, buttermilk or kefir (available at any health food store), these products all contain strains of healthy bacteria. However you need to eat them regularly, and in quantity, to make sure you make the most of the benefits.  If you do have some indigestion, stomach upsets, digestive disorders, or are interested in adding some positive changes to your routine and helping that digestive process along, you might want to look at adding healthy bacteria to your diet.  When you mention the words bacteria and healthy in the same sentence it confuses people, but we must remember not all bacteria are detrimental to your health, and may, in fact, provide some health benefits, particularly those in the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria genera.  And here is where the Probiotic comes in. Go to http://www.fontanchiro.com/ for the complete article.

Fontana Family Chiropractics 4009 Evergreen Parkway Access Rd. 303-674-1500 

Next door to Fontana's is All Season Gardener owned by Julaine, a Master Gardener, Front Range Gardening/Growing Speaker and Writer. Julaine is available to consult on how to overcome the various growing issues we have in Evergreen, how to get rid of pests, hydroponics, and anything and everything you can think of related to growing beautiful plants.

All Season Gardener specialize in organic products and operate to serve both hydroponic and soil gardeners by offering a full selection of equipment, supplies, nutrients and pertinent customer service for a variety of grow systems. Their goal is to provide the tools and advice to encourage customers to garden year-round at high altitude, using organic and/or naturally earth-friendly products and methods whenever possible. A delightful additional to the shop is a selection of colorful home decor items.

 
 All Season Gardener is a family business that holds true to the traditional values of high-quality retail product combined with good old-fashioned customer care. Comprised of husband and wife team, Bob and Julaine Kennedy, and a handful of loyal employees, All Season Gardener is proud to offer reputable gardening supplies and equipment with a solid commitment to treating customers with respect and providing unparalleled service.

Julaine and her husband, Bob, also own and operate Two Crow Marketing, an eight year old sales and merchandising proprietorship specializing in fertilizers, soil amendments and mulch products.

All Season Gardener, 4007 Evergreen Parkway Access Road,
 303-679-3567 http://www.allseasongardener.com/

Next door to All Season Gardener is MASTER PRINTERS. They have been serving Evergreen for 25 years. They are a small business with big services: graphic design, business cards, business forms, brochures, wedding invitations, the list is endless - just check out their website http://www.masterprinters.com/
303-670-1753

Master Printers treats the small job with the same attention to quality and respect for deadlines as the big jobs. Your project is never moved to the bottom of the list when a more profitable job comes in. The staff and the owner (Bob Kennedy) works with the creativity of their clients to produce one of a kind brochures and business cards.

Kerry Griess - K.J.Griess - is a local photographer and jewelry designer who works with glass and is the graphic designer at Master Printers. Her work was recently featured in the 6th Annual Gallery of Women in Glass in The Flow, a glass journal for the flame working community. http://www.theflowmagazine.com/

K.J. Griess' jewelry is available locally at Bits and Pieces in Bergen Village or by contacting K.J. at infntygrph@aol.com




Master Printers has one more surprise that sets it apart from the other "business card' places in town -
Dark Natasha. http://www.darknatasha.com/

 

Mean Doesn't Go Away - Life Lessons

Some people get better looking with age; some don't. Some people soften; some toughen up. Mean streaks tend not to disappear. A person who demeans and belittles you and speaks of you with contempt to others is probably going to be that way for years. The first time it happens, take note. The second time, take your coat and go.
From Real Simple, Life Lessons by Amy Bloom.

Creating Beautiful Rooms and Satisfied Clients - Marc's Mountain Maintenance

Marc’s Mountain Maintenance (MMM) is a home remodeling business, specializing in bath, kitchen and basement remodels. Marc Jones, a longtime Evergreen resident, started MMM in 1998 and has gained a reputation as a hard-working, conscientious and skilled contractor with a keen eye for detail. MMM handles all types of remodels ranging from simple tile work to complete kitchen and bath overhauls. Marc’s great satisfaction comes from satisfied and happy clients and Marc’s devoted following of repeat customers throughout the foothills is evidence of his skill and dedication to his craft.


For a free estimate contact Marc Jones at 720-261-7569 or by email at marcgjones@aol.com.

A Letter From Valynne to Evergreen.

Dear Evergreen,

Here it is, 1-11-11...how cool is that? Paul and I rang in the new year here on Signal Mountain in Tennessee with our new roommate, Shadow the Cat. We are enjoying our nomadic lifestyle as Caretaking Couple immensely, but that doesn’t mean we’ve forgotten our friends out west! Fortunately we can keep in touch via various social media outlets these days. However, we all know that a good old-fashioned visit is always best. This sit goes until May, so you can expect to see us sometime after that.

Anyhoo, Linda and I keep in touch with each other on facebook and she was kind enough invite me over to My Evergreen Biz to talk about my new facebook page “Coach Valynne”, which will chronicle my quest for health and wellness the good old-fashioned way - through fitness and nutrition and a network of supportive friends

I know some of you may be snickering...after all, a fair percentage of you know me from the bar (where I spent many a night on either side) or the farmers markets (where I spent and bartered away my profits on more food and drink). Not to mention the Brit, who is famous in certain (all?) circles as Evergreen’s most enthusiastic consumer of beer (I even created a Newcastle beer soap and named it Paul’s Pint in his honor).

Let’s just say that I’ve had an epiphany of sorts; that a scale and a pair of too small size 12 jeans (stretched to the max) were involved. I will spare the general public the details (if you want the details, you can find them on my facebook and/or Beachbody page) aside from the fact that when I decided that enough was enough and committed to a healthier lifestyle, I began to see major results.

How did I go about this, you ask? I did it by enlisting the help of two of the healthiest, happiest people we know. Their names are Bill and Lisa and they just happen to live in Evergreen. Both of them are Beachbody Coaches, so I decided to imitate them. I got my ChaLEAN Extreme videos back out and started exercising for real, plus I ordered Shakeology for both Paul and I. I even became a Beachbody Coach myself. Yes, I am simplifying things a bit here, but I wanted to keep this short and sweet (I try to reserve the major ramblings for my own blog posts).

Now, you know where to find us in between visits to our "home base". I am making this the year of health and happiness and would love for you to be a part of it. And while you are here, why don't you leave a quick comment on Linda's awesome blog? Thank you, Linda! And thank you, readers of My Evergreen Biz! Can't wait to see you all again. XO

Valynne

The Four Elements - A Place to Begin Your New Year's Resolutions.

Satori Lifestyle Coaching
Start the New Year off right with a free, one-on-one lifestyle coaching session with Carol Gutzeit. Simply go to www.destinationsatori.com, register and login then go to the Coaching page to take the lifestyle assessment. Once that is completed, give Carol a call at 303.601.1654 to schedule an appointment. While you are at her website check out the video "Natural vs. Normal" to learn more about the program.

NIA class with Annie Waesche
When asked what I "do" for a living, I tell people that I teach Yoga and Nia. Then, I often get the response "But what is Nia?"Then the conversation of self-healing through movement begins.

As a cardio workout that combines martial arts, dance arts and healing arts, Nia is an exhilarating movement practice. An internationally acclaimed practice for over 25 years, Nia is based on the science of the body, what we call "The Body's Way".

Now, what is "The Body's Way", you ask? Simply put, the body's way is the specific design and structure of the body, which dictates its proper use. Like everybody around you, your body is structured differently and functions in its own unique and personalized way. This is what makes a Nia class so wonderful to participate in. As you look around the room, you see all different body types, creating different forms of self-expression and self-healing through movement. Through personal, expressive movement - The Body's Way - Nia empowers people to achieve physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. In a Nia class, we cultivate health, fitness, and well-being by choosing pleasure over pain. We achieve healing and overall health by listening to the voice of the body, sensation, and by utilizing the gift of sensation as a way to live and be in our bodies. Nia is done to music with movements designed for fun and fitness. Practiced barefooted, Nia is low impact, and yet provides strength and cardiovascular conditioning. Nia offers a fun, creative pathway to health and well-being, regardless of age or physical condition.

Please come join me Friday mornings from 8:45-9:45 at The Four Elements in downtown Evergreen. Experience the many benefits of Nia for yourself and immerses yourself in the joy of movement.

Body Sculpt class with Julie Nadeau
FIRST CLASS FREE!
Body Sculpt is a yoga - pilates inspired mat class that focuses on increasing core strength and re-establishing and restoring symmetry in your body. Symmetry is the balanced use of your right and left sides of your body. A balanced body enjoys a mechanical advantage and is a more comfortable body and will experience less pain and enjoy greater functional capacity. This class is open to everyone from the novice to the more advanced exerciser.

Yoga with Stacey
Stacey Bickler is offering Beginning Yoga on Mondays and Thursdays from 8:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. and Intermediate Yoga on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the same time. Whatever level you choose you will feel the rewards of a consistent yoga practice.

New Years Massage Special
Start the New Year feeling renewed and in balance with a bodywork/massage session in January. It's a great way to commit to your health and well-being in 2011. Special Offer in January only, receive a 90-minute massage for the price of a one-hour session. Please ask for this discount when scheduling your appointment. Limit one special per client, not applicable with other discounts. Appointment times are available Tuesday through Saturday, including evening hours. Call Mary Davis, CMT, 720-244-7217 for more information or to make an appointment. Wishing you a healthy, happy New Year!

Free Facial!
Schedule for any anti-aging skin treatment and receive a Deep Cleansing Facial, FREE! Services will be redeemed together and cannot be used with any other discounts. Call The Four Elements to schedule an appointment with Lisa Cave.

Skintique Update
Candice will be seeing clients the first week of January and in February from the 1st to the 5th. To schedule an appointment with her or to order skincare, please call her cell phone at 303.588.9259. She will ship product directly to your door and there is no sales tax

The Four Elements is located along the creek in the Heart of Evergreen, 28186 Hwy 74. 303-670-1180
http://www.thefourelementsonline.com/

The Many Faces of Susie Knight

 One of the first blog posts I did was about Susie and Dave Knight. I snapped a pic of Susie and Dave Knight at the Conifer Mountain Music Festival. They were dancing in the summer sun, smiling and laughing, doing the country swing to a Rock n' Roll band. They were newly weds, and he was her "knight in shining armour." The next time I met Susie was at the Big Chili Cook Off in Evergreen. She was Watoosie the Clown. I recognized her immediately, her smile and happiness is contagious and unmistakable. When I got home I "googled" her. Susie is also Yee-Ha! The Cowpoke Clown. Her clown characters also do a Magical Clown Show, balloon creations and face painting.

 Then our paths cross again at Open Mic Night at the Ice House (Thursday nights) Susie was one of the performers, she writes and performs Western songs. So I googled her again. Susan Knight has a CD out called A Real Cowgirl. Susie is also Lasso the Cowgirl, story teller. Her stage show includes animated stories and music, cowboy poetry (she is a poet), create-a-cowpoke, lasso spinning and a tribute to Roy Rogers.                                                                    

Susie also has a holiday stage show that is delightful. She incorporates the audience and leads them in Christmas music played on tiny plungers with bells. And, at Christmas time Susie transforms into Mrs. Claus with stories for the children and treats for the reindeer's.

Susie and Dave Knight will be taking part in the Cowboy Reinactment at the National Western Stock Show. Susie will be one of the award winning cowboy poets and musicians performing at the Colorado Cowboy Gathering January 21 & 22. For complete line up and ticket locations go to http://www.coloradocowboygathering.com/  or call 1-866-464-2626. Tickets are available at any King Soopers.

To book anyone of Susie's amazing characters and talents for your party or event go to http://www.cowpokesandclowns.com/  Email Susie at lassothecowgirl@yahoo.com or call 303-495-4868

More Life Lessons or "Why didn't my mother tell me this stuff?"

Life Lessons by Amy Bloom, published in Real Simple.

Fashion Fades: Style is Eternal. Not only do you not have to wear torn jeans, a barely-there tank top, and a fedora, but you probably shouldn't. The point of fashion is to indulge briefly in something fun. The point of style is to have one - whether that's a sheath and spike heels or slouchy jeans and your husband's T-shirt - and it should last you a lifetime. All you have to do is think you deserve to look and feel your best and spend some time figuring out how to do it.  Don't know? Find a woman whose style you admire and ask for a little advice.

You Can't Fake Love. Staying in a love relationship when love is not what you feel isn't likely to end well. If you know that what you crave is security/disposable income/child care and not the person next to you in bed, do the right thing. It's true that one can learn to love someone over time and often through difficult circumstances. But unless the two of you agree to wait until you're old and all the storms have passed, in the hope that love will kick in, it's better to bail sooner rather than later.

Why We Keep Going Back To The Brook Forest Inn. And "Smokin Hot Tile & Stone"

Darlynn Daghlian & Brandon Vincent

"Late Christmas Day we decided to come to Evergreen to celebrate The Little Bear. We Googled hotels and luckily The Brook Forest Inn caught our attention. Kim answered the phone, we did not realize The Brook Forest Inn was closed for Christmas Day. Kim was on her way out the door when she picked up the phone. She graciously agreed to give us  a "room at the Inn" and waited until we arrived to make sure we got in and settled. We loved it and had to have more of it. We made reservations the next weekend for rooms, dinner, and the New Year's Eve party. We brought friends who also fell in love with The Brook Forest Inn. Amazing food, dancing, and drinking, fun party! But, anywhere can be fun on New Year's, but the staff at the hotel, the enviornment and the other guests that attended made it like no other party. So, we booked another night. For us this a mini vacation - a romantic mini vacation. We love it!" Darlynn. (And Brandon loves the big screen T.V.)

Brandon Vincent owns Smokin Hot Tile and Stone. email brandon.v.denver@gmail.com  720-255-7764

He has been in the tile business for fourteen years and has built his business on referrals and customer satisfaction. Brandon has an eye for detail and is devoted to quality installation and craftsmanship. He takes pride in all aspects of this clients' jobs and respects their desire for unique and timeless designs.



Reasons to Frame Your Keepsakes by Dennis Dunn, The Wild Eye Gallery

There are two essential reasons to frame your keepsakes. The first is presentation: presentation is about the appearance factors - selecting frame parts of the style and color that create the most visually attractive display.  The second is preservation. Preservation is about keeping your framed treasures in their present condition. That involves secure, yet noninvasive, reversible support inside the frame and constructing a microenvironment to minimize environmental hazards. For your keepsakes on display, preservation framing is the best protection against harmful light, temperature and humidity changes, airborne dust and chemical contaminants, insects and mechanical damage.  Preservation framing provides the best long-term value for displaying your treasures.

Here are four tips for working with a professional framer to achieve a preservation quality framing job to showcase and safeguard your treasures:

1. Professional framers are craftspeople who can help you select the best materials. This should be a collaborative, creative process. You'll discuss the different options available for the following three essential framing materials:
Mat Board - Available in a variety of colors. One or more window mats can be used depending on your design preference.
Glazing (glass and acrylic) - Be sure to request a UV-filtering glazing, which helps protect treasures from damaging light rays.
Frame - The most visible component of your custom piece. There are many styles (profiles) and your professional framer will help you select a frame that flatters - but doesn't overwhelm the items you have selected for framing.

2. All mat board is not created equal.  Mat board can vary widely.  When preservation framing, a professional framer would only use preservation-grade board. Preservation-grade mat board can be labeled in a variety of ways, such as alpha cellulose (100% cotton "rag" or purified wood pulp.) Any mat board made from wood pulp should also be buffered. Boards covered with fabric or other specialty surface layers may contain dyes, chemical components, additives, or adhesives unsuitable to be in direct contact with the item being framed.

3. All framing glazing is not created equal.  Picture framing glazing is available in a variety of types. Some specialty glazing offers unparalleled clarity, making the glazing appear almost invisible. Ultraviolet glazing blocks 98 percent of a certain section of the damaging indoor and outdoor UV light rays and helps slow down fading more tha any other glazing option.

4. Frame it to last. If you want your artwork or treasured possession to be a legacy for future generations, ask the professional framer to use only preservation-grade mat board and UV glazing. Make sure the framer is experienced in preservation framing techniques before entrusting him or her with your precious mementos and keepsakes.

The Wild Eye Gallery http://www.thewildeye.com/ 303-670-9252
1105 South Huron Street, Denver

Life Lessons or "Why didn't my mother tell me this stuff?"

We begin each new year with resolutions, hope, vision boards, new journals, and a determination to write in the journal everyday. We vow to change our life, to be a better person, make more money, find love, exercise more, drink less and the list goes on. We look towards the future, the NEW year, without revisting the past. Let's start the journal, the to do list, and the resolution list with the lessons learned. A reminder to ourselves not do that again!

These are the first three Life Lessons in a list of ten by Amy Bloom. I can across them while reading an old issue of Real Simple at a local coffee shop. And, yes, I did rip them out of the mag. and  no I have not resolved to stop doing that. I will post the next seven over the next two days, these are the things my mother should have told me.

Events Reveal People's Characters: They Don't Determine Them:
Not everyone with divorced parents has terrible relationships. If two people are hit by a bus and crippled for life, one will become a bitter shut-in: the other, the kind of warm, outgoing person (cheerful despite everything) whom everyone loves to be with. It's not about the bus, and a dreadful childhood is no excuse.  You have the chance to be the person you wish to be , until you die.

Lying, by omission or commission is a bad idea. 
I cannot shake my dependency on the white lie, because I was brought up to be nice. And I've never figured out the nice way to say "I'd rather stick a fork in my eye than come to your house for dinner." But the meaningful lie, the kind that involves being untruthful or deceitful about important stuff to those you love, is like poison. Telling the truth hurts, but it doesn't kill. Lying kills love.

Sex always gives you an answer, although not necessarily the one you want.
It's possible to have very good sex, a few times, with a person who shouldn't be in your life at all.  Have fun, and hide your wallet and your BlackBerry. On the other hand, it's unlikely that a grown man, however nice, will become much, much better in bed that he was the first five times you slept with him.  And if you sleep with a man who is unkind to you,  there will be more of that: long after the sex is humdrum, the cruelty will be vivid.