Here are the pieces (leaf and table top, legs removed):

Unfortunately, there was a little mishap with some melting snow, so it ended up creating a really cool water-splashed look on the top of the table. With DIY, I never expect perfection and embrace the unique designs accidents give me.

Using screen + snuggie to block more snow from melting onto table while it dries … getting creative …

Badass workspace!

Basically, the fastest women in the world (downhill ski racers) are racing Saturday & Sunday November 26-27 down Ruthie’s, with spectators and a village at the base of Aspen Mountain at Lift 1A. There’s a big screen TV for action you can’t see, and prime viewing of the finish line from the grandstands. It’s an awesome experience, even if you just stop by for one racer, you need to go.

Saturday, make sure you plan to attend the launch of the Red Bulletin, where Lindsey Vonn will be signing autographs and beer flows like … well, you know, it’s an open bar.

RSVP to Helen.Roche@theskyhotel.com

Then take your autographed self over to the Gondola plaza for the  first Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series of the season featuring Cowboy Mouth.

All that spectating and partying will likely leave you hungry, so be sure to snag an incredible deal through The Bud Light Dine Around Aspen now through next Thursday, December 1st, from 6-9pm every night. Top restaurants offer special Winternational prix fixe menus that are even better than their off-season deals. Can’t-miss: Matsu’s bento for $30.

Dine Around Aspen Deals:

Ajax Tavern / Distinct American Bistro / $28
BB’s Kitchen / American Classic Fare / $30
Elevation / Modern American Cuisine / $28
Jimmy’s / American Restaurant & Bar / Dining Room: $28 / Bar: $12
L’Hostaria / Italian Cuisine / $30
Matsuhisa / Gourmet Japanese Seafood & Sushi / $30 Lounge Only
The Red Onion / American Southwest / $25
Syzygy / New American Cuisine / $30
Ute City / American Classics with European Flavor / $30
Zocalito / Latin Cuisine / $26

When Cameron Hughes told me that his new Lot 228 Muscato d’Asti was the ultimate summer wine, something resonated with me. I promptly ordered 3 bottles.

And then drank two of them in three days.

I can’t believe I just admitted that. However, it only has 7% alcohol (most wine is between 13-14%), so at least be comforted by the fact that I wasn’t wine-drunk for three days straight.

My mom has long been a Cameron Hughes fan. She’ll tell everyone and anyone—including strangers at Costco—how much she loves Cameron Hughes. He basically buys overstock of really great grapes, bottles them, and then won’t tell you where they’re from so the Mondavis of the wine world can’t get mad at you. He’ll tell you everything else though, and his wines are cheap. My 3-bottle sampler was $39 with free shipping!

Click here to get $25 off any order of 3+ bottles!

I tried it for my college roomie’s wedding last weekend. I was in the wedding, so I had that covered with a splashy maid of honor dress, but I needed something for the rehearsal dinner.

I ended up ordering 2 dresses, afraid that while I loved the first, it wasn’t going to be flattering on me. Dresses range from $40+, but it’s only $25 to rent a second style. They also send you two sizes, if you want, to make sure you’ll get a dress that fits.

I was right; the yellow dress wasn’t in fact flattering on me (something about long legs and a short waist?). But luckily, the floral Yumi Kim was super cute!

RentTheRunway Rent The Runway we do too – it looks adorable! RT @lifeinaustin I loooove my @RentTheRunwaydress!! http://t.co/ln6wfyv Jun 24, 11:22 PM via web In reply to… lifeinaustin lifeinaustin&aspen I loooove my @RentTheRunway dress!! http://t.co/ln6wfyv Jun 24, 10:36 PM via Twitter for iPhone

Everything about my Rent the Runway experience was great. The package arrived a day early, with all four dresses (2 sizes of each) zipped into a garment bag, perfect for immediate travel. The dress was awesome, and I felt glamorous and pretty during the rehearsal dinner—and in all the photos!

Sunday, I simply slipped the dresses back into the mailer and dropped it in a mailbox. The experience was flawless; I honestly cannot wait for an excuse to use Rent the Runway again!

Because I haven’t talked about JewelMint enough… (check out my Liberty Ring) NOW you can use the EXCLUSIVE thisislifeinaustin promo code to get 50% off your first order … that’s a smokin’ hot new piece of jewelry for just $14.99!

USE this Link: http://jmnt.co/i1cbtLand enter Promo Code: ThisIs50 (you must use that link for the promo code to work)

Reminder: JewelMint is collections are designed by actress Kate Bosworth and her stylist Cher Coulter. Each month you’ll receive personalized jewelry recommendations and style advice. Membership is just $29.99 per month. Shipping is FREE, returns are hassle-free and if you don’t find something you love, SKIP THE MONTH within the first five days FOR NO CHARGE. There’s no obligation ever.

Give it a shot: http://jmnt.co/i1cbtL & enter ThisIs50 at checkout. Let me know how it goes and what you buy!!

Because then you could receive this beautiful little package in the mail:

Then, inside would be this ring:

Which would look just dazzling on your finger:

It’s a subscription service, but it’s easy to refuse a shipment for the month, easy to customize your selections, and most of the designs are super cute. Everything I’ve gotten so far has been of good quality—not the best, but certainly not the worst. I’m a huge fan of the service for trendy pieces I don’t have time to look for in stores.

Get your JewelMint on here.

Served on an english muffin with as many toppings as you’d like, the grassfed local burger is delicious. It’s not huge, but it’s good. I ate it sans muffin:

Still delicious like that. That speaks to the quality of the meat, the flavorings, and the perfect cooking technique!

I took guests that were in town to lunch here and to the airport immediately after. It was the perfect send-off! They also happen to sell frozen free-range breaded chicken tenders, something I’ve NEVER seen before, and one of the best trail mixes I’ve had (up front by the registers).

I lived in ABC for 5 months and never ate at Mountain Naturals … don’t let that happen to you! Take advantage of a little hippie store gem in the ABC and stop by.

Eating on the cheap in Aspen (/Snowmass) can be a challenge, so I’m thrilled they’ve introduced Restaurant Week to Snowmass! More than 25 restaurants (who knew Snowmass had that many?!) are participating with prices at $20.11 … cute. Started on Saturday, runs through February 18. My top three picks:

GARNISH (American)

Open Daily for Après 2:30pm-5:30pm and Dinner from 5:30pm-9:00pm. Lunch on Saturdays and Sunday from 11:30am-2:30pm  |  Timberline Condominiums  |  970.923.4004

APRÈS SKI: $20.11 for two. Select either Colorado smoked trout or molasses cured elk appetizer to share and then each choose a glass of house wine or one of our Colorado draft beers.

VENGA VENGA CANTINA & TEQUILA BAR (Mexican) [My Review Here]

Open Daily  |  Snowmass Mall  |  970.923.7777 (reservations)

LUNCH:  $20.11 for two ($10.05 for one) Appetizer:  Appetizer Sampler Entrée:  Choice of two enchiladas, two tacos or two fajitas (chicken or steak) Dessert:  Churros

DINNER:  $20.11 per person. Includes a glass of our house wine. Appetizer:  Appetizer Sampler Entrée: Choice of Chicken Zarape, Chili Relleno, Crab Enchiladas or Venga Asada Dessert:  Churros

EIGHT K AT THE VICEROY, SNOWMASS (American)

Open for Lunch 11:00am-2:00pm, Dinner 6:00pm-10:00pm  |  Viceroy, Snowmass  |  970.923.8000

LUNCH:  $20.11 per person. Includes choice of signature 8K burger or creole BBQ shrimp and your favorite draft brew.

DINNER:  $30.11 per person. Special Chef’s selection three-course tasting menu.

Click here for the full listing.

Check out the calendar here.

General Admission $13

Hit up the box office of Aspen Show Tickets at Wheeler Opera House, 320 E Hyman Ave., from 11am to 7pm
Phone orders: 970.920.5770
Order online: aspenshowtix.com

I want to see Black Swan! But is it a good New Year’s Eve activity? Not sure. Thoughts?

Want to join the Aspen Public Radio membership? All first-time members ($60 for individuals, $100 for families) will receive a $15 gift certificate to Takah and be eligible for cool drawings and door prizes.