A Sample FashionistaASPEN, CO -“All the things in Aspen are free! Hiking, being outside…even the bus is free,” exclaims Giselle Leal, owner of Von Freytag, the latest and most affordably hip boutique in town. That’s not something you really hear about Aspen; we’re not known for our plethora of gratis fun. Yet Leal has discovered one of Aspen’s greatest charms and, like a true local, she appreciates the splendor of her new backyard. Originally from Florida, the daughter of a Cuban doctor and an artist, and most recently transplanted from NYC, she brings her cosmopolitan sense of style and value and reminiscent of an eclectic big city boutique, with original looks and impressive prices, Von Freytag is changing the face of affordable fashion in Aspen.

Trailhead of Grays: View from the trail head of GraysASPEN, CO -The mornings in Aspen are getting frostier and the nights more crisp. This can only mean one thing, summer's on its way out and it's time to take full advantage of the last few warm weeks we've got left. Colorado, known primarily by its visitors for winter activities, is actually home to some of most exciting and enjoyable summers found across the United States. Agreeable, seventy-something temperatures and sunshine for days are paired with landscapes fit for the gods. Summer activities in Colorado give the winter classics a serious run for their money. Among the top contenders: whitewater rafting, mountain and road-biking and my personal favorite, hiking fourteeners! Not for the weak in spirit or strength, conquering these massive mountains leaves climbers with a true sense of accomplishment and self-reliance.

Paddling around the WhitewaterASPEN, CO - Charlie MacArthur, Aspen’s all-around accomplished mountain man, has a new fascination. He’s taught kayaking for decades, and paddled first ascents through river waterways throughout both the Rocky Mountains and Hawaii; he’s taught telemarking, alpine skiing and snowboarding in Aspen and Snowmass for 27 years, and raced his surf ski through 36 miles of open ocean in the prestigious Hawaiian Moloka’i Channel Race. These days, he’s combining key elements of Nordic skiing, surfing and kayaking across Aspen whitewater, bringing the latest craze of stand-up paddling to local rivers, inviting locals and visitors to jump aboard.

Front of Restaurant SIX89: View of the front of Restaurant SIX89CARBONDALE, CO - RESTAURANT SIX89, CARBONDALE, COLORADO – Wiping the sweat from my palms, I slowly formed a fist and tapped on the door. I was meeting my boyfriend’s mom for the first time. The worst part – my boyfriend would not be there to ease the tension and help us to get to know each other. The best part – he was working at Restaurant SIX89, where he would cook us a fantastic dinner. The woman who opened the door looked reassuringly familiar from pictures. “Hi, I’m Cyndy,” she announced, holding out her hand. After introductions and a slightly tense drive, we arrived at the restaurant.

Rummage - American Gothic Portrait.: Bought at the Minturn Rummage Sale - American Gothic print for $25.00! ASPEN,CO I'm what many people call "thrifty"... not because I'm cheap but rather because I'm a regular at thrift stores, yard sales and especially the yearly Minturn Rummage Sale. "Why?" Well I think it's ridiculous to pay full price for anything and because Eagle County, as well as the surrounding areas, have quite a few places to find the coolest, trendiest, classiest AND least expensive clothing, antiques, shoes, household goods, furniture and just about everything else I might need on this journey through life, at an extremely cost efficient price!

ASPEN, CO - Ahhh...the thrill of entrepreneurism. It's just like a roller coaster ride. It can be so fun, so scary and sometimes it just makes you sick to your stomach.

I have to keep reminding myself that these extreme emotional cycles are all part of the game. A game I chose to play.