Denver Recommendations?

The best friend and I are headed to Denver for the weekend! We are so excited, we've been planning since my birthday. But we would love if y'all have any recommendations. You'll be able to follow along on Instagram - xoxo darling, Hayden.

What's in My Travel Bag

Hannah and I are traveling to Denver this weekend and I thought I would share what I'm carrying in my bag. It's going to be a fun weekend getaway, check it out - xoxo darling, Hayden.

Week Re-Cap

What a week, and what a good one. It has been an absolute blast but lordy have I been stressed since Monday. But back to the weekend, I got to hangout with friends, eat some good foods and get covered in powder paint for Holi. The photos from that particular event were too good not to include. This week Serena and I are in high stress time because next week is my spirit group's inaugural Lady Bird Johnson Week. It's the first week of its kind and it really about celebrating the life of the amazing woman.  I've also been doing a lot of stuff for job applications/interviews, which let me tell you, college is the most amazing time of your life, but getting a job is not. If y'all have any advice, please let me know. Hope your week is going well - xoxo darling, Hayden. 

 Colleen's Kitchen is the most aesthetically pleasing restaurant I've been in thus far. 

 Saturday afternoon at Live Oak Brewing. 

The sandwich was a Schnitzelwich, a Schnitzel Sandwich. 

 Alyssa and I finally tried Academia on 4th...we were not the biggest fans. 

The theme was trying way too hard. 

 Our checks came in books...

 Sunday's Holi Festival was so much fun! 

 Love these ladies. 

Mattie's at Green Pastures Review

"I want to marry the biscuits at Mattie's; the white peacock can officiate," my best friend said as we sampled our appetizer during our first trip to Mattie's at Green Pastures. Hannah is normally funny but on this night in particular she was hitting me with one-liners about our food. Which I think really represents Mattie's. It isn't stuffy like you might expect and the food is way better than I could have ever dreamt.

I first saw the place pop up on Eater Austin {my favorite news site} and knew I wanted to visit the white house located amongst the oak trees of South Austin. It was too picture perfect - the ideal spot to Instagram my food. But as with all places like it I assumed it would be over-priced with tiny portions. Boy was I wrong and I don't think I've ever been this happy to be that wrong.

When you drive up to Mattie's you may come across peacocks crossing the road. The street is dotted with signs saying, "Peacocks Welcome Here." The somewhat long drive leads you up to the house where complimentary valet will happily park your car. At this time I think I should point out that two things were happening for Hannah and I. 1: A dean of our college was getting out of the car in front of us. 2: A wedding was going on. Yes, a wedding. The bride & groom were taking photos at the entrance of the restaurant. It was beautiful.

Once we made it past the happy couple we checked in for our 5pm reservation. We were 15 minutes early so he suggested we stop in at the bar for drinks. The bar, right off the foyer, looks like it could be in a home in Southern Living. The handsome people perched on bar stools sipping Old Fashions helped, of course. Out of inspiration for my 16th birthday trip to Paris, when all I drank was Kir Royale, I ordered a Kir Royale Highball ($11). It was Côté de Mas sparkling crémant, French cassis, crushed ice, and grapefruit oil - I cannot tell you anything about all of those words but I can tell you it was beautifully made, perfectly sweet with just the right amount of bubbly and refreshing.

About three seconds after we received our drinks we were ushered to our table in the main dining room. The furniture was simple - wooden tables and chairs with inviting blue velvet booths. The lighting was muted; not great for photos but great for intimacy. Speaking of intimate, it was for such a big house. And with a wedding going on; it felt like it was just Hannah and I in some southern family's home. Everything about the decor, the simple paintings, the wood floors continued the vibe that this was somewhere you can relax, enjoy the company of your dining companions and let time pass.

Being the bread lovers that we are, Hannah and I opted for the Buttermilk Biscuits ($8) with seasonal butter. Now Hannah and I have been to the "best restaurant in Austin" Olamaie, whose biscuits are talked about like legends in the Austin restaurant scene. Neither one of us loved Olamaie but we agreed the biscuits were good. Then we visited Mattie's. Mattie's biscuits blew every other biscuit I have ever ingested out of the water. I'm serious. Two southern women are telling you these are the best biscuits we've ever had - believe us. They have this crunch on the outside with a sweet glaze. The insides are like a fluffy pillow you want to fall into, you want to snuggle deep in its hold and live there forever. The seasonal butter added an appreciated kick to an already delicious appetizer. Hannah said she wanted to make her wedding cake out of the biscuits.

Both of us, we are best friends, got the same entree. The Mattie’s Fried Chicken ($24) with Yukon pomme purée, spinach, pickled onions and chipotle-yogurt dressing. It's presented on what appears to be a cooking pan with handles. These are not small portions. Read: they are huge! So if you see $24 and think, no way, realize you'll take half of it home.

The chicken reminded me of trips to Church's Chicken as a kid after football games in Tallahassee, Florida. But the taste was way better. The batter is extra crunchy, the chicken is moist, it's just the right amount of salty and you can smell the spices wafting from the meat when you cut into it.

The pomme purée tastes like the classic mashed your mom used to make (with cheese). They are a little grainy and they could have been slightly warmer but overall they added a nice touch to the chicken. The spinach salad was wonderful. The greens were delicious, the dressing added the perfect spicy kick to the meal and it was a refreshing bite after the heavier chicken. Hannah doesn't even like spinach and she finished her salad. When I asked her what she thought of her meal, she just nodded her head vigorously - in Hannah speak this means she really, really liked it.

Overall the entree was everything I wanted out of it. I wasn't disappointed by its size, its quality or its taste. It was just downright delicious. Something I thought I could only experience in the best of southern kitchens that I have back home. Not in a posh house in South Austin.  

Dessert was the 1965 Milk Punch Single ($7). It tasted like Christmas and fall wrapped up in a tiny, adorable glass. It made us both feel warm and fuzzy inside. They have other desserts that seemed delicious but after the drinks, appetizer and entrees we were too stuffed. The drink hit the spot. 

Lastly, the bathroom was cute. It has green stalls and there was a candle that smelled ahhmazing. It was clean, tucked away and not over the top. 

After my experience, Mattie's at Green Pastures is now one of my top five Austin restaurants. It will not disappoint you because they take southern food and keep it simple. There is no over complication of the basics. They invite you to sit on their porch or in the dining room and stay awhile. You will never feel rushed or that you are overstaying your welcome - just like any good southern home.

I've already made a reservation for my graduation dinner. 

Mattie's at Green Pastures is located at 811 W Live Oak St, Austin, TX 78704. Reservations and more information can be found here.

Quotes of the Week

All images found here.

Articles I'm Reading

1. These kids are too cute // 27 Costumes That Won World Book Day 2018 // BuzzFeed
2. Wow // The Best Blogger Trip Ever // Design Darling
3. This made me laugh so hard out loud // If Literature's "Complicated Men" were on Tinder // McSweeney's
4. Love these templates from Shannon // Instagram Story Templates // Prep Avenue
5. How beautiful was this wedding? // Will & Mackenzie Nantucket Wedding // Inkspot Crow Films
6. I think I might need this? // No Frizz Humidity Shield // Nordstrom

In Case You Missed It:

Here is the top I'm currently obsessed with...

The latest vlog is all about my Spring Break trip...

Here are some really pretty photos of flowers..

Orange Babcock

I was in Bealls Florida the other day and saw this top. I must say if there is something burnt orange on a rack, I will swoop in like a hawk and buy it. The detailing around the neckline is very me and I think the fit is really complimentary to most body types. The jeans are nothing special but the shoes are Jack Rogers with the rubber bottoms. I own a pair with leather bottoms {here} but these were a Christmas present. You have no idea why my family would choose these, right? The gold pineapple is extremely detailed and since they are white and gold they go with everything. The photos were taken at Babcock Ranch a new community near Fort Myers that is super environmentally friendly. What do y'all think? - xoxo darling, Hayden

A note on the top: It was purchased at Bealls Florida on sale and  they don't appear to have the color anymore on their site.  However, they have other colors and they are less than $20!  There are similar tops below along with the shoes & jeans.

 

Spring Break, Serena & Florida Vlog

Serena and I had a blast on spring break so of course we made a little vlog of our experiences. You can see lots of alligators, huge waves, even bigger slices of cake and just two besties having the time of their lives in Florida. I hope you enjoy - xoxo darling, Hayden.

Week Re-Cap

It has been a lovely two weeks in my world. I am combining photos from my last week of classes before break and some photos from break itself. We went out, we drank beer, we ate a lot of food and we just had fun. I really took the opportunity over spring break to relax, not do work, just hangout with my family - and I don't regret that. Hopefully y'all are having wonderful weeks as well - xoxo darling, Hayden.

Gorgeous day on campus.

Are we surprised that when Emma came to visit we took her to Rainey Street and took this photo?

 Serena and I grabbed some brie and beer at Second Bar + Kitchen in the airport. You can see more of her adventures here.

Spring Training season is one of my favorite seasons. Go Twins!

Tried Big Storm Beer in Cape Coral.

LOOK AT THAT BEAUTY. 

 The view from Table & Tap at Babcock Ranch.

Peace River Beer Company in Punta Gorda.

 St. Patrick's Day lunch tradition.

Serena's Trip to Florida

Serena was finally able to visit the hometown over spring break. We had an absolute blast and took way too many photos. I've included some of them below so you can get a better feel for Fort Myers/Sanibel. We also ventured into the Everglades for a few hours. If you would like to have my complete guide to the Fort Myers area, click here. You will be able to see a video of the whole trip back on Haute Table on Thursday. Have you ever been to Fort Myers? - xoxo darling, Hayden

Lunch at Wisteria Tea Room - my absolute favorite sandwich in town.

We stopped by Manatee Park where we saw quite a few manatees and got to hug this little guy.

Some shots from the flowers blooming at Edison Ford Winter Estates.

Saturday morning on Lighthouse Beach on Sanibel Island.

The Bubble Room on Captiva is a favorite of mine to take people to 

a) see how nuts the interior/exterior is and b) to eat the enormous cakes.

The best cake, in my opinion, is the orange crunch. 

I finally tried the Coffee Bar in Bailey's General Store and let me say it was some 

of the best coffee I've had! If you need coffee on the island, go! 

A trip to Sanibel isn't complete without a stop at Gene's Books. It is insane and amazing and everything you could want in a bookstore.

Some shots from our trip to Shark Valley in Everglades National Park. 

Quotes of the Week

All images found here.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day from the most Irish person you know...most likely. It's days like this I miss the dancing, check out an old video here, but I'm going to see my old group later. Drink a green beer for me - xoxo darling, Hayden.

Spring Break Break

Hello Darlings!  I hope these past few days have found you well and that you enjoy your week. I have decided to take spring break off and just spend time with my family. It is my last one so I really want to enjoy it. But don't worry when I come back next Monday I'll be ready for lots of blogging.  Have a lovely rest of your week - xoxo darling, Hayden.

Quotes of the Week

All images found here.

College Week in My Life Video

This past week has been absolutely amazing. Follow me around the University of Texas at Austin's campus where I take a test, eat a ton of food and get visits from a lot of friends. If you are thinking of going to UT, this is a great depiction of what classes/schedules are like in college. Hope you enjoy - xoxo darling, Hayden.

P.S. If the video isn't uploaded when you click the link, please try again later, my wifi is not working correctly. 

Happy International Women's Day

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Today we wear red in support of all the women who came before us, women fighting for their rights today {aka all of us} and the women of the future. As a feminist, this day means a lot to me. I will be wearing my red and working with my chapter of the American Association of University Women. I am so proud to be a woman and I know when we all band together we have so much power. The future is female, after-all. 

How are you celebrating? - xoxo darling, Hayden

Week Re-Cap

Happy Spring Break Week! That's right, tomorrow I am headed back to Florida for an amazing week in the sun. I cannot wait to see my parents and take Serena home with me. The bestie has no idea how much fun we're going to have. This week was a good one. After I took my last test of college on Thursday {also, what????} I voted, got to try Fareground, and my friend Emma visited. I feel it can only go up from here? - xoxo darling, Hayden

P.S...I have a job interview today...

 It was the Texas Primary so I did my civic duty & voted! 

 Serena and I had a study date at Cream Whiskers.

 Finally tried Fareground and I fell in love.

 Y'all. It was so good.

 A shot from my final retreat with Texas Ladybirds.

 Oscars party complete with: popcorn, chips & salsa & queso, 

pizza, Snickers, Sour Skittles, puppy chow and M&Ms.

 Emma's here for spring break! 

 Lunch at Cafe No Se.

I've missed this girl.

Pink Ascot

 

Quotes of the Week

All images found here.

Articles I'm Reading

1. Love their wedding and photos and videos. It's just beautiful // #SmithsGoneMild // Sugar & Cloth
2. These are so creepy // President Heads // Atlas Obscura
3. I actually cried after reading this. This is everything I could ever want // A Love Story. // The Fashion Magpie
4. In case you are throwing an Oscars party tomorrow like I am // Free Printable 2018 Oscar Ballot // Studio DIY
5. Great piece // 5 Women on Why They Stopped "Taming" Their Hair // ManRepeller
6. Well, I've got a new list to conquer // 9 Austin Restaurant Bathrooms That You'll Want to Instagram // Eater

In Case You Missed It:

Target announced their latest collaboration...

I tried Pool Burger; finally...

Hoping for some spring weather soon...

Hunter x Target

OOOOMMMMGGGGG. O M G. OMG. Target just announced its new spring collab. And y'all, this one is epic. For me and I'm sure for y'all {if you read this blog} you will love this. It's Hunter for Target. HUNTER. As in those classic wellies we all know and love.  The first time I saw a pair of Hunter boots I was reading Nylon {because I was trying to be oh so cool} and they had their "festival wear" section. The Glastonbury look was my absolute favorite. The girl was wearing denim cutoffs, a blazer or jacket of some kind, a t-shirt and Hunters. I knew immediately I wanted them. Fast forward a few years and I got my first {and only} pair of Hunter boots. Y'all have seen them, they are the classic tall black gloss rain boots. And since then I have been their biggest fan. The boots are some of the most comfortable things I own and they still look amazing {I've had them since I took my tour of Texas, they were purchased in Lafayette, Louisiana - so roughly seven years ago}.  I could not be more excited for this collaboration. Seriously, Target has been killing it y'all saw the Lilly and Victoria Beckham items all over the blog. I so look forward to purchasing everything I can get my hands on from this collection. Are you excited too? - xoxo darling, Hayden

Lots Going On

Hi my lovelies.  This week has been I N S A N E. I had to fill out a 20 page application for my student organization's award that was due yesterday at midnight and today I have an essay test in one of my classes. Because of that I didn't get to write the post that I wanted to. But that will be coming tomorrow. Check it out and thank you for your patience today - xoxo darling, Hayden.  P.S. Happy March!