Leave Nothing To Chance! A Soup To Ensure Good Luck In The New Year.

Knocking on wood, avoiding black cats the list goes on and on……

For those of us (myself included) who are a tad on the superstious side, leave nothing to chance. Legend says that eating black eyed peas first thing on New Year Day will bring prosperity. With delicious recipies like Coconut Black Eyed Pea Soup from Boulder Locavore there is no reason not to enjoy a warm bowl of soup that just might add a little bit of luck to you in the New Year. Click HERE for the complete recipe.

Coconut Black Eyed Pea Soup Photo Courtesy of http://www.boulderlocavore.com

Do you have a favorite New Years Eve/Day recipe? Please share it in the comments below.

Enjoy, and a very happy New Year to you and your family.

From A-Basin to Winter Park: Christmas In The Rocky Mountains.

Skiing Santa

 Santa sightings have occurred at resorts all across Colorado. From A-Basin to Winter Park, Santa has been seen tearing it up on the slopes. Even if you don’t happen to spot Santa skiing or snowboarding (he is a fan of both), there are plenty of events to keep you and your family happy and filled with holiday cheer across the Rocky Mountains.

A Basin – Christmas Eve Day with Santa and the Summit Choral Society. Santa Claus and an elf will arrive at A-Basin at 11:00am and will be handing out candy to children in the A-Frame and base area. After Santa visits the base area buildings he will then visit children on Molly Hogan before heading up Black Mountain Express to visit our friends at Black Mountain Lodge. Santa will be leaving A-Basin just after 1pm. A photographer will be with Santa documenting the action; some of these images will be found online at www.arapahoebasin.com/mountainsnapshot after the event. The event is free to the public. Simultaneously, the Summit County Choral Society will be caroling in the base area from 11:00am – 1:00pm.

Aspen – 12 Days Of Aspen – Aspens charming downtown becomes a winter wonderland of holiday cheer. Ice skating, a s’more making party, holiday drink specials and visits with santa and his live reindeer provide exciting entertainment for all ages.

Beaver Creek – Winter Fest to include, Santa’s workshop, a figure skating show, kids winter wonderland parade, winter characters and a family fun fest.

Breckenridge – Enjoy a living nativity at Blue River Plaza  Or view A Christmas Story at  the Breckenridge Theater. If it’s an authentic Rocky Mountain sleigh ride that you are afer make sure to check with Breckenridge Stables  for a holiday sleigh ride that will leave you and your family giddy with holiday cheer.

Coper Mountain – Christmas Eve en Fuego presented by Sprint  consists of: A spectacular snowcat parade that will make its way down the mountain, as DJ Kris Kringle spins holiday tunes, warm up by the bonfires, and don’t miss the fireworks finale.  Sharpshooter will be on hand to get your photo with our gorgeous holiday tree, Rudolph, the Gingerbread Man, and maybe even the mythical Elquin!

Crested Butte – here, you can view the winning entries from the Gingerbread Competition in the Adult, teens, kids and restaurant divisions. Edible entries were due December 18th with public voting on 12/19 from 10-6. Visit the Gingerbread Village at the Elevation Hotel December 19th-January 2nd. Begin your holiday celebration on December 24th with an on mountain torchlight parade.

Keystone – In the nearby town of Dillon you can enjoy the spectacular  festival of lights.  Or stay in the charming Keystone area and visit the  Chocolate Village at Keystone Lodge. Another holiday options is to  eat your way through a  pancake breakfast with Santa at River Run Village. Before he sets off for his Christmas Eve magic Santa and his live raindeer will be at the River Run plaza on Friday December 23rd.

Eldora– Well, I will be honest I don’t know of any holiday events at Eldora, rumor is Santa has been spotted skiing there from time to time and the area has gotten tons of fresh powder just today so it should make for a memorable/fantastic ski weekend even if you don’t catch a glimpse of Santa!

Loveland– Likewise, I don’t know of any holiday specific events that Loveland has this weekend. That should make it the perfect place to go if you are looking to avoid the crowds.

Steamboat Springs Strings holiday concert on Friday December 23, 2011 at 7:00 PM will have music from the holiday season by GRAMMY Award winning pianist, George Winston. The concert will feature music from his 1982 platinum-selling recording, December, along with other songs reflecting his special interpretations of the holiday season. For additional information and tickets please call 970-879-5056.

Telluride – Christmas Eve Torch Light Parade Look up from the base of Lift 4 at dusk in Mountain Village. See skiers carrying torches down the Misty Maiden run creating their annual Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade. Other holiday options include, skiing and photos with Santa. Santa will be skiing around the mountain on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. You can also find him at Gorrono Ranch from noon-2pm taking photos on both days.

Vail – Vail Family HoliDaze Vail Family Holidaze – the perfect place for family celebration of the season. Vail comes alive with lights, sounds, events and the cheer of the holiday season during December. From holiday concerts, world-class ice skating shows with world champion and Olympic skaters like Patrick Chan, Kids Zone activities and New Year’s Eve entertainment, you won’t find a more festive atmosphere in which to spend quality time with the family than Vail.

Winter Park Christmas Eve torchlight parade and fireworks The Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade is one of the most beloved Winter Park traditions. The event begins with Christmas carols around the bonfire at the base of Winter Park Resort, next to the Zephyr Lift at 4pm. At 5:30pm, a procession of torch-bearing skiers and riders begin their way down Lower Hughes trail, followed by Santa Claus and his merry helpers. A spectacular fireworks display and snowcats adorned with Christmas colors light up the slopes in a Christmas tree formation to conclude the festivities. Immediately following the show at 6pm, visitors are welcome to attend Christmas Eve interdenominational services located in the lower level of the Balcony House and Catholic Church services located in West Portal Level 4. Services are scheduled to last about an hour.

Let us know if you spot Santa on the slopes this holiday season.

Ice Rinks Around The World: Top 5 Open Air Ice Rinks in Europe

Closing your eyes, hands clasped with a loved one, gliding across the smooth ice you feel the crisp air on your cheeks as your youthful spirit comes alive. When winter comes to Europe many of the stunning and significant public squares throughout the continent transform into a winter wonderland. A magical place where you can lace up your skates and enjoy this festive winter activity with friends and family. Below you will find a collection of our favorite, unique and enduring places to lace up your skates. Dress warm, embrace winter and ice skate!

Sommerset Ice Rink London

Sommerset Ice Rink

London Time Magazine has named Sommerset Ice Rink “London’s Most Glamorous” This beautiful open air ice rink offers unique experiences for everyone from tiny tots to businessmen and women seeking an unconventional happy hour. Summerset Ice Rink has something to entice everyone regardless of age or ability.  At Sommerset Ice Rink you can take a learn to skate classes, or join the English National Ballet dancers for a 20 minute on ice warm up followed by  an ice dance lesson on your lunch break. When the stars begin to twinkle and the lights go on, Sommerset is the place to meet up with friends for a true winter happy hour/clubbing experience with a live DJ and all. If you are looking for a holiday indulgence Tea Time With Tiffany is the perfect Saturday afternoon treat. For hours and cost click {HERE}

Vienna's Ice Dream

Vienna Ice Dream

The Wiener Eistraum located in front of Vienna’s Rathaus (city hall) is one of the most glorious open air ice rinks anywhere. Join up with your friends in Vienna to glide along the ice or reserve a lane for curling and enjoy a friendly match. Everything you need can be found on site including skate rental and lockers for shoes and personal belongings. Warming food can be found near by.  Skating shows, ice disco and seasonal events make this is the place to spend the cold winter nights. Wiener Eistraum will be open for the season Jan 19th 2012 at 7:00 with free skating for everyone.

Ice Skating In The Eiffel Tower

I can’t think of a more magical (or romantic) ice rink the world then this one. Although it is tiny, the memory of skating on the first floor observatory at the  Eiffel Tower  in Paris, the city of love, is unforgettable. Gliding between two of the Eiffel Towers massive steel legs you will looking down at the city below you and Ice skating at one of the worlds most iconic landmarks is open from December 15th 2011 – January 31st 2012.

Ice Rink At The Fountain Of Neptune Berlin

During the holiday season the heart of Berlin is transformed into a Classic Christmas Market. Just steps away from Rotes Rathaus is a donut shaped open air ice rink that surrounds the famous Fountain of Neptune. From late November through late December families, friends and loved ones can be found circling the fountain on skates. In the evenings the magic of this rink is heightened as it is illuminated into a rainbow of colors creating a festive glow.

GUM Skating Rink - Red Square Moscow

GUM Skating Rink At The Red Square

When the cold Moscow winter roars its ugly head, the locals (and tourist)  head out to The Red Square. The GUM Skating rink in front of the GUM department store is the place to take in history and enjoy a little exercise and fun at the same time. Skating near the Kremlin surrounded by Russia’s most iconic buildings while top Russian athletes offer curling or figure skating lessons could easily be part of a “Trip Of A Lifetime”. The GUM Skating Rink is open from December 1st 2011 – March 11th 2012, 10AM -till Midnight.

Whether you are on vacation, or at home winter is the perfect time to seek out your local (or exotic) ice rink for some old-fashioned fun.

Leave Your Shoes Out, Saint Nicholas Is Coming To Town!

Image of St. Nicholas from http://www.stnicholascenter.org

Pere Noel, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas or Santa Clause, regardless of what you call him, St. Nicholas, with his lively traditions and giving spirit bring joy to children (and let’s be honest, adults) this time of year. One magical tradition that creates a festive atmosphere early in the advent season is the tale and celebration of St. Nicholas Day. Many of the customs of St. Nicholas are rooted in the middle ages and have slight regional variations. The main variations can be seen in who is accompanying St. Nicholas on his stealthy midnight journey. Despite the regional differences you will find that woven into all of the traditions remain the central elements of celebration with loved ones and the sharing of small gifts. Below you will discover how the people of the Netherlands celebrate this festive day. So prepare your shoes with carrots and hay and lets celebrate the Eve of St. Nicholas.

It all begins in late November when St. Nicholas and his sidekick Zwarte Pieten (Black Peter) arrive in The Netherlands on a steamboat from Spain.  From the time he arrives until his feast day celebrated on the evening of December 5th they travel the country to see who has been naughty or nice. On the evening of December 5th children throughout the country (and around the world) leave their shoes near the mantle filled with carrots or hay for his white horse. When the children awake the next morning  they find that the hay and carrots are gone, and have been replaced with small gifts. However, naughty children beware, the legend of St. Nicholas and Zwarte Pieten says that if you have not been good this year, you will be snatched up and taken back to Spain where it is said that St. Nicholas lives throughout the year. In some cases the naughty children are left at home, but receive coal or salt in their shoes rather than sweets and small toys. So it’s always a good idea to behave, as St. Nicholas & Zwarte Pieten may be watching you…..and you certainly don’t want to end up an a beach in Spain somewhere 🙂

Traditionally St. Nicholas will leave children’s shoes filled with many goodies including:

A candy cane, the significance here is the shape of the candy cane represents  the staff carried by St. Nicholas.

A clementine as they represent gold and wealth that St Nicholas would share.

Gold Coins in honor of the dowry St. Nicholas is believed to have left for poor girls before they were to wed.

Today he may also leave marbles or other small toys.

Now the only question that remains is, will you be leaving out your slippers for St. Nicholas to fill?