Articles I'm Reading

1. I want to go to here // Gal Meets Glam
2. I've already made this salad once and I love it // Cupcakes & Cashmere
3. I want someone to take this nice of photos of me eating curry with my friends // The Londoner
4. Thoughts on this list of high school movies? // The Ringer
5. Kinda want to bake these... // Genius Kitchen
6. Love this coming out video // Eugene Lee Yang

Paperless Post — Fourth of July

The Fourth is next week and maybe it's time to think about if you're hosting a BBQ or party...I mean, why not? And Paperless Post is the best place to find e-invites to all of your future events (I've worked with them twice before and love 'em, here & here). Below I've rounded up my favorite Independence Day-themed cars they have on the site right now. They are all cute and it's such an inexpensive way to make your event extra special — plus, by sending an e-card you are helping the environment! What is your favorite? - xoxo darling, Hayden

Thank you to Paperless Post for sponsoring this post! 

Week Re-Cap

Oof y'all, it has been a week. I came down with the cold from...well you get where I was going, last Tuesday night and basically stayed in bed Wednesday until Sunday. It was not pretty...it's still not pretty. I had a sore throat, fever, runny nose, sinus headache and a cough...I still have the runny nose & cough but it's getting better. But that means I watched a lot of movies from my childhood, worked from home and slept a lot. Then Sunday dawned and I had to get ready for the best friend's impending arrival so I did. And to treat my sick hair — does anyone else get sick hair? — I went to DryBar before picking her up from the airport. We then ate a lot, went to Lakeside Amusement Park (which I'll be doing a full post on at a later date) and had a blast. Tonight we see Kacey Musgraves for the third time and then at 6:15am tomorrow Hannah leaves. Whirlwind! But it's all good. Please enjoy the photos below and let me know what y'all are up to - xoxo darling, Hayden.

 The taco salad I made before I got sick...

 A wrap-up dinner at Old Chicago. 

Me, trying to get healthy with items from Nekter.

An adorable creamsicle bundt cake from The Bundt Shoppe.

Rolling Smoke BBQ at Stanley Marketplace.

 Insane desserts at The Inventing Room.

 Dinner @ Zepplin Station.

 Look at those nuts fries! 

 I adored Lakeside.

The Welton Room makes amazing cocktails.

So thankful for our friendship.

Amazing pizza at Denver Central Market. 

Fourth of July Outfit Inspo

Can y'all believe it's going to be July next week? It's less than a week away — where did June go? Well, since the Fourth is right around the corner I thought I'd round-up a few red, white and blue pieces that would look darling on y'all for the most patriotic holiday in our calendar. I plan on spending the day sleeping in a bit — I get home around midnight — maybe a trip to the beach, bagels for breakfast and ending the day watching fireworks with my parents on the river. Do you have any plans? - xoxo darling, Hayden.

Sunglasses, Navy Top, Hat, Red Jumpsuit, Jeans, Earrings, Headband, Shorts, Navy Bikini Top, Red Bikini Bottoms, Red Polo, Blue Dress

Quotes of the Week

Images here.

Articles I'm Reading

1. An interesting read about friendly neighborhoods // National Geographic
2. Postmodern architecture is a weird place // Curbed
3. Love some subway design // Fast Company
4. I want to go to all of these // Fodor's Travel
5. I think I laugh-cried through this video // Jenna Marbles
6. Love this idea! // Cupcakes & Cashmere

Sick Day

Oof, it's Friday and I've been home sick the last three days. It came on late Tuesday and I haven't felt good ever since. It is a particularly nasty cold — I even had a fever! So I'm taking today off, instead of my Sarajevo guide I'm just going to work from my bed and blow my nose a lot... - xoxo darling, Hayden.

Summer Inspiration

While I'm struggling a little bit to be inspired right now, having a cold is kind of the worst, I made this graphic about a week ago when I was really feeling those summer vibes. This is one of the first ever times I've wanted summer because now I've experienced winter. I'm ready for eating outside under twinkling lights, making frozen cocktails, hiking and more - xoxo darling, Hayden.

Images From My Pinterest Boards.

Week Re-Cap

Happy Wednesday! I think I came down with a cold last night — or at least an atrocious sore throat so today I'm taking it easy. Working from home in my bed with lots of water, throat lozenges, a few homemade smoothies and orange juice. I want this thing to go away before Hannah lands on Sunday...so cross your fingers! This past week was so nice. I attended the Denver BBQ Festival, went on the world's largest bounce house and wrapped up Sampling for Hope, the event I was on committee for. We raised over $42,000!!! How amazing is that? 

This weekend I have a few meetings, although if I'm not feeling well I might call them off and just sleep a bunch. Then, of course, Hannah comes to visit and we get to see Kacey Musgraves...I'm so excited. What are y'all up to? xoxo darling, Hayden

 Sampling for Hope was a week ago and it went so well!

Look at all those beautiful baskets — I believe we raised $15,000 in one night!

A delectable pulled pork sandwich. 

My friend Jessica came with me and it was so fun!

Kinda wish I was eating these right now...

Saturday breakfast in bed.

Got a press pass for the Denver BBQ Fest & was not disappointed. 

The Salt Lick — I miss Texas.

Look at those Memphis ribs...

GQue did some glorious ribs & wings too.

 Jessica and I then went to the Big Bounce...the largest bounce house in the world...

We also went through the longest inflatable obstacle course.

Kinda fell in love with a ball pit...want one for my apartment.

But ohmlord, it was exhausting.

Cowgirl lemonade break...

My Summer Uni *UT Austin

We love a good summer uniform, that thing that you know exists in your closet and will look cute no matter how you wear it. I picked up this shirt at Target...I believe on sale...because I liked the super thin burnt orange stripes — where my Texas ladies at? — and knew it would be cute with my navy shorts + sandals. I wore a similar outfit last summer a bunch but this t-shirt is a little looser and will not shrink in the wash...yeah it happened. I'm thinking of wearing this to a summer concert in the park, to a girls' night picnic, to grab morning coffee + pastries — just the normal summer things. What do y'all think? And do you have a summer wardrobe? - xoxo darling, Hayden

Looking for this cool building? Here ya go: 1545 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80210

Quotes of the Week

What a weekend! It was nice in all the ways a weekend can be. Rejuvenating — I spent all of Saturday in bed, fun — I went on the world's largest bounce house and crazy — my dessert party lasted until 1am Friday night (or Saturday morning). This week should be fun, I have a lot going on but we shall see where it takes us. Hope your week is off to a good start - xoxo darling, Hayden.

Images here.

Articles I'm Reading

1. Obsessing over this dress // Design Darling
2. This article is ME // BuzzFeed
3. Interesting thoughts on vanilla ice cream // Cupcakes & Cashmere
4. A heartbreaking, yet uplifting mini documentary everyone should watch // The Atlantic
5. We love a historic hotel // House Beautiful
6. Interesting piece about Lebanon // Daily Beast

Dubrovnik, Croatia Guide

We went to Croatia a little less than a month ago and had the most amazing time. This is the first of a few guides that are coming y'all's way. Dubrovnik was our first stop, and it was magic. We adored our time there and I would go back in a heartbeat. Hope you enjoy - xoxo darling, Hayden.

How to Get There:

I'm sure there are a few different ways to get to Dubrovnik, Croatia, but the easiest would be by plane to the Dubrovnik Airport. I only flew in so I can't speak for exactly how nice it is, but from what I saw it was a small airport that had been fairly recently re-done/built. A huge tip: their free wifi only last for 15 minutes (I KNOW), so if you are calling an Uber, wait until you get to the curb to connect to the wifi. They will make you pay after that but their wifi site is only in Croatian, no English option. The airport is about 23 minutes from Old Town, so you will need to take a bus, cab or Uber — the best thing is Croatia uses Uber! I could never really get a good answer on how the bus works and there aren't a ton of employees around the airport so I would suggest Uber or a cab. I ended up taking a cab and it was about 200 Kuna (roughly $30). 

What To Do:

Walk the City Walls

Probably the most basic thing to do, but honestly the best thing we did in Dubrovnik, walking the city walls will take you about two hours. We started at the Ploča gate because it gets the hard part of the walls (the steepest) out of the way first. We went in the morning, around 9/10am and while it was slightly crowded it only got more crowded as we went on. You get such a feel for the town as you walk the walls and start to figure out where things are, so I would highly suggest doing this as one of your first activities in Dubrovnik. 

Dubrovnik Maritime Museum

As part of the City Walls, we visited the Maritime Museum. It only takes about 15 minutes to walk through. But you can learn about all of the shipwrecks that have happened right off the coast and about the naval history of the country. 

War Photo Limited

Such a powerful museum/gallery. The photos were impactful and I still think about them. If you enjoy history and getting out of your comfort zone I would recommend this. The photos were mainly about the Homeland War (from the 1990s) and I learned so much about the conflict. The gallery itself is really nice and it's worth the cost of admission. Plus, it's right off the main plaza and easy to find. 

Fort Lovrijenac

We did this in the morning and it was a great way to get up above the town without going too far. The fort itself doesn't have exhibits, and is all open air. You just walk around and enjoy the sea air. I would suggest reading the history before you go so you can appreciate it and not have your nose stuck in a guidebook. Be prepared to walk up a lot of steps — but it's totally worth it for the views. P.S. If you watched Game of Thrones, I did not, I guess this was a big film location. 

Srđ Hill

Well, normally I would say take the cable car...but it is currently closed due to a government shutdown because they didn't pay their taxes (yeah, it happens everywhere). So, if that is open, totally do it — I'll be jealous! We took an Uber to the top...which was slightly unnerving because it's basically a one lane road with tons of cabs (remember how the cable car is shut down?) flying past. There is a restaurant, some trails and a fort on top of the hill. We did lunch (see below) and the fort. Fort Imperial is a must, in my opinion. I feel like if you travel to Croatia, you need to learn about the war that tore the country's people apart. And this fort played a huge part in protecting Dubrovnik...to the point that the citizens in the Old Town below had to fire at their own men in the fort to protect them. Pay the admission and go in. Plus, you get an amazing view of the whole Old Town and the rest of Dubrovnik. 

Just Walk Around

Seriously, just walk along the main plaza and around the entire town. It's so beautiful and there are little nooks around every corner. We walked around on our first night and Dubrovnik is beautiful in the moonlight.

Where to eat & drink: 

Amnesia Hostel & Restaurant

We did this spot for dinner on our first night...so about 20+ hours of travel for the three of us. A few giant Ožujsko's (a flagship Croatian beer) down and we ordered two pizzas and a salad both of which were good. Think more of an Italian style pizza — it is the Mediterranean after all — really thin crust and not a huge amount of sauce. But it was perfect for three weary travelers. And the salad had so much feta, it was heaven. The restaurant is in an alley right off the main plaza, in one of the narrow street corridors, so I would recommend sitting outside — you get to people watch and enjoy the weather. 

Restaurant Lanii

 When I was looking on TripAdvisor for breakfast, this place kept popping up and it didn't disappoint. They serve breakfast from 7:30-10:30am and they do eggs on multi-grain sourdough with a ton of options, plus avocado toast for the Americans reading this. They also do museli, a chia bowl, waffles with fun toppings and smoothies. I think the whole family did scrambled eggs with meatballs, which also came with grilled vegetables. Yes, you read that right, I said meatballs. They were legit too, with tomato sauce...but it was really good. We also had coffee and a fruit plate — complete with kiwi, bananas, oranges and blueberries. Would recommend sitting outside on a sunny morning. A ton of tour groups will walk by and that is fun people watching. 

Buffet Škola

Don't worry, this isn't an actual buffet! It's a really great sandwich shop located right off the main plaza. We had their basic meat, cheese and lettuce sandwich but the bread and meat were of such high quality, we loved it. There are a few tables inside, where we sat because it was lightly raining, and the people working were really nice. You do need to go up to pay, so don't forget that. This is probably one of the cheapest options for eating out in Dubrovnik and it would be great to grab before a day-trip or to take to the beach. 

Dolce Vita

This spot has some super creamy gelato. They do have inside seating, we ended up walking with ours because it was really crowded. There are lots of flavors, the Stracciatella was excellent — the chocolate pieces weren't as rough as you usually get. 

Lady Pi-Pi

I saw this all over blogs/TripAdvisor as a good place to go. It is really close to the Buža Gate (so if you stay at the Airbnb we did, it is probably one of the closest restaurants to you). We had dinner one night and breakfast one morning. It can get crazy for dinner, we had to wait about 10 minutes. They will combine tables, so we ate with a lovely solo traveler. The best part of this restaurant? The view! At sunset, there is nothing like it. You are at the top of Old Town, overlooking the red roofs and the water below. The restaurant is almost entirely outside, so if it's raining, I wouldn't go. For dinner I had the Ćevapi, a very classic dish. They are little sausages, grilled to perfection, served with a delightful red sauce and fries. We also had a salad — full of olives and feta. For breakfast I did the cheese omelette, which was cooked so well and really cheesy. They also make strong coffee — but dang was it good. Breakfast was way less crowded, we didn't have to wait and there were only three other tables occupied. 

Dubravka 1836 Restaurant and Cafe

A slightly nicer spot just outside the city walls, on your way to the fort, Dubravka is part of a larger restaurant group. We went for dinner, arrived at sunset and sat out on the beautiful patio. The view is amazing, you really feel like you're on the Dalmatian Coast at this place. We had the lasagne bolognese and it was so fresh...my mouth is watering remembering it as I write this. The pasta basically melted in my mouth. We also shared a Four Sorts of Cheese pizza, it's covered in tomatoes, four sorts of cheese, oregano and olives. The crust was nice and crunchy and the cheeses were melted to perfection.

Panorama Restaurant

On the top of Srđ hill, Panorama is a great place to grab any meal (or coffee) for the view alone. We did lunch before going to the fort and it was perfect. Two of us had the chicken sandwich, fried chicken with herbs, bacon, coleslaw salad, iceburg lettuce, tomatoes, onion and batata fries. I loved it, and I'm from the south so I'm pretty judgy of fried chicken. But this was super good! Also, the service was wonderful. When we arrived they had a table right by the window but it was reserved, about 3/4 through our meal they came over and said if we wanted to move we could because the people hadn't shown up and they felt bad that we couldn't sit with a better view — just such nice people! 

Glam Cafe

If you are a craft beer drinker and want to stay in Old Town, this is the spot! They have lots of different options in bottles and a few on draft. We sat outside because the inside is tiny...will say there were some smokers outside so be prepared for that. They also gave us a little snack about halfway through and were very good with the service. 

Dubrovnik Beer Company

When we walked into this brewery, it was like we never left the U.S. Seriously, it's in a warehouse outside of Old Town but the beer is worth the Uber! Plus, it is right by the port, so if you sit outside you can see huge boats coming and going. The bartender was so sweet and gave us craft beer recommendations for the rest of our Croatian adventure. The GOA New England IPA was delicious as was their Fortunal Pale Ale.

Where to Stay:

My biggest tip when choosing a place to stay, is stay in Old Town. It will just make your life easier. It will be a lot of steps, but you'll have to do steps if you visit Old Town — plus whatever you have to walk if you choose outside the walls. When doing our research there weren't a whole lot of hotel options so we opted for Airbnb, and loved it. We stayed in this apartment, it's three stories, has two bathrooms and two bedrooms, which was perfect for the three of us. The wifi was excellent and we really liked how close it was to the Buža Gate — it made it easy to get dropped off with our suitcases and only have to go up/down about 20 steps. Would highly recommend it! 

Other Resources:

• If you want a guide, we suggest Amico, we went to Sarajevo (guide coming soon) with them and loved it!  
• Go in the shoulder season. We went in late May, had great weather and enjoyed Dubrovnik without the insane crowds. We heard that from June–August about six cruise ships come in a day + all of the people who fly/drive in. 
• Uber — don't rent a car. Cars aren't allowed in Old Town.
• Here is my Croatia vlog if you would prefer to watch instead of look through the photos!
• Below is a map with everything mentioned in this guide, so you can plan your own trip.

Burnt Orange Stripe Top *UT Austin

This shirt has two elements I love, one, it's burnt orange and two it has stripes. So, yeah, I love it. I will say, it is a little more form fitting than I usually wear — so my bustier ladies, be aware. I think it is a good transition piece for summer to fall, especially, but even for spring to summer. And did I mention it is only $12.99? Would you wear it to the next UT game? - xoxo darling, Hayden

We took the photos at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design. 

Week Re-Cap

It's hump day and I'm really excited about it! Because tonight is the event my committee has been planning for months, Sampling for Hope. It means I get to sample 12 restaurants, hangout with a friend and just enjoy a fabulous night. Then Friday I'm hosting a dessert party for all my galpals, I'm adding some new ladies to the group so we can all be the best of friends. The rest of the weekend is pretty up in the air...we shall see what happens.  The last week was a nice one, pretty chill, I got a lot of sleep — which we love, wrapped up the baskets for the aforementioned event and attended a tea for AAUW. Check out the photos below and let me know what y'all are up to - xoxo darling, Hayden. 

Some delicious hummus from Friday.

All the baskets wrapped for Wednesday's Sampling for Hope.

Saturday's AAUW Tea

 

 A Tuesday hike at Mt. Falcon.

 Made some friends...

Last Minute Father's Day Gift Ideas

Ooo this weekend is Father's Day and I thought I'd compile a last-minute guide. I hope you and your dad have a great Sunday - xoxo darling, Hayden.

The Whistler, Socks, Rain Jacket, Sunglasses, Water Bottle, Headphones, Kindle, French Press, Wallet, Shirt, Mug, The Spy in Moscow Station, Watch, Duffle Bag

Quotes of the Week

Happy Monday! I hope this is a fun & productive week for ya - xoxo darling, Hayden.

Images here.

Dad Floral Shirt Dress * UT Austin

Does the title confuse you? If so, think back to those Hawaiian shirts dad used to wear...for some reason the show Even Stevens comes to my mind. Not that Hawaiian shirts are bad, in fact I love 'em and the fascinating story behind them, but those bad recreations from the early 2000s that seemed to be everywhere from college bookstores to your local Dillards were not cute. But you know what is cute? This dress that you can buy at Target for less than $30! And it is so summer/fall you can wear it for the next six months. I love the cut, it's flattering on and the v-neck is a nice touch + the fake buttons in the back give it a little somethin' extra. Also...wouldn't this be so cute for the first few Texas games of the season?! Imagine strutting to your tailgate in this bad boy... - xoxo darling, Hayden. 

We took the photos at the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design. 

Orange Crop * UT Austin

I'm not gonna lie, when I saw my parents had purchased this for me I was apprehensive. The top is way more cropped than I would ever choose for myself and as a person who pretty much hates her midriff — we all hate something, right? — I wasn't that excited. And then planning this outfit, I wasn't too hyped. But then I saw these photos and it looks so good!! Like what happened here? I don't even know...but you know what that means for you? It looks better on that you think it does and it photographs well so when you're headed to a summer bbq or into DKR in August, know that you look dang good rocking this little number - xoxo darling, Hayden.

We took these photos at the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design.

Week Re-Cap

Macaron from the Planned Parenthood Bake-Sale

What a week it has been! I think I'm mostly over my jet-lag although I slept real weird Monday night...had a weird dream with the bestie & woke up in a lot of pain all over my body from sleeping in a very odd position. But it's okay! It seems like late-spring/early-summer has FINALLY hit Denver (thank god) so I have been spending a good amount of time outside. Saw two movies this weekend — Rocketman and Booksmart. Liked Rocketman, loved Booksmart. Went on a hike, went to a Planned Parenthood Bake Sale, tried some new restaurants and overall, just had a relaxing time. Also, currently watching a bunch of stuff on Netflix because they just released a bunch of stuff for June and I'm loving it.  This weekend is up in the air for a lot of things, we shall see what the cards hold - xoxo darling, Hayden. P.S. Did you catch my Croatia vlog yesterday? 

The pool is officially open!

Bacon flight at Bacon Social House Littleton.

First Aperol Spritz of the season — and ever for me.

 Chicken and Waffles at Bacon.

Friday night downtown.

Euclid Hall Sandwich

Saturday Morning Hike

Our new doormat.

 Obsessed with Lucky Bee Cut Flowers...

The RiNo Farmer's Market is really nice!

If Lisa Frank were a mural.

The Populist does amazing lemonade.

Love Amethyst Coffee.

 Linner yesterday at Birdcall.

 Banana Cream Pie milkshakes are something everyone should try.

Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, was A+.

Croatia Travel Vlog

As we all know, I went to Croatia two weeks ago...and of course I filmed a vlog. There will be tons of posts coming, but I wanted to get this edited so y'all could get a little taste of just how magical the experience was. Let me know what you think - xoxo darling, Hayden.

Quotes of the Week

Happy Monday it was such a nice and relaxing weekend. Friday night I went out with my roomies friends to a comedy show — t'was hilarious. Then Saturday morning I woke up eerily early...I'm thinking jet lag was playing a part in it, so I decided to go on a steep hike to start the day. It was a beautiful morning, followed by watching Rocketman — I liked it — and then laying on my floor Pinteresting away before grabbing Chick-Fil-A and watching the first Harry Potter movie...because, balance. Sunday dawned with plans for the RiNo Farmer's Market, which I highly recommend. I bought a bag of vegetables, some bread, a mimosa and enjoyed my friend's company. We also went to a Planned Parenthood Bakesale, because we gotta support our ladies y'all. Then it was a coffee shop followed by Booksmart. Overall, a solid weekend. 

This week I have some plans but we shall see what happens, I'm excited. Summer is truly here and I'm trying to plan picnics, parties and drinks with girlfriends because it's beautiful. What are y'all up to? - xoxo darling, Hayden

Images here.

Articles I'm Reading

1. Loving Studio DIY's new kitchen // Studio DIY
2. We stan beautiful beauty items // Cupcakes & Cashmere
3. In case you are needing some fashion inspo, here are all of the Met Gala photos again // BuzzFeed
4. The French Riviera is my dream vacation // This is Glamorous
5. I want to stay at all of these // Porter
6. Live in Denver? Here are the best farmers' markets. // 5280