Get baked
Starbucks is making afternoons a little sweeter with its popular “Sweet Receipt” promo. Through Jan. 4, make a purchase in the morning (anytime before 2 p.m.) and bring the receipt back to any participating location the same day after 2 p.m. to get any bakery item for $1. (Breakfast sandwiches excluded.) To maximize the deal and keep costs at a minimum consider buying a petite vanilla scone for $1.25 or $1 banana in the morning. And, if you’re buying more than one morning item, pay for each separately. Then, you’ll have more “sweet receipts” to share with friends and family later in the day. The offer is only available at “select Starbucks”, so check the bottom of your receipt for the offer.
Timber!
It’s time to take down the Christmas tree. Denver Recycles will recycle thousands of trees into mulch. (The mulch is made available to Denver residents in the spring for free.) “Tree-cycling” is easy. Remove all tinsel and decorations from the tree. (Real evergreen trees only. No artificial or flocked trees.) Next, manual and barrel customers should set out trees on their scheduled trash collection day during the two-week period of Jan. 4 to 15. Dumpster customers need to set out their trees on either Jan. 4 or 11, at least two-feet away from their dumpster, for collection sometime during that week. Finally, be sure your tree is set out by 7 a.m. and away from other trash or obstacles. Trees will be picked up by a special collection truck. For more information, call 311. Non-Denver residents should check with their local authorities for similar recycling programs. denvergov.org/treecycle
Oodles of savings
How do you celebrate National Spaghetti Day? With oodles of savings, of course. Noodles & Company is celebrating the “pasta-centric” day on Jan. 4, by offering customers a free small bowl of spaghetti with the purchase of a regular entrée. Access the coupon by visiting www.facebook.com/noodlesandcompany. Customers can print the coupon or present it on their smartphone at participating locations. noodles.com
Saddle up
Pull up your boot straps for a good time. Cattle plodding along the streets of downtown Denver can only mean one thing. The National Western Stock Show is back in town. On Jan. 7, the Stock Show Parade starts “moo-ving” at noon from Union Station and marches 17 blocks down 17th Street. Expect marching bands, horseback riders, performing cowgirls/cowboys and the incredible sight of Texas Longhorn cattle being driven through the city — perfect for Twitter or Instagram photos. Denver Broncos’ legendary barefoot kicker, Rich Karlis. is this year’s Grand Marshal. Afterward, head to the atrium of the Wells Fargo Building (17th St. & Broadway) for a low-cost lunch. The $10 meal includes barbecue and all the fixings, music and a western-themed fashion show. nationalwestern.com
Sow your oats
The 20th annual Lafayette Quaker Oatmeal Festival gets cookin’ with its traditional oatmeal breakfast on Jan. 9 from 7:30 a.m. to noon at Pioneer Elementary School (101 E. Baseline Rd.) The breakfast boasts the world’s largest toppings bar with 150 choices. In addition, you can enjoy pancakes, muffins, juice and coffee. There’s also a health fair with free and low-cost screenings for kids, adults and active seniors at the Bob L. Burger Recreation Center (111 W. Baseline Rd.) from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tickets for the breakfast are $8 for adults, $6 for kids (three to 12)/seniors (60+) and free for under three. tinyurl.com/LafOat20
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