Happy New Year!

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

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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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. 

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. 

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.

Merry Christmas

{via} Merry Christmas! I hope your day is full of joy - xoxo darling, Hayden. P.S. Catch up on all of Vlogmas here. 

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

Holiday Gifts Under $20

The last gift guide is officially here! 

{Polka Dot Socks, Rainbow Ornament, Mug, Bath Bomb, Key Fob, Pink & Yellow Socks, I Am Very Busy Note Set, Aerial Beach Photo, Turtle Planter, Lano Lips, Champagne Bears, Bonjour Mug, Lip Gel Patch, Yay! Champagne Flute, Monogram Ornament, Color Block Socks, New England Guide, Confetti Soap, Plaid Hair Tie, Appointment Notebook, Pineapple Ornament, Dog Puzzle, Face Pot, The Art of the Scarf Book, Monogram Coaster, Polka Dot Bandana, Santa Plate, Ice Cream Hair Clips, Rad Women Book, Sweater Mug} Accessories - Madewell is killing it with the burnt orange right now and I want a pair of these socks. This key fob is the perfect stocking stuffer because everyone lets their's get way too nasty. I'm obsessed with this hair tie and this bandana. These hair clips are perfect for a kid in your life your the kid that lives inside all of us. The pink and yellow socks are just darling and so are these color blocked ones.  Fun - I'm loving both this rainbow, this pineapple and the monogram ornament. They would brighten up any tree. We all know I love a good aerial beach photo and I think this is a great size/price point. Sugarfina can help you celebrate the holidays with these gummy bears and how cute is this dog puzzle for your dog loving friend?  Beauty - I'm a recent convert to bath bombs, so get your friend one, they'll love it. I swear by my Lano Lips! I've never tried a lip gel patch, but I think it sounds awesome and your friends/family would like it too. This confetti soap just looks awesome!  Home - I bought this planter for Serena and she loved it. We love a good mug on this blog, including this one, this one and this one. Give this to the family on Christmas Eve to put their Santa cookies on and this champagne flute...because Santa needs to party, on this coaster.  Desk - Everyone needs a good feminist book under their tree and while you're at it get them a guide to New England and teach them how to tie a scarf. Have a friend that is always busy? It might be me...get them this and this to organize their life. I love this because it just looks cute on a desk; your friend can put her pens/pencils/scissors in it. 

Quotes of the Week

Where has she been? Well, she's been Vlogmasing and it's been really hard to do both at once! However, I am trying, just know that. And if you want to see what life has been like, click over to the Vlogmas page where I am vlogging every day of December until Christmas. It's a great time filled with lots of food, fun, holiday lights and more. 

In other news, life has been really good! We're winding down at my job, because 2019 is closer than ever, my friends and I have done our last hangouts of the year, my parents fly in tonight and my dating life is going surprisingly well. I'm really excited to hangout with my family this week and I'll be excited to share my New Orleans trip when it comes around too. I'm not yet sure what 2019 holds for the blog, but I'm excited to start planning it. 

Let me know what you're looking for below - xoxo darling, Hayden.

All images found here.

Week Re-Cap

The Flatirons looking magical all covered in snow. 

This weekend was so fun! Bean visited and we took on Boulder/Denver. On Friday we drove up to Boulder, which was covered in a blanket of snow, hiked a bit and then went on a tour of Celestial Seasonings where we participated in a marketing study and got free tea! Then we had afternoon tea at the Boulder Teahouse - absolutely beautiful, everyone should visit! Friday night we grabbed dinner with Lauren and Blair at my new favorite Denver restaurant, Steuben's. Saturday we slept in, grabbed brunch went to a Christmas market and visited the popup bar. Sunday we slept in again, had brunch, grabbed coffee, visited a huge Christmas store and took Serena to the airport. If you want to see all of it in video form, check out the vlogmas page. Earlier this week I went shopping in downtown Littleton, which is super cute! This weekend I'm going to chill, maybe so some holiday themed things and get ready for my parents arrival on Monday! - xoxo darling, Hayden

Taste of Denmark has the best pastries. 

A snow bean.

We took a free tour of Celestial Seasonings and they had tons of tea samples for us to try. 

Also, are we rocking those or what?

Friday afternoon tea at the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse.

Look at that beautiful ceiling! 

It was delicious! The artichoke purses were the highlight.

Comment down below if Serena looks like the Girl with the Pearl earring. 

Adorable present from the teahouse. 

Friday night dinner with two of my Denver friends and Bean at Steuben's. 

Which, let me say, is delicious. We had the Nashville hot chicken and it was ahhhmazing. 

Brunch at Le Peep in Littleton. 

Downtown Denver looking real cute. 

On Saturday Serena and I visited the Denver Christkindl Market downtown.

We got some mulled wine in the cutest little cups that I now make

 my own mulled wine in. 

Miracle Pop-Up Bar is one of my favorite holiday traditions, but dang 

the one in my Denver was insane! Still, Serena and I loved it. 

Cutest photo wall. 

*me, photobombing Serena taking a photo for my Instagram.

We saw some middle schoolers taking this photo and 

thought it was so cute...so we copied it. 

Union Station is all lit up for the holidays. 

Serena and I baked a camembert, made mulled wine and baked 

some of those great cookies that are so bad they're good. 

The French Press in Belmar. 

Those biscuits were covered in cheese and a chipotle sauce. 

The craziest Christmas store in Colorado...maybe the world, St. Nick's. 

Born.2.Bake in downtown Littleton. 

The cutest lil Christmas tree cupcake.

A relaxing morning, I miss having these so much! 

The New Year with Paperless Post

Back in June I got the chance to work with Paperless Post and they recently contacted me wanting to do some more work. Now y'all know I love them. Their cards are absolutely adorable and I love the concept of being eco-friendly by using e-cards. Instead of cutting down more trees, let's send beautifully crafted e-cards to one another. Throwing a party? Send an e-card! Want to wish your aunt happy birthday? Send an e-card? Want to tell everyone to have a happy new year? SEND AN E-CARD!! Paperless Post makes it easy, all you have to do is choose your cards, buy some coins (most cards are only 2 coins!) and then you're on your way. Each card comes fully animated so when your friends/family/co-workers receive them they do a little show and dance. I love them.  Want me to send YOU an e-card from Paperless Post so you can see it in action? Comment down below!  Since it's already a little too late for you to send out holiday cards I thought I would do a round-up of a few of my favorite New Years cards for y'all. Each of these has my official stamp of approval. I love the color schemes and the designs...did y'all know you can get Kate Spade & Rifle Paper Co. e-cards?! I love each of these and I'm thinking of sending them to all of my closest friends. 2019 is going to be an epic year, I'm sure of it and there is no better way to kick it off than by wishing those near and dear to your heart to have an awesome time. 

 Confetti 2019 - Just a simple, straightforward 2019 card, but I love the confetti detailing.

 Hope Peace Cookies - Kate Spade does it again with overall cuteness. 

 2019 Black, Gold - Love the font on this one! 

 Fireworks - This might be my favorite. I love the buildings and the color scheme. 

Toast to the New Year - I would send this to all of my besties. 

 Pink Floral 2019 - Just a pretty way to say happy new year.

 Auld Lang Syne - Love the colors! 

 Retro 2019 - This is super fun! 

Gold & Black Firework 2019 - A classic, great as a family card. 

Grey Countdown - Would be perfect for the men in our lives. 

Pink & Red Countdown - I adore this one! 

Thank you to Paperless Post for sponsoring this post. #Ad Also, catch up on Vlogmas here.

Quotes of the Week

Happy Monday! This weekend was incredibly fun but man do I need another weekend to recover. I'm three cups of coffee in at work and I still feel like a bit of a zombie. If you haven't been following along with Vlogmas (which if you aren't, what are you doing?!) you can catch up here. Bean came to visit this weekend and we did lots of festive things and ate tons of food. This week is much more chill...not a ton planned as of yet...I'm sure that will change, I have a feeling I'll run a lot of errands. And a week from today my parents will be visiting for a week! I'm very excited about it. What have y'all been up to? - xoxo darling, Hayden

All images found here.

Vlogmas Day 7

Holiday Gifts Under $40

So many amazing gifts under $40! Get something for everyone in your life from your mom to your bestie to your daughter. You got this - xoxo darling, Hayden

{Orange Sweater, Stripe Sweater, Water Bottle, Floral Planner, Wallet, Press for Champagne Print, BFF Necklaces, Kid's Apron, New York Style Book, Vanity Case, Secrets of L.A., Waffle Shot Glasses, Women Timeline Mug, Sleep Mask, Beanie, Candle, RBG Mug, Passport Cover, Picture Frame, Tortoise Earrings, Oven Mitt, Lemon Necklace, Peanut Trinket Box, Pink Plate, Candy Cane Candle, Earrings, Swan Art Print, Sunshine Purse, New York Times Book, Jade Roller, Mug, Sun Pouch, Planner, Spice Blend Box}

Vlogmas Day 4 & 5

Here are the the latest vlogmas episodes! Basically I tried a lot of food (most of it was delicious), had a good cry at Bohemian Rhapsody and went to work. Hope y'all are enjoying vlogmas - xoxo darling, Hayden.

Week Re-Cap

Aledo's Christmas event.

Oooo she going up laaaate. Sorry about that! But between working, doing vlogmas (have you seen today's video) and just managing the other aspects of my life, it's been a challenge! But here we are, just a few...maybe more...hours late. This week was a great one, I got to visit Bean in Fort Worth, watch Texas lose (it's okay because we're going to the Sugar Bowl!) and spend some time with friends. Here are a bunch of photos from all of it! If you want to see more in depth about my weeks, check out my vlogmas page where you can see what I'm doing literally every day leading up to Christmas. Have y'all been getting in the holiday spirit? - xoxo darling, Hayden

Dinner at The Whiskey Biscuit

The giant Christmas tree in Downtown Fort Worth. 

Delicious breakfast in FW @ Yolk. 

JerryWorld

If I'm being perfectly honest, I didn't like the stadium. College football is so different than the NFL and this stadium was DEFINITELY built for the NFL. The acoustics aren't very good 

and the whole thing is just very cold. 

Look at this lil goober. 

Love spending time with these two. 

Delicious Tres Leches cake for Serena's dad's birthday.

The Fort Worth Japanese Garden was showing the last of fall. 

My Christmas tree is finally done!

Vlogmas Day 3

Stocking Stuffers

I'm of the opinion that stocking presents are better than the actual gifts that go under the tree. We are a family that opens stockings first and I just think you can be more creative with them than you can be with the bigger gifts. Below are the items I'm loving for stocking stuffers this year. What are your family's traditions when it comes to stockings? For example, I always get a huge Tootsie Roll in mine - xoxo darling, Hayden

{Monogram Mug, Hair Ties, Earrings, Glitter Eye Pads, Coffee Mug, Tea, Baseball Cap, Socks, Face Mask, Tocca Hand Cream, Soap Bar, Fluffy Socks, Drinking Buddies, Essie Nail Polish, Sugar Lips, Madewell Undies, Hand Mask, Mario Badescu Facial Spray Trio, Bow Belt, Hot Chocolate}
Beauty - Beauty items are great for the stocking because 1. they fit and 2. people never spend enough on self-care! These hair ties seem amazing and I'm all about not getting a crease when I put my hair up and these would do wonders if you put them in the freezer before a headache. Give your bestie the gift of masking with this one for your face and this one for your hands. Your mom will love this hand cream or maybe this soap. And lastly, the facial spray and nail polish are just good.
Hot Drinks - Loving this monogram mug for hot tea and this coffee mug for some hot chocolate complete with whipped cream on top. Get these for anybody who enjoys a warm beverage on a cold, cold night. 
Accessories - How cute are these?! Also, this Baseball Cap seems like a great accessory going into winter for anyone in the family. I'm a huge fan of getting socks in my stocking so I love this camp pair and this fluffy pair for those long nights. I've never purchased underwear from Madewell, but I like that this package includes a burnt orange pair... And the belt is just too cute, great for your preppy family members or friends.
Fun - We all enjoy a good laugh and I think these guys do the job very well. I especially love this for a sister or your mom because they're just too funny. Sugarfina makes the most beautiful candy and I love the packaging. They have really tiny boxes that would boug-up your family member's stocking. 

Welcome to Vlogmas!

If you don't know what Vlogmas is, basically I'll will be filming every day up until Christmas and showing you how I celebrate. Think of it as one really long week in my life vlog. So here are Days 1 & 2. I will be having other blog posts than vlogmas, but they will also get posted...so you're actually getting two posts a day! Day 1 is at the Big 12 Championship Game in Texas...we lost...but it's okay!

Day 2 is in Fort Worth but then we end it decorating my Christmas tree and we talk about where I'm celebrating NYE!

Vlogmas Day 1

Articles I'm Reading

1. I had all of these thoughts too // I Watched "The Princess Switch" On Netflix and Head So Many Thoughts // BuzzFeed
2. Yaaaaas // 14 Holiday Eggnog Desserts for the Eggnog-Obsessed // All Recipes
3. Wow, these places are insane // The Insane Architecture Porn of Condesa, Mexico City // Daily Beast
4. Such a good read // Yale's classrooms were full of men. Then the first female undergrads enrolled. // Washington Post
5. My mouth is watering // Burnished Potato Nuggets // Bon Appetit
6. I love her designs // Desktop Wallpapers // Design Love Fest