Warrior Games

I definitely want to attend at least one of the days! So inspirational.

The 2012 Warrior Games presented by Deloitte will be held in Colorado Springs, Colo., April 30 - May 3.

The Warrior Games presented by Deloitte help elevate abilities through athletic competition for wounded, ill, and injured service members by providing a focal event to empower the incorporation of athletics into military wounded warrior programs. The event is supported by the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC), the Department of Defense,Veterans Affairs, presenting sponsor Deloitte and the United Service Organizations (USO).

The Warrior Games serve as an introduction to Paralympic sports for injured service members by inspiring recovery, physical fitness, and promoting new opportunities for growth and achievement.

Spartan Race

Every morning when I workout at the gym on base, the guys are always talking about this "Spartan Race." Hey Jess, you gonna do the Spartan Race? My first reaction is they lost me at spartan. I now officially have an excuse though, because I'm going to be attending a wedding out-of-state that day.

In all honesty, if I was half as fit as the people that did this sort of thing, I'd be all over it. Low crawling through the mud under barbed wire? Yes, please. Some of the obstacles might give me unpleasant flashbacks from basic training, but I've always enjoyed taking myself out of my comfort zone every once in awhile.

If you're in Denver or in Colorado Springs, it's over at Fort Carson on May 5th.

For more info on registration (and some sweet videos), click here.

Phoebe Therese Salon

I just heard about this great salon in the Denver area that is going way above and beyond the call of duty in the services they offer.

While cutting the hair of a military wife who's husband had just returned from the Middle East that same day, the owners of Phoebe Therese Salon, decided they wanted to give back to the military community.

In an effort to recognize the sacrifice that not only the troops, but the spouses also make, this salon is opening their doors (and their hearts) on a day of the week they're normally closed to the public.

Spouses and women in the military have the opportunity to get their hair cut, colored and styled one Sunday every quarter. Tipping would be optional and appreciated, however, this service is free and requires no spending.

The offer is primarily for service wives of deployed husbands but also includes recently returned husbands, enlisted and commissioned service women scheduled for deployment (or have recently returned), and Gold Star Wives. 
 
The purpose is to provide a service they might consider but cannot necessarily afford. The owners want them to know they are appreciated for the hard work and the stress they live with.

"It's a day just for them," co-owner Therese told me.

If you would like to take part in this generous opportunity, they ask that you call the salon to get on the list so that their hairstylists know how many people to expect.

The number is 303-757-7940 and they are located at 3037 E. 3rd Avenue Cherry Creek North Denver, CO 80206. Parking is free on Sunday.

The next date is March 11, and they still have several spots available. They open their doors at 9:30 a.m.

Blackwell Becoming

Photo courtesy of Erin Blackwell Studio, LLC

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and I can think of no better personalized present for the special man in your life than a gorgeous picture of ... you!

My friend Erin Blackwell is an amazing photographer that lives in the Denver area (but works in other cities as well). Before I got married, I had the opportunity to get dolled-up and present my soon-to-be husband with some gorgeous photos as a groom's gift on our wedding day.

Now the reason Erin is the subject of my blog post is two-fold. First, she is very patriotic and supports the military in her personal life and her business. Second, I'd like to inform my readers that she offers a military discount of 25% off the sitting fee for not only women who serve in the military, but for female military spouses as well.

If you are engaged and are in the market for a great photographer to capture your engagement photos and big day, I'd like to recommend her. But right now I'm here to tell you about her newest venture, called Blackwell Becoming. She works with a professional make-up artist and together they capture your best facial features in a photo-shoot. If you'd like to get a gorgeous headshot to use for yourself or to give as a gift, she is booking now. Becoming is also a perfect photo session for mothers and daughters, sisters and best friends.

Erin's a lot of fun and works with women of all ages, with a natural ability to make you feel at ease.

Happy Valentine's Day! And don't forget the 25% percent discount for veterans and their spouses.