VTF April 2024 Newsletter

Hi, ,

Spring has arrived in the Rocky Mountains, ushering in one of my favorite times of the year – while the mountains are still muddy, spring is beginning to peek through, and I love watching everything come back to life. I hope your spring will be filled with renewal and wonder, too.

If I had to choose two words to describe this month, they would be: banana bread. There’s probably a banana shortage in Colorado at the rate we’ve been making and eating loaves of it. Goodbye, Dutch babies, there’s a new carb in town. We’ve been eating banana bread for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and you’d be wise not to judge me ‘til you’ve tried the recipe (below)!This past week Zach was on his Outdoor Ed trip, and Elizabeth will be on hers next week. Just one of the many magical things about living here is that the schools really embrace and promote outdoor exploration. So each year, the classes go on a multi-day excursion – whether to Monument Park or Moab or somewhere else equally awe-inspiring. The kids hike, camp, journal, create unforgettable memories, and deepen their connection with nature.It's hard to believe, but summer break starts in just one month, too! We’re sticking mostly close to home this year, though I am counting the days until we go to Maine at the end of summer. Maine has had a huge piece of my heart since I spent summers there as a little girl, and I cannot wait to take the kids out sailing, to eat piles of lobster, to sit around bonfires, and to listen to the old fisherman tales.WHAT I’M EATING: You'll be as smitten with this recipe, as we are.

I’m wrapping up an exciting round of fundraising in a couple of weeks, and Partytrick continues to grow – a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. And speaking of team, I was thrilled to announce a new addition this week! WHAT I WANT TO REMIND YOU OF: Mother’s Day is around the corner (May 12th)! We’ve got several party plans on the Partytrick platform to help you celebrate the women in your life – how about a high tea or a sunny outdoor brunch? Or adapt any number of our other concepts for the ones you love! Plus you can check out my Mother’s Day segment from last year on Channel 9 for even more inspo!

Last week, I was in NYC for work…and I’m heading back tomorrow (they don't call me "Ticket" for nothing!). It’s funny to say this, but the city – with all its honking taxies and shouting street vendors – always recharges me, especially in springtime when people are shedding their ubiquitous, puffy winter coats and the cherry blossom trees are blooming. These trips allow me to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and reignite my creative spark.But the highlight of my last visit was family! I made a quick 24-hour detour to see my sister’s new home and flower farm just outside of Hudson. She’s created a truly charming oasis there that just nourishes my soul. WHAT’S INSPIRING ME: I've recently been reflecting on a book I read back during COVID called Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness by Ingrid Fetell Lee, which documents the power of color, shapes, and design to cultivate joy. Pick up a copy, if you haven’t read it – it’s like holding paper sunshine in your hands.