Christmas Playlist

So Christmas music is one of my favorite parts of the month of December. It's so jolly and there are about 8000 versions of each song. Below I've created my ultimate playlist for this holiday season — I've also included the actual playlist on Spotify too so you can join me in dancing around the apartment while decorating or decorating gingerbread men. What is your favorite Christmas song? — xoxo darling, Hayden

Holiday Gift Guide: Under $20

1. Letter Mug, 2. Texas Cutting Board, 3. Tequila Mockingbird, 4. Headband, 5. Wine Condom, 6. Socks, 7. Peach Luggage Tag, 8. Soap, 9. Pink Bath Bomb, 10. Basket, 11. Bandana, 12. Luke's Mug, 13. Go Y'all Key Chain, 14. Plaid Socks, 15. Headscarf Book, 16. Peppermint Candle, 17. H Coaster, 18. Yeti Cup, 19. Blue Bookmark, 20. Rose Mask, 21. Gold Candle, 22. Pop Socket, 23. T-Shirt, 24. 90s Game, 25. Be Awake, 26. Peppermint Bark Bar, 27. Picture Frame, 28. Cactus Mug, 29. Luggage Tag, 30. Feminist Mug, 31. Rose Gummies, 32. Red Candle, 33. Wonder Women Book, 34. Gold Bookmark, 35. Volcano Cream, 36. 2020, 37. Nail Polish, 38. Bottle Opener, 39. Clutch, 40. Pineapple Cup, 41. Dino Taco Holder, 42. Pink Lychee Candle, 43. Red Bandana, 44. Kiehl's, 45. Blue Bath Bomb, 46. Plate, 47. Exfoliant

Week Re-Cap

Coworkergiving

 Sorry that this re-cap is mostly food but it decided to blizzard on Monday/Tuesday (we got about a foot) so there wasn't a lot to take photos of! I'm headed to Austin this afternoon to meet up with the parental unit for Thanksgiving. I'm super excited! — xoxo darling, Hayden

Tokyo Premium Bakery does amazing pastries. 

 A Saturday morning coffee from Novo.

 Decided to do a little treat-yourself at Glow Facial Bar — and I loved it.

 Sunday brunch at Breakfast on Broadway.

 Stopped at Session Coffee before heading downtown.

 Where I saw A Doll's House.

Picked up some Sunday dinner from Twin Dragon.

Holiday Gift Guide: Under $40

1. Pink Sweater, 2. Fair Isle Beanie, 3. Slippers, 4. Pink Scarf, 5. Planner, 6. Letter Necklace, 7. Cherry Bombe Book, 8. Stripe Sweater, 9. Mittens, 10. Joie de Vivre Tray, 11. Red Candle, 12. Red Dress, 13. Green Candle, 14. The Home Edit, 15. Red Skirt, 16. Blue Stripe Shirt, 17. Light Beanie, 18. Rose Book, 19. Navy Beanie, 20. Measuring Spoons, 21. Face Mask, 22. H Purse, 23. Notes Padfolio, 24. Orange Clutch, 25. Orange Beanie, 26. Black Bag, 27. Red Sweater, 28. Umbrella, 29. Black Gloves, 30. Navy Ruffle Shirt, 31. 36 Hours Book, 32. Fair Isle Socks, Red Pajamas, 33. Plaid Bag, 34. Card Case, 35. Gold Phone Case, 36. From the Oven to the Table, 37. Plaid Skirt, 38. Earrings, 39. Black Beanie, 40. Grey Headband, 41. Plaid Scarf, 42. Pink and Red Stripe Shirt

Quotes of the Week

Happy Monday! It's a three-day work week and I'm excited about that because I'm headed to Austin to meet my parents for the last game of our regular season. Although...it hasn't been going to well as of late. But I'm hyped to eat and drink and just be merry with the fam bam...and start Vlogmas! Are y'all ready? I'm not, but I did just make the intro (it's not too different from last year's) and I've got a bunch of holiday content coming y'all's way starting Friday. If there is anything you want to see on the blog as we wrap up the last month of 2019, give me a lil s/o in the comments below — xoxo darling, Hayden.

Images here.

Articles I'm Reading {For Months}

So, I've stopped doing Articles I'm Reading recently, it wasn't intentional, it just happened. You know, when you move into the real-world and have adult responsibilities and run a bunch of other things you don't feel like doing all the blog posts like usual. But that doesn't mean I haven't been collecting articles. So I thought I'd share them here kind of The Stripe style. Anything you love? — xoxo darling, Hayden
Okay, I'm loving The Wing's merch!!!
As a book lover, there are never enough places to put books...
The patriarchy is alive and well in the world of products.
I realize this is late, but it still cracks me up...
An interesting look at where our {potential} future president's get their money...
So, so, so excited about the new Miss Fisher movie!
I love Meghan Markle's style.
Cream cheese pound cake? Banana pudding? Key lime pie? All favorites.
I want to go to there.
Have you been to any of these coffee shops?
This is so cute!
Some good looking books.
Omg, this looks amazing.
Claire is one of my favorite humans and I adore the BA Test Kitchen.
Is this you? It's for sure me.
Okay, I love BA, but Delish is killing me with this series.
The Parent Trap!!!
Take me to these places.
Y'all like holiday baking? I sure do.
This Mrs. Maisel shoot is #goals.
Can we all move to London and work together?
An interesting list from one of my favorite ladies.
Speaking of London...
Ahahaha, A Cinderella Story is a hilarious movie...
Why have I never thought to base my travel around airline snacks?
Okay, loving the new Zoella website.
Kinda want to try all of these...
Love me some country women.

Holiday Gift Guide: Under $60

1. Pajama Top, 2. Beanie, 3. Eye Mask, 4. Manolo Book, 5. Car Diffuser, 6. The Joy of Junk Book, 7. Candle, 8. Tortoise Headband, 9. Chocolates, 10. Plates, 11. Charger, 12. Pie Dish, 13. Shawl, 14. Peppermint Bark, 15. Scarf, 16. Under Eye Masks, 17. Tote Bag, 18. Snowflake Earrings, 19. Laptop Sleeve, 20. Hair Tie, 21. Sunglasses, 22. Tortoise & Pearl Hair Clip, 23. Pink Headband, 24. Laduree Book, 25. Eyeshadow, 26. Towel, 27. Light Cups, 28. Santa Mug, 29. Vase, 30. Purse, 31. Orange Shirt

Week Re-Cap

Catt Hall named after the founder of League of Women Voters.

How is it already Wednesday? I took a sick day Monday, it was so needed but then had some stuff Monday evening, went to work Tuesday, had stuff Tuesday evening and now we're here. It's supposed to snow tonight (yipee) but other than that I don't have any plans. This weekend brings our last away football game, I'll be watching with my ladies at Chopper's and Sunday I'm going to see A Doll's House, one of my favorite plays from high school. Then next week is short because it's Thanksgiving and I'm flying to Texas to meet my parents. I'm hyped.

In this week's re-cap there are a few photos from this past weekend's trip to Iowa (full guide coming tomorrow). We had an absolute blast and I liked Des Moines even more than I thought I would...to the point I would consider living there... 

What are y'all up to? — xoxo darling, Hayden

Being sick last week, I decided to watch my favorite animated movie — The Rescuers. 

Love the bold pink Dunkin has chosen as their holiday color.

My lil United plane to Iowa.

 Iowa looking snowy.

The tiled floor of the Iowa Capitol.

 Friday night (before we lost) at Confluence Brewing.

How many shades of burnt orange can one wear at one time?

 Such a pretty campus.

T'was very cold, sunny and did I mention cold? But we had a blast.

 Kick-off was pretty, our loss was not.

 Love these two crazies.

Monday night pick-me-up at Black Pearls in Aurora.

My Junior League meetings are giving me a chance to try new coffee shops like this one!

Sick, Travel & The Crown

Hello my lovelies. So, I have been sick for a little over a week and I went to Iowa this weekend — where I sat in cold weather (not the smartest) and The Crown's new season came out on Sunday so I will be 1000 percent honest in saying I just didn't write/make a blog post for today. I'm sorry, but life happens, ya know? I promise I'll be back tomorrow with a Week Re-Cap! Enjoy your Tuesday — xoxo darling, Hayden. P.S. Enjoy this photo of sheep.

via

Quotes of the Week

Images here.

Holiday Gift Guide: Under $80

1. Swim Suit, 2. Necklace, 3. Red & Blue Sneakers, 4. Black & White Striped Shirt, 5. Red, White & Blue Scarf, 6. Pink Sweater, 7. Dark Tortoise Sunglasses, 8. Flamingo Float, 9. Star Earrings, 10. Pillow, 11. Bath Mat, 12. Grey Pom Pom Blanket, 13. Black & White Stripe Blanket, 14. Colorful Purse, 15. Tortoise Hair Clip, 16. Peppermint Bark, 17. White Hair Bow, 18. Shower Gel Set, 19. Pajamas, 20. Starburst Earrings, 21. Silk Hair Wrap, 22. Red Stripe Shirt, 23. Candle, 24. Bow Earrings, 25. Yellow Dress, 26. White Sweater, 27. Blue Hat, 28. Black Purse, 29. Night Dress, 30. To the Moon and Back bracelets, 31. Tortoise Sunglasses, 32. Tea Pot, 33. Orange Earrings, 34. Blue & White Gingham Pants, 35. Face Roller, 36. Orange & Red Stripe Sweater, 37. Oscar de la Renta Book, 38. Blue Earrings, 39. Pink Slippers, 40. Purple Knit Cap

Fall Vlog

Enjoy this fall vlog that happens over the course of a few weeks — xoxo darling, Hayden!

Week Re-Cap

A cute photo from a Friday night party.

Oof y'all, a good week that has now resulted in sickness. I flew to San Antonio last Thursday for a weekend with the best friend (and a Texas victory) but Monday morning woke up feeling not myself and after sleeping 10 hours last night I still don't feel quite right. But it's going to be okay — I'm trying not to tax myself too much and watching a lot of old movies (Sound of Music, Pride & Prejudice and others). This weekend I'm off to Iowa to meet my parents for the Iowa State game. I'm so excited! — xoxo darling, Hayden

Tried Quiero Arepas last week and loved it! 

Such a delicious muffin from My Favorite Muffin at the office. 

Look at this cute pastry chalet!

And it's delightful brownie.

A cozy bookstore in Arvada.

A cafe au lait from Hudson Bay Coffee Roasters.

Took a sandwich from Lloyd's in Arvada to the airport for my late flight.

How cute is Hannah's cat?

My San Antonio stroll to lunch provided with some amazing houses.

Lunch at Scratch in San Antonio was delicious!

Cafe au lait at Philo Coffee.

Look at this sweetheart! 

Dinner at Josephine St. in San Antonio.

Missed this girl so much! 

Uhm, yum!

Love these cute neon signs.

A gorgeous cheeseboard at a Friday night party.

Just two best friends acting weird.

Late night mini tacos at Taqueria Datapoint.

Started Saturday morning off with The Original Donut Shop's Boston Cream donuts.

Wouldn't be a trip to Austin without a stop at Madam Mam's.

WE WON!

A victory burger at P. Terry's.

Sunday brunch at Wendell's.

Holiday Gift Guide: Under $100

Happy gift guide season!!

1. Burnt Orange Dress, 2. Miss Dior Perfume, 3. Merci Pillow, 4. Letter Necklace, 5. Blanket, 6. Blue & White Plate, 7. Circle Purse, 8. Dior Palette, 9. 28 Candle, 10. Navy & Pink Sneakers, 11. Pink Sunglasses, 12. Mint Sneakers, 13. Tan Sweater, 14. Navy Crossbody, 15. Burnt Orange Fair Isle Sweater, 16. Heart Signet Ring, 17. Orange Kettle, 18. Two-Tone Basket, 19. Black Skirt, 20. Little Christmas Trees, 21. Earrings, 22. Tortoise Sunglasses, 23. Burnt Orange Pom Pom Sweater, 24. Champagne PJs, 25. Blue Candle, 26. Headband, 27. Grey Hat, 28. Blue & Red Stripe Clutch, 29. Ibiza Book, 30. Grey Polka Dot Sweater, 31. Ladder, 32. Christmas PJs, 33. Trio of Chocolates, 34. Chanel Shimmering Gel, 35. Hunter Boots, 36. Wicker Bag

Quotes of the Week

Happy Monday! I had such a good weekend with Hannah in San Antonio & Texas won, so I'm pretty happy. I'm headed to Iowa super early Friday morning but I have some fun stuff happening this week. What are y'all up to? — xoxo darling, Hayden

Monthly Inspiration No. 2

Okay, let's discuss how November is an odd month. Because it's still firmly in fall but it's also kind of not. Like the pumpkin patches have closed (my pumkins have rotted), you don't go apple picking — there just really isn't anything to do until Thanksgiving. And I hate that! I'm a firm believer in not celebrating Christmas until December 1st but I want celebrating of some kind to take place in November. So I'm gonna make it happen. Whether that's making different hot chocolate recipes, going on a fall hike (shoutout to Colorado's weather for knocking all the pretty leaves down) or doing something cozy. I'm ready. What about you? — xoxo darling, Hayden

Images from here.

Advent Calendar Guide

One of my favorite things about watching Zoe Sugg's vlogmas videos is rediscovering advent calendars. No longer do we have to eat those chocolate ones, we can enjoy wines, beauty products and more in cute, fun packaging. So, I've rounded up a few of my favorites for the 2019 season. I think it would be a really cute present to give someone on the first day of December (it can count as one of their holiday presents) because it'll be fun. What do y'all think? — xoxo darling, Hayden

Aldi Wine Rifle Paper Co. Christmas Tree, L'Occitane Diptyque, Liberty Beauty Sugarfina, Target Beauty, Merry Fizzmas Bath Bombs Seven Days of Self-Care, Palais des Thes Tea

Week Re-Cap

The cutest pumpkin cookie from Great Harvest.

Happy Wednesday my dudes! I'm off to San Antonio late tomorrow night, have a date tonight and lost trivia last night (nothing new there). But I had a great week, you can check out the photos below. What are y'all up to? — xoxo darling, Hayden

Loved this book about difficult women.

Saturday morning at the Boulder Farmer's Market.

Took one of my friend's up to Boulder to the Dushanbe Tea House.

Had the chai pancakes at Dushanbe Tea House.

Black Eye — LoHi

Tried Pinwheel on Saturday.

Pinwheel Coffee has the best apple ginger cider. 

Cafe Marmotte's steak frites

Loved this book about women and food.

Went to a Womxn's March fundraiser on Sunday. 

Saw the most amazing Molly Ivins documentary.

Love the Whiskey Biscuit's mac & cheese.

in-Tea on Tuesday night was extra cozy.

Favorite Hot Chocolates

With the insane weather in Denver last week, I thought I'd round up some of my favorite ways to stay warm this winter...aka hot chocolate recipes! There are three included and each one is delightful and will keep ya warm on a snowy day, enjoy! — xoxo darling, Hayden

In college there was a machine in our dining hall that made Aubelita's Mexican Hot Chocolate, it quickly became one of my favorite things. I would, after my 8am class, go across the hall to JCL grab a potato, egg & cheese breakfast taco and a cup of the aforementioned hot chocolate. I always knew you could buy the mix in stores but never thought to make it myself until now. Here's my take, with a little twist...

 Boozy Mexican Hot Chocolate:

You'll Need:

-Half a circle of Abuelita's hot chocolate mix

-2 oz Fireball

-1 cup of 1% milk

-1 spoonful of cool whip

-Canned whipped cream

-Cinnamon

-1 cinnamon stick

Instructions:

1. Put milk, chocolate mix, fireball and cool whip in a pot on low/medium heat and stir continually until completely mixed. 

2. Pour into a mug, squirt whipped cream on top, sprinkle cinnamon on top and place a cinnamon stick on the side.

Troubleshooting:

There were no issues with this one! 

White chocolate is kind of a love/hate food item but I do enjoy it occasionally. And this recipe is really easy if you want a sugary wake-up or after dinner treat.

 Hot {White} Chocolate:

You'll Need:

-1 1/2 cups 1% milk

-1 cup white chocolate chips

-2 spoonfuls cool whip

-Sprinkles

-Canned whipped cream

Instructions:

1. Place milk, white chocolate chips and cool whip in a saucepan over medium heat. Mix until incorporated (should be fairly thick).

2. Pour in mug, top with whipped cream, white chocolate chips and some sprinkles!

Troubleshooting:

This one can be a little too sweet, so if you don't want it overly sweet, only uses 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips. 

This is my all-time favorite, go-to hot chocolate recipe. My grandfather and I were notorious for making copious amounts of hot chocolate and filling half the glass with Cool Whip, the drink reminds me of him to this day. In case you're wondering, I buy this thing of hot chocolate mix because it seems better for the environment and I can choose how chocolate-y I want my drink to be.

Classic Hot Chocolate:

You'll Need:

-4 spoonfuls Swiss Miss mix (with mini marshmallows)

-1 cup 1% milk

-Hand-full of mini-marshmallows

-Spoonfuls of cool whip

Instructions:

1. Pour milk into mug, put it in microwave for three minutes.

2. Take it out, add marshmallows and put back in microwave for one minute.

3. Mix until marshmallows are incorporated.

4. Add scoops of cool whip and enjoy.

Troubleshooting:

No issues!  

Quotes of the Week

It's gonna be a good week! And you know why? Because it was a good weekend and yesterday I got a ton of work done early (in all areas of my life) so I can really enjoy this week. I fly to San Antonio to hang with the best friend on Thursday night and I'm so pumped. What are y'all up to? — xoxo darling, Hayden

Images here.

Halloween Party

Happy Friday my dudes. A few weeks ago I threw a Halloween party for my girlfriends and we had an absolute blast. Cheeselandia sent me a bunch of cheese so I decided to turn it into a full spread and over-decorated my apartment. We had a blast, attempted to watch Hocus Pocus and then ended up just talking about our lives for like five hours. It's interesting, in college I had amazing female friendships — love y'all — but my true "adult" friendships feel like something out of a movie. We get together and there's no pressure. We talk about our jobs (good and bad), the guys (or girls, or whomever) we're talking to, the food we've been eating, what we're doing on the weekend. We don't have to talk about the homework that's due or the spirit group drama and I love it. We laugh (sometimes cry) and it's great. I try to host something every two months and every time I have no regrets. 

Anyways, I'm done rambling, without further ado here are the photos from the party — xoxo darling, Hayden.