Monday, December 31, 2018

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year y'all! Looking forward to this year with you - xoxo darling, Hayden.
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Saturday, December 29, 2018

Resolutions in Review

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Every year I make resolutions and then at the end of that year I see how I did. My goals with resolutions are to never make them completely unachievable. That doesn't mean I don't challenge myself, as you can read below...they are difficult, I just hate those #NewYearNewMe resolutions. Find out how I did... 

1. Be a Better Blogger 

I'm going to go with this was more of a fail than a win. Don't worry, I'm still incredibly committed to HT but my love of it is different than it used to be. I think now I'm more of an in the mood blogger than a I have to have 6 posts right now blogger...which is good for me personally I think. Haute Table is not a money-earner so I don't necessarily need to be as avid in posting. But I want to continue to post six times a week, it isn't that. Just know that sometimes I truly don't have anything to say so there might not be a blog post. I'm also becoming really into vlogging...if you couldn't tell and that is a way to show you what I'm doing way more than a blog post. So make sure you're subscribed to Haute Table's YouTube channel. It's a good time. 

2. Read More 

Ehhh...this one could have gone better? I definitely did read a lot more this year than in previous years. But it is nowhere near what I used to be able to do. However, as a tail end of the year situation, I've been doing my 20 minutes a day plan and I'm loving it. Now that I'm an adult it just seems easier and easier to fall out of the pattern of reading. But I am committed to over using my library card. Who knows...maybe this will be a resolution in 2019 too...

3. Avoid My Bed

I killed this goal my last semester of college. I spent more time out of my apartment or in my living room than I ever had. And that has carried into my life in Colorado. Hardly ever am I in my bed anymore...well except last weekend...but I needed it! This goal is full of compromise. Sometimes you need to have a lie in and just stare at the ceiling while contemplating your existence. But then you should get up and get out! 

4. Take Charge of My Life

I would say this resolution was hard but I did it. When I wrote this resolution my future was completely in the air. I had been applying to jobs but nothing was really happening and I was praying that Miles would come through. You might not know this but I applied to over 150 jobs before I graduated from college. I interviewed with Miles in April but didn't find out until August that I got the job. The summer was incredibly challenging because I'm never not one to know exactly what is happening. But at the end of the day, I did take charge of my life. I graduated with the degree I wanted, got the job I wanted, am living in the city I wanted to live in and I'm having a blast. A a person who doesn't really like talking about herself/bragging this is hard to type. But I'm really proud of myself.
And in another sense of this goal, I'm dating. Which is insane. I haven't dated...ever. In school I was always too busy (as determined by myself and my "helpful" friends). But I moved to Denver, got on four different apps and somehow met a boy that I've been seeing. And it's so normal. It's weird. But a two years ago? I would have never been able to do this. So 2018 has been full of even more self-growth than I thought was possible. Taking charge has really helped a girl out. 

Lastly, I vow to vote in the midterm elections. 

I completed this resolution! It was really exciting to get to vote in a state that doesn't attempt to prevent people from taking part in their civic duty. And to have positions won by people I actually voted for. I was disappointed in some of the other states and the way voter suppression is slowly taking over our country, along with gerrymandering. But I think we made some steps in the right direction, we're coming for you 2020.

2018 was a really amazing year for me. College graduation, getting a dream job, getting to move to one of my favorite cities, lots of travel and the start of dating...I am really thankful for my personal growth. See you back here for my new resolutions, coming soon! - xoxo darling, Hayden.
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Friday, December 28, 2018

Year in Review // 2018

We had our last day of school at The University of Texas.
We graduated from the greatest university in the world. 
We celebrated the last day of college with friends.
We were inducted into the Burnt Orange Society. 
We launched the first Lady Bird Johnson Week.
We made our own graduation announcements. 
We bought a Subaru and named her Margaret.
We went to our last Texas Ladybirds formal.
We took Marcus to his first football game.
We became a Cactus StandoUT recipient.
We went apple picking for the first time. 
We celebrated six years of Haute Table.
We saw the most beautiful fall leaves. 
We went to the Big 12 Championship.
We created the London Travel Guide.
We welcomed Serena to Fort Myers. 
We took too many photos in a slide. 
We got a job and moved to Denver.
We made new friends in a new city.
We took a staycation with Hannah. 
We, finally, visited the Biltmore. 
We participated in our last Holi.
We won a lot of football games.
We were inspired by an exhibit. 
We hosted Julia in Colorado.
We enjoyed our hometown. 
We saw 43 inches of snow.
We visited a new state. 
We turned 22. 
2018 was one of the best years I've ever had. But it was also the most bittersweet. I mean I graduated from college with my bachelors, but had to say goodbye to all of my wonderful friends. But then I got my first job and got to move to an amazing city. While here I've made amazing new friends, welcomed old ones to a new city and seen beautiful scenery. My football team has finally started winning again and I get to ring in 2019 in New Orleans with my best friend and parents. I am incredibly proud of myself, of the world and of the blog this year and I'm looking forward to what 2019 brings. It should be a good one - xoxo darling, Hayden. 
P.S. While we have made strides in our government, we still need to do more. Please consider donating and don't forget to always vote. 
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Thursday, December 27, 2018

How I Get Ready for the New Year

some inspo for the new year...

The New Year is something I, weirdly, take very seriously. I know a bunch of people do but if you know me, I'm not super aggressive about holidays and I don't put a ton of beliefs into things like that. However, I like the idea of re-starting each January 1st. It's the one time of year I take things and put them into perspective. I have a few things that I have to do before 12am hits on the 31st and I thought I would share those with you. 
Is there anything you find necessary before starting the new year off right? - xoxo darling, Hayden

#1: Take down all holiday decorations.

"But they're so pretty!" Yes, holiday decorations are beautiful and I love looking at lights. It's one of my all-time favorite things about the season but I hate going into the new year with them still up. In fact, I take my down on the 26th because I feel that the holiday has passed and it's time to move on. Put 'em away and get 'em out next year, am I right? I don't want to go into the next year with last year's decorations...feels wrong. 

#2: Find new desktop & phone wallpaper.

Kind of random, but I spend way too much time scouring the internet for a new desktop wallpaper and iPhone screen background {this site is my favorite}. I change them immediately at midnight just for a fresh start. There's something about changing them out and seeing that physical change that really gives the impression of a fresh start. Although I will say, this year I really love my desktop background so it's going to be hard to say goodbye. 

#3: Clean off desktop & clear out phone. 

I think this one makes sense to everyone. Clutter is a big no-no for me going into the new year. Who wants to have a messy computer screen or phone? It's so much easier to just clear it all out, sort it into folders and delete all those old images/videos and unnecessary apps. 

#4: Write down my resolutions and reflect on my old list.

This is something I write about on the blog every year (see ). I like to review and reflect on my resolutions from the previous year at the end while writing my new resolutions. I always try to make my resolutions fairly broad...and they're never about fitness. I don't believe in trying to make goals that we all know we won't keep. It's better to do something attainable.  

#5: Clean everything. 

This is a newer goal of mine...but as I get older I understand the niceness of a clean house and car. I've always lived by the idea of cleaning before you go on a trip/vacation so this year this is working for both occasions as I leave for New Orleans on the 30th. I plan on putting everything away in my room, sorting through all my paperwork, vacuuming and cleaning my bathroom. I'll also vacuum my car and give it a wash, that way when I arrive on Wednesday, fully in 2019, I'll be ready. 
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Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Week Re-Cap: Dec. 20-21

Torchy's Tacos
Since the family was here so long, I've been dividing up photos into various re-caps. You can catch the first one here. You can also catch up on the daily December goings-ons up until Dec. 25th here. Yesterday was actually wonderful. The family slept in, had a nice breakfast, opened gifts and then I took them to the airport. After that I drove home and just vegged out - baked some cookies, ate some pasta and watched a ton of holiday movies. Tomorrow begins my take-down of holiday decorations and preparation for the New Year...which is a blog post coming up soon! What have y'all been up to? - xoxo darling, Hayden
Ration in RiNO
Loved this colorful wall at Our Mutual Friend.
Some of the best beer we had during our trip.
Union Station looking beautiful.
Dinner at Terminal Bar in Union Station.
A hike in Genesee Park.
Look! A bison herd.
Such a beautiful sunset.
Our favorite small brewery in Golden.
A homemade Choco Taco at Steuben's in Arvada.
A little morning hike in Roxborough State Park.

We, finally, went on the Coors brewing tour.
Dinner @ Old Capitol Grill in downtown Golden.
Christmas in Downtown Golden was absolutely magic.
Love Cerebral Brewing's logo.
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Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Merry Christmas

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Merry Christmas! I hope your day is full of joy - xoxo darling, Hayden.
P.S. Catch up on all of Vlogmas here
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Monday, December 24, 2018

Week Re-Cap: Dec. 14-Dec. 20

Pizza from Cosmo's.
Happy Christmas Eve! Here are a few photos from mid-December. There will be a few more re-caps coming soon!
Dinner at The Brutal Poodle.
Shots from a Hudson Christmas.
My new favorite bath bomb...
Brunch at Devil's Food
The last dinner at White Fence Farm before it closes.
Celebrating some good news at work.
Breakfast at Denver Biscuit Company.
History Colorado Center
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