Urban Life Wash Park

04/02/2025

Even though JAN was a decade long, this beauty served as a shining light. The cover and center spread this month, feature the work of . In a world increasingly dominated by fleeting digital impressions, Michael Dowling stands as a testament to the enduring power of classical artistry. Rooted in the techniques honed during his studies in Italy, his work bridges the grandeur of historical aesthetics with the provocative immediacy of hypermodern subject matter.

Next we introduce you to . One half Kat. One half Jerri. Together, a sustainable design duo inspired by the hands of the past. They’ll curate, design & make artisanal products that consider the earth first. When most brands won’t consider the toxins released within your home. They will. Their brick and mortar opens this month!

This month our Meet Your Neighbor highlights the amazing work of the Executive Director of . He brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the fight against Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Finally, of pens an article discussing Project Safeguard, a Denver-based nonprofit with a mission to empower survivors of domestic violence, SA and stalking by providing free legal services and support.

Thank you for continuing to read + support local. 🤍

04/02/2025

This Valentine’s Day, celebrate love by supporting a local, woman-owned boutique built on passion, creativity, and years of dedication. 💕

Six years ago, jewelry designer Carol Ferguson turned her dream into reality when she opened Element 79 in the heart of Cherry Creek North. Through hard work and an eye for extraordinary design, Carol has built more than just a boutique—she’s created a space where artistry meets luxury. From locally crafted pieces to rare vintage finds, every item reflects her deep love for jewelry and craftsmanship.

Carol’s journey as a designer and business owner is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of pursuing what you love. This Valentine’s Day, honor that spirit by choosing a meaningful, high-end gift from Element 79—a boutique built with passion. 💎✨Full feature linked in bio

Photo credit first image Kelsey Huffer
All other photos by

04/02/2025

We’re living in a fast-paced world where stress has become a constant and unwelcomed companion for many. From work and family demands to pressures of an always-connected digital lifestyle, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. When we first learned about , their approach and the services they provide, it seemed to instantly align with our innate desire for balance, and overall well-being. We were lucky to meet with Gina Fontaine, Manager and Tech Coach of the Cherry Creek branch, to learn more about their practice and services. Full feature linked in bio. 🧠

31/12/2024

D E C proved to be a hasty little minx. Pair this with the fact that we chose to savor the short days and take a bit of a pause…well let’s just file this under “better late than never.” This beauty was delivered a lifetime ago on the 8th.
The cover + center spread features the art of Max Kauffman ( ) It makes us eternally joyful when an artist turns beloved Denver haunts. Max Kauffman is the visionary who has immortalized cherished local spots into eternal works of art, bringing a fresh perspective to the spaces that for so many, feel like home.

This month we introduce you to the unique wellness and neuroscience behind Cereset Cherry Creek ( ) Working with BrainEcho technology, they enable the brain to recognize imbalances, relax deeply and reset, all without drugs, invasive techniques, or external manipulation.

Inside this issue we highlight our favorite local brands for out-of-the-box gift ideas to reference all year long. From brick and mortar boutiques to virtual reiki sessions, our list is one to bookmark and keep handy.

Next up, Mel Ulle of , pens a thoughtful piece entitled “The Aftermath.” Reminding our readers of the big “wins” our state carried through the election. A much needed positive spin for those of us in need of a silver lining.
Thank you for continuing to read + support local!
*all features linked in bio

20/12/2024

In December, it’s tempting to measure the past twelve months in hard metrics—profits earned, projects completed, milestones reached. But here, in the textured pages of our magazine, we understand that true growth doesn’t live on a spreadsheet. It thrives in the communities we build, the stories we tell, and the art you’ve dared to create.

This past year has been one of collective resilience. The local businesses we collaborate with refused to just survive; they thrived, fueled by creativity and an unwavering sense of purpose, they have become cornerstones in our neighborhood. Thanks to you, our audience, supporting local businesses has become a revolution in practice. By now we have a deep understanding that when we buy local, we don’t just invest in a product—we invest in people, in stories, and in the cultures that make up our communities.

Art, as always, was a mirror and a balm. Local womxn artists in particular, led this charge – gracing nine of our covers, showing us that creativity isn’t a luxury—it’s survival, legacy, and power. They reminded us to look inward while pushing boundaries outward.

This year also asked us to interrogate our values. To not just say we stand for equity, justice, and representation, but to build those ideals into the very fabric of our decisions. It was about making room and stepping back to amplify others.

As we look to the next twelve months, we’ll continue to champion the bold, the brave, and the local. We’ll continue to celebrate the stories that matter, the art that challenges, the nonprofits that make a difference and the businesses that make us believe in the power of the collective.

Here’s to another year of building bridges. Thank you for taking this journey with us.

Your neighbors,

Shaleen and Sam DeStefano

22/11/2024

N O V hit doorsteps two weeks ago 🤍 This striking cover is by one of our favs . Her portraits always stop us in our tracks. Pssst-she has prints available on her site.

Our center spread features the art of . Her paper sculptures seek to transcribe light, movement and time, serving as conduits for ceremonial expression. We’re grateful she allowed us to explore her meaningful work.

This month we introduce you to and chat with Owner, Carol Ferguson about her evolution as a jewelry maker and Cherry Creek shop owner. Check out her impressive catalog of jewelry with soul.

Next up we explore Denver with Historian Dr. Phil Goodstein. No doubt his name is familiar as he has been generously hosting tours around the state for what feels like forever. He strives to “stimulate debate.” Denver is lucky to have him.

Finally, of shines a bright light on the and the incredible work of empowering women through opportunity. They continue to work tirelessly towards a future where all women achieve self-sufficiency. Because when women succeed, we all succeed. A valid reminder indeed. Please consider them for your holiday gift giving this season.
Thank you for reading and supporting local!
*all features linked in bio

20/11/2024

In November we choose to highlight two unshakeable forces-hope and gratitude. Hope can be reckless, unfashionable, or even an act of rebellion that requires us to believe without proof. It’s the undercurrent, the quiet storm that moves through moments when we’re left with more questions than answers. It’s the heartbeat that refuses to quiet.

And gratitude, gratitude is a love letter to the world itself, isn’t it? It’s raw, grounding, and as defiant as it is humble. The gratitude we’re talking about, is the gritty, bruised, no-filter kind. It’s the kind that finds us at our most unpolished and tells us there’s still something here worth cherishing. It’s the audacious act of daring to say thank you, even when the world is anything but easy.

Here’s to a hope that doesn’t flinch and a gratitude that doesn’t sugar coat reality, but rather, allows us to find the beauty in the chaos. We hope November finds you surrounded by friends, family and a community that lifts you up.

Your neighbors,

Shaleen and Sam DeStefano

20/11/2024

Beet & Yarrow has been a Denver fixture for years, but their new location on South Broadway is right in our neck of the woods and it’s something to celebrate! Known for their stunningly bold floral designs and impeccably curated boutique, they’ve just breathed fresh life into the neighborhood. 🌿✨

We sat down with the creative force behind it all, Kimberly Hyde, to talk about her inspiring journey as a florist and shop owner. 🖤 With the holidays approaching, be sure to take advantage of their exclusive offer with us of $20 OFF with code HOSTING20!!



Photo cred .co | Stephan Werks and

28/10/2024

🗳️ Election Day is looming, and it’s time to amplify our voices for reproductive rights in Colorado! Amendment 79 is on the ballot, and your support is essential.

Here’s the raw truth: anti-abortion groups are scheming to strip away our access to vital reproductive healthcare. They may say abortion rights are safe here, but that can flip with just one signature. By voting YES on Amendment 79, we can enshrine our rights in the state constitution, securing them for generations to come.

Your vote is a powerful weapon—let’s wield it wisely! Here’s how to make your voice roar:

✅ Register to Vote: Last chance for online registration! In-person registration is still an option. ✅ Find Your Voting Location: Know where to cast your vote or drop off your ballot. ✅ Check Your Ballot Status: Ensure your voice is counted!

If you’ve already cast your ballot—thank you for stepping up! 🙌 Now, let’s rally friends, family, and neighbors to join this fight. Remember, we need 55% support for this amendment to pass!

Together, let’s stand firm for our rights! 💪✨

25/10/2024

O C T hit doorsteps a couple of weeks ago! Isn’t she a stunner? The cover and center spread features the striking art of Jazz Holmes () Her work is rich with stories from her Creole upbringing and celebrates Black American Culture. She is currently exhibiting her work at the gardens-check her out!

This month we introduce you to - a Denver fixture in floral design for years, but they’re back in our neck of the woods at 55 N Broadway. Their creations are truly one-of-a-kind. We love their sustainable business model and their boutique offers so much more than flowers and plants. Support this woman-owned business for your floral and gift needs-you’ll love them!🌼

Speaking of new neighbors, we had the chance to highlight Tim Felkner and Patrick Stern, owners of the new tasting room on .denver! Their bottled craft cocktails are delicious and intentionally made with the highest quality ingredients. They make the perfect gift or belly up to the bar in their new space! 🥃

Finally, Melanie Ulle of brings a think piece discussing the post-pandemic trend of Founder’s Syndrome and how organizations can stay ahead of it.

Thank you for reading + supporting local! 🤍

22/10/2024

For years, we’ve been on a mission to avoid fast fashion. When you learn that discarded garments produce 40 million tons of waste in the landfill each year, it makes you think twice about the clothing you purchase. Constantly on a quest for one-of-a-kind vintage pieces that tell a story, we were over the moon to meet owner of FOUND Vintage, CO., Melinda Tarbell at the Summer Firefly Handmade Market. Her warm and welcoming personality brought us into her thoughtfully curated booth, and we instantly wanted to learn more about her passion and journey from fashion stylist in LA to curating, thrifting goddess. Full feature linked in bio.

22/10/2024

Friends of Chamber Music fills a unique niche in Denver’s cultural landscape as the only organization consistently presenting a season of chamber music performances by internationally known ensembles and soloists. These distinguished artists attract audiences to Denver from up and down the Front Range, as well as from as far away as Summit and Eagle Counties. Their creative and diverse performances, encompassing Baroque music to contemporary works, are significant dates on the Denver musical calendar. Full feature in bio.

16/09/2024

S E P hit coffee tables last Monday! This striking cover is by our friend . Many of you have asked about this print, check out his socials and site for details 💙
Our center spread features the fashion and sustainable mission of .co. We sat down to learn more with Founder, and most adorable human alive, Melinda Tarbell. She seeks to contribute to reducing the astounding , yearly, 11.3 million tons of textile waste with her work.
This month we introduce you to - Friends of Chamber Music. A unique niche in Denver’s cultural landscape, they’re the only organization consistently presenting chamber music performances by internationally known ensembles and soloists. They are committed to sharing this music with the community through free performances and educational programming. We’re lucky to have them in our city.
Inside this issue we sit with local author, Cynthia Swanson to chat about her recent novel, a mystery set right here in Denver, and our fav summer read, Anyone But Her. This is a perfect addition to her already decorated collection of work. We’re so excited for the book to become available to the masses this week.
Mel Ulle of shines a light on the Denver South High School program. Each week this amazing program and their caring volunteers serve over 200 students! Learn how you can get involved in this, necessary organization, for our Denver South High School students.
Thank you for continuing to read + support local. All features linked in bio. 🤍

22/07/2024

J U L hit doorsteps, coffee tables and pool sides way back on the 8th! Forgive our tardy announcement of this gorgeous girl. This month’s cover and center spread feature the work of Wash Park artist, Carrie Shiffrin. We love how she takes risks with her subject matter and uses bold colors to tell her story. Check her out!
Next we introduce you to a new clean eatery in Wash Park, The Green Collective Green Collective Eatery. Owner Allison Rifkin shares her own health journey and how it inspired her to open this fast, casual delicious and healthy dining experience. Visit them at 1058 S Ga***rd St.
This month our Meet Your Neighbor shines a light on illustrator and children’s book author, Saki Tanaka. She celebrates the differences that make us who we are in her magical tales. Her latest book Between Words, is a friendship tale and ode to connection and belonging.
Finally, Mel Ulle of Philanthropy Expert highlights the incredible forces working tirelessly behind the scenes to enrich our community through the arts that keep Denver thriving.
Thank you for continuing to support + read local!

22/07/2024

Like most families, we found puzzling to be an excellent way to connect and distract during the pandemic. Unlike banging pots at 5pm, this activity stuck. When we found ēklektik pieces at Firefly Handmade, we instantly fell in love. Not only for their unique acrylic design, but because they shared a love for local art. We had the pleasure of meeting with fellow Wash Park neighbor and the brains behind ēklektik, Courtney Spehar.

ēklektik pieces adminJune 5, 2024Feature0 Comments 0 BY SHALEEN DESTEFANO Like most families, we found puzzling to be an excellent way to connect and distract during the pandemic. Unlike banging pots at 5pm, this activity stuck. When we found ēklektik pieces at Firefly Handmade, we instantly fell ...

22/07/2024

Through a shared love of travel, and a mutual respect for local tribal art, Shaver-Ramsey was born from Paul Ramsey and Carolyn Shaver. Denver has benefited from their exquisite taste since 1976. We talked with Co-Owner, Elizabeth Vehko to learn more about this iconic, local boutique and how it has grown from their original showroom, to their now expansive space in Cherry Creek. More than simply a rug store, they have lent their voice and expertise to museums and universities around the country in an effort to promote the art of rugs, and related textiles. Some of their collections have even been featured in the Smithsonian Institution, the Textile Museum, and the Denver Art Museum. Link to feature in bio.
✨They're also hosting their Annual Rug Sale through the entire month of July!!✨ Take advantage of 20-50% off!

SHAVER-RAMSEY adminMay 9, 2024Feature0 Comments 1 BRINGING BEAUTIFUL RUGS & TEXTILES TO DENVER SINCE 1976 BY SHALEEN DESTEFANO Through a shared love of travel, and a mutual respect for local tribal art, Shaver-Ramsey was born from Paul Ramsey and Carolyn Shaver. Denver has benefited from their exqui...

22/07/2024

Bid one final farewell to our beloved ESQUIRE. We can't count the number of movies we've seen in this historic Denver art house theatre over the years. All we know is that this loss will leave an unbearable void. One that the community feels for a very, very long time. Please continue to support independent film.

22/07/2024

We traded screens for sea and sunshine this month so here is a very tardy announcement of our handsome JUN issue! This baby hit streets June 7th and the cover is by one of our favorite local artists . It is a portrait of Standing Rock Sioux Lakota, Patrick Kills Crow. He was a beloved member of the Native American community of Denver. Learn more inside this issue.
Our center spread features the work of Wash Park creative, Courtney Spehar of ēklektik pieces. She shares our love for local art and has translated this passion into unique acrylic, frameable artistic puzzles. One of her puzzle designs is a replica of our cover, but their collection is vast. Check them out!
Next we introduce you to award-winning, woman-owned Interior Design firm, Atelier Interior Design. Their inspired catalog offers a fresh take using bold colors and textiles. A refreshing shift in a time where beige has been taking center stage for far too long.
This month our Meet Your Neighbor spotlights Dr. Lisa Goodman of Washington Park Chiropractic. She began her journey 18 years ago and her entrepreneurial evolution is motivating for anyone no matter where you're at in your own path.
Finally, Mel Ulle of Philanthropy Expert celebrates the work of the amazing humans behind Special Olympics Colorado, ARC Thrift Stores/Arc of Colorado, and Goodwill Colorado who work relentlessly to create a state where everyone feels valued and recognized.
Thank you for continuing to support + read local.