Happy 2020

via

Happy New Year's Eve! hope your day is full of reminiscing on the best memories of the past year and decade and a lot of delicious champagne — xoxo darling, Hayden.

Resolutions in Review

I'm the type of person that makes New Years resolutions but then kind of forgets about them. That's why I like doing this post — it makes me really think on what I've accomplished in the last year.  I started this post in early November, because I was working on my editorial calendar and thought why not? And I realized how proud of myself I was. Like, I think I pretty much killed it on all of my goals (as you'll see below) and this might be the first time ever that I've done so. I think there's one goal I could have worked on more and I might carry it into 2020 — you'll have to stay tuned for January 1st, 2020 to see what my new goals are — but as a whole it's looking good. Do y'all look over your resolutions? How do you think you did?  Take Better Care of Myself Mainly this was about #selfcare, because I suck at it. Like, I am truly the worst about washing my face, moisturizing, taking time for myself, etc. But you know what?! I DID IT. I actually have a day and night moisturizer, plus, I've started using a facial cleanser. And I'm super good about using it. Like I am so effing proud of the leaps and bounds I've made with this goal. I want to continue it into 2020 and maybe start using another skincare item, keep gradually adding until I'm so used to it I don't even forget or question it anymore. In regards to taking more time for myself, I think I did a fairly good job. I struggle to say no to things or not book myself out a lot but I try to give myself at least one day a week where I don't have evening plans and I go to bed early — I certainly go to bed way earlier than I did in college and I think that's an accomplishment.  Be More Vulnerable Okay, full disclosure: totally a work in progress. In fact, one of my big goals for the first week of 2020 is to find a therapist and book an appointment. I always preach therapy to people — because I truly do believe in its healing properties, but I haven't been to a therapist since I was a kid. And I think talking to a professional about why I suppress my emotions/struggle with vulnerability is a good idea. But I do think I've improved. While the best friend still hasn't seen me cry in person, I finally let myself show her my true emotions about some situations I've been in. And I feel more comfortable crying in front of people and telling them how I truly feel. Plus, I'm back in a kind of thing with someone and I'm really trying to work on sharing how I feel with them. It's so hard, but we'll keep trying. Be a Better Feminist Yes, check this off the list. I had already joined AAUW in 2018, but now I'm the Communications Director (and super involved with public policy). I joined the League of Women Voters, which I love! And I'm on the committee for SafeHouse's (the domestic violence shelter in Denver) Sampling for Hope event. Plus, I've been active in my friend groups, on social media and elsewhere to get people to understand how women — especially women of color — struggle for equality. I'm super excited to participate in my second Denver Womxn's March in 2020!  Read + Watch More I would say this one is also a checked box. I certainly made myself read more non-fiction, watched more documentaries/foreign films and just tried to read more in general. Obviously I want to continue these habits in 2020 because you can never read or watch too much in my opinion!  Explore.  I've definitely explored Denver a ton more — both in restaurants and in attractions. I've pretty much crossed the Denver attractions I wanted to see off my list (only a few more left). The Colorado stuff, not so much. But my family is planning an epic Colorado road trip in May 2020 so we'll be seeing pretty much everything there is to see. Also, I've come up with a Instagram/book idea that will lead me to explore some parts of Denver that people never really experience, so I'm really interested to see how all of that goes. 
2019 has been a really interesting year for me. It has had a lot of ups and downs, some weird middle bits and a lot of what feels like a holding pattern. But at the same time, I wouldn't change it for anything. I've grown so much in the last year in the adulting aspect, in the relationships aspect and in my career aspect. But I am excited for 2020, it's a new decade after all — xoxo darling, Hayden.

Year in Review // 2019

We bounced in the world's largest bounce house.

We had the best chocolate chip cookie in Denver.

We made new friends and got closer to old ones.

We spent New Years Eve in the French Quarter.

We helped put on a successful charity event.

We visited a bunch of Denver coffee shops.

We launched the Austin Restaurant Guide.

We went to the Denver Womxn's March.

We celebrated a four year friendiversary.

We went to Lakeside Amusement Park.

We went to a Wyoming football game.

We visited to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

We became a restaurant instagramer.

We got more involved with AAUW.

We started baking again on the blog.

We celebrated one year in Denver.

We witnessed Texas host GameDay.

We started a summer drink week.

We started a holiday drink week.

We hosted an epic cheese party.

We saw cool Colorado sites.

We went after my love life.

We met Elizabeth Warren.

We joined Junior League.

We went apple picking.

We visited Iowa State.

We did a lot of hiking.

We went to Germany.

We dealt with snow.

We went to Croatia.

We turned seven.

We turned 23. 

2019 has been an interesting one. I knew going in I was cautiously optimistic and boy was a I right to be. The positives — I got more comfortable in my role at my office, made new friends & got closer to old ones, traveled to amazing places and really expanded my side hustles. On the negative side — dating is hard, work is boring (ha!) and life really gets in a holding pattern when you aren't changing classes all the time. It has been a bit of a learning curve this whole adulting thing but I wouldn't want to change the last year for anything. And let me just say I'm incredibly excited for 2020 — I'll be ringing in the new year in El Paso, Texas and then the best friend is coming to visit in a few weeks. I'm trying not to set too many expectations for the new decade but I think it's gonna be a really good one — xoxo darling, Hayden.
P.S. 2020 is a huge election year, yes, for the president but also for many local elections. Please make sure you are registered to vote.

Week Re-Cap + Vlogmas Catch Up

Catch up on everything that happened this week, plus the final episodes of vlogmas!

Vlogmas Day 20
Vlogmas Day 21
Vlogmas Day 22
Vlogmas Day 23 & 24

 Made gingerbread cookies.

 Lovin' how Union Station looks this year.

 Junior League holiday party at Howl at the Moon.

Miracle on Larimer Square 

 Had a lil tropical drink.

 Larimer Square looks even more festive during the holiday season.

 My company's holiday party feast.

 Drove through Christmas in Color in Morrison.

 Tried Grande Station in Downtown Littleton.

 Littleton lookin' real cute.

 Julia and I went to Hudson Holiday.

 Saucy Buns BBQ in Littleton

Liz and I went to the Denver Christkindl Market on Saturday. 

 Look at those latkes!

 Their mugs are so cute and the mulled wine was delightful.

We got a tin of German cookies and instead of a gingerbread santa we got a gingerbread krampus.

 Brunch at Sassafras in the Highlands.

 A Sunday morning walk in Wash Park.

 Trip to the Kirkland Museum.

 Westbound & Down in Iowa Springs.

 Downtown Iowa Springs was all decorated for the holiday.

 Tommyknocker Brewery has a great logo.

 A cute sign in Edgewater.

 Went to Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens.

 One of the best breweries in Colorado.

 A walk around the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.

 Zwei in Fort Collins.

 An adorable Christmas display.

 My favorite restaurant in Fort Collins.

 Look at that breakfast! 

 Lunch at Breckenridge Brewing.

 A Christmas charcuterie plate.

And finally, the Pigotts wish you a happy holiday season!

Happy Holidays

Hope your day is magical — xoxo darling, Hayden.

via

2020 with Paperless Post

 I'm working with Paperless Post again to bring y'all my favorite New Year's cards. I'm so excited for 2020 (a new decade, new feelings, new relationships, new everything). Each of their designs are unique and different — plus, they work with some amazing brands to create them too! Which is your favorite? — xoxo darling, Hayden

Stocking Stuffers

1. Lip Balm, 2. Socks, 3. Pack This List, 4. Frother, 5. Face Roller, 6. Bottle Opener, 7. Silk Mask, 8. Bright Ideas Notebook, 9. Candle, 10. Solo Travel Handbook, 11. Passport Holder, 12. Bath Bomb, 13. Soap, 14. Suitcase Weight, 15. Chocolates, 16. Warm Cozy Mug, 17. Mask, 18. Diffuser

Vlogmas Catch-Up

Day 13

Day 14

Day 15

Day 16

Day 17

Day 18

Day 19

Holiday Decorations

Because now I like to go all-out for my holiday decorations, I thought I would show y'all what I did for the Christmas season. Mainly it's a bunch of stuff from the Dollar Tree because I'm cheap and they have good stuff for $1 — not sponsored, but Dollar Tree, I would love to be! What do y'all think of the decor? What is your go-to store for styling your house for the holidays? — xoxo darling, Hayden

Tassels and sleigh are from Dollar Tree

The tree is from Walmart last year (it was $20), the lights are my parent's, the white pom pom garland is from JoAnn Fabrics, the golden tinsel is from Dollar Tree and the candy canes are Bob's from King Soopers. My lightbox was a Christmas present, you can find them on Amazon. Our light garland on the mantlepiece is from last year's Target dollar setion. The snowflake, nutcrackers, green garland and mini lights are all from Dollar Tree.

We have a tin of Quality Street in front of the TV so you can snack on some chocolate while watching your favorite Christmas movie.

I put streamers in between our light curtain (Dollar Tree) and tied mini ornaments around the light curtain strings as well (Dollar Tree). I made the garlands out of construction paper (Dollar Tree).

I was inspired by Miracle's Avanti location last year, so I made a bowl wall. Bows are from Tuesday Morning & Dollar Tree, sign is from Dollar Tree. Basically, just get a bunch of bows, put painters tape on the back and stick them up. It was a huge hit as a photo background.

Christmas tree and paper poofs are from Dollar Tree — I like to cluster them together to look like ornaments.

Tree centerpiece is from Target, they were each $1.

The Merry Christmas garland came from the dollar section at Target and I made the holly garland out of construction paper and pom poms from Dollar Tree.

Week Re-Cap

The only photo from my holiday party...

It's another super long post with lots of food photos! But the last week (and a half) have been super good, filled with lots of time with friends (both new and old) as well as holiday cheer. I'm excited for the upcoming week because it's my holiday work party, my parents come to town and we're doing a bit of traveling. What are y'all up to? — xoxo darling, Hayden

 We've been having amazing sunsets in Denver recently.

 The Denver Christkindl Market.

 My only photo from the Denver Christmas Parade.

 City Donuts in Littleton is super good.

 Made some eggnog chai snickerdoodles for my cookie exchange..

 Which went super well.

 Some amazing food from Barcelona in RiNo.

 Our holiday AAUW board meeting came complete with snacks.

 Dinner at Cafe Jordano.

 Tried some fancy kombucha...

 And went to Señor Bear's holiday pop-up.

 LOOK AT THOSE POTATOES.

 Miracle Bar at Avanti was just as good this year!

 We loved it so much.

We literally bought the mugs, we loved it that much.

 Went on a bar crawl through Englewood.

 Had some mulled wine at One Barrel.

 And some apple spice cider at Devil's Head.

A beer at Tabletop Tap.

 A photo with Santa at Brewability.

A fabulous cannoli at Gallo. 

 At the end of the pub crawl...

 we took blurry photos with this tree.

 I saw Twelfth Night on Sunday and it was so good! 

Lauren and I tried Edgewater Public Market and really liked it! 

 We went to the Sippin' Santa Tiki Bar in Arvada too...

 Finally tried CREAM at Belmar and loved it.

Tried Cafe Jordano's cannoli.

Last Minute Presents

1. Apron, 2. Tortoise Earrings, 3. Beanie, 4. I Dissent, 5. Necklace, 6. Earring Set, 7. New York Guide, 8. Green Socks, 9. Slippers, 10. Hair Tie, 11. Tortoise Necklace, 12. Red Bag, 13. Yellow Socks, 14. Tortoise Circle Earrings, 15. Cookbook, 16. Golden Girls Mug, 17. Tortoise Bracelet, 18. Pink Socks, 19. Planner, 20. Scarf, 21. Grey Bag, 22. Red Shoes, 23. Purple Velvet Bag, 24. Candle, 25. Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, 26. Hustle Juice Mug, 27. What Do You Meme?

Quotes of the Week

Images here.

Vlogmas Catch-Up

Catch up on this week's vlogmas episodes.
Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

Day 12

Monthly Inspiration No. 3

Happy December y'all! Here are some photos that I've been inspired by lately...

Two Week Re-Cap

After a crazy snow storm before Thanksgiving, Union Station looked so pretty!

Happy week re-cap! Because of last week's holiday drink posts we didn't have a re-cap and now I have far too many photos but, oh well, y'all can scroll through them and drool at all the food, because that's mainly what this re-cap is. In it I go to Austin for Thanksgiving and then come back to get in the holiday spirit in Denver. Hope y'all enjoy — xoxo darling, Hayden.

Tried Mercantile and it was so good! 

Their fried chicken bahn-mi is delightful! 

First stop in Ausitn was Matt's El Rancho.

Fam Bam on a Thanksgiving walk through campus.

A cute flower wall near campus.

Thanksgiving dinner at Threadgill's.

Our Thanksgiving tradition, seeing Dale Watson at the Continental Club.

Gameday breakfast at Texas French Bread.

The game was fun but gross.

Austin got a Jeni's Ice Cream and I'm obsessed.

Made a stop at BookPeople.

And my favorite store in Austin — Make it Sweet.

Austen in Austin at the Harry Ransom Center.

Finally went to the Pinthouse Pizza in north Austin.

A morning walk downtown.

Forced my parents to go to the Glossier pop-up and I loved it.

A very cute brewery in downtown Austin.

Had the Lady Bird at Circle Brewing.

Finally made it out to Texas Beer Co. because I love the logo so much.

Tried the new and improved Swedish Hill and loved it.

Look at that chicken!!!

Sunday night at Mozart's Light Show.

Our volleyball team won the Big 12 Championship.

We made holiday cards at work last week. 

And a pasty truck came, and they were delightful.

Really happy with my bow wall. 

Took myself to dinner at Dos Santos last week.

Grabbed a chai from one of my favorite coffee shops, Link.

One of my favorite authors just published a new book.

Obsessed with my 2019 wrapped.

Eggnog Chai Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe

These might be my new favorite cookies. The icing is topnotch. Seriously, if you enjoy eggnog this icing is for you! And the cookies are nice and airy with that warm hint of spice. This recipe was only slightly adapted from Half Baked Harvest, so if you want her's (which are in the shapes of cute snowmen) go over here. Eggnog Chai Snickerdoodle Cookies Recipe You'll Need:

Cookie Ingredients

2 3/4 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

2 sticks salted butter, softened

4 ounces cream cheese

1 cup sugar

1 egg

2 teaspoons chai concentrate

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Chai Spice 

1/2 cup sugar

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon all-spice

1/2 teaspoon cardamom

Icing

1 stick salted butter

2 1/4 cups powdered sugar

6 tablespoons eggnog

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and baking powder. 

3. Using an electric mixer, in a large bowl beat together the butter, cream cheese, and sugar. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until combined. Gradually add the flour mixture.

4. To make the chai spice sugar. In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, ginger, all-spice, and cardamom.

5. Roll the dough into balls. Then generously roll through the chai sugar. 

6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cookies are just starting to set around the edges. Let cool completely. 

7. To make the frosting, beat together the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the eggnog and nutmeg, beat to combine.

8. Sprinkle with the extra chai spice & you’re done!

Quotes of the Week

Images here.

Vlogmas Catch-Up

Catch up on this week's vlogmas episodes! 

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Holiday Drink Week: Boozy Peppermint Bark Milkshake

I was driving home when I came up with this recipe. I was thinking about how I forgot to buy candy canes to make peppermint vodka for a candy cane martini that I had planned to go up today. But being lazy and with snow in the forecast, I didn't want to go get candy canes. So, I was thinking, what peppermint thing would I want to drink this season? And I landed on a boozy version of one of my favorite milkshakes. And y'all, it's good. I love it. I would drink it all the time if that was normal and okay. Try it please — xoxo darling, Hayden.

Eggnog Bourbon Milk Punch Recipe:

You'll Need:

-1 1/4 cup peppermint bark ice cream (my favorite)

-1/4 cup vodka

-1/4 cup milk

-blender

-peppermint bark, pink sprinkles, ice cream, whipped cream for garnish

Instructions:

1. Wet the outside of the rim of your glass and coat in pink (or red) sprinkles.

2. Combine vodka, ice cream and milk into blender and blend until it's milkshake consistency. 

2. Pour into a glass, plop some whipped cream on top, add a scoop of ice cream and garnish with a piece of peppermint bark. 

Holiday Drink Week: Mulled Wine

Since I'm an avid Zoe Sugg vlog watcher, I noticed her making mulled wine in Vlogmas and decided last year that I had to try it. When Serena came into town we experimented and ended up loving it. So, here is my favorite holiday boozy drink of the season, mulled wine — xoxo darling, Hayden.

Mulled Wine Recipe: 

You'll Need:

-2 cups red wine -1 cup orange juice -1 cup apple cider -4 whole star anise -pinch of whole cloves -2 sticks of cinnamon  -2 oranges, cut into slices

Instructions:

1. Cut your oranges into slices. 2. Pour all your ingredients into a medium sauce pan of low heat. 3. Add orange slices to the top of the liquid. 4. Let simmer for about 10 minutes, until the whole thing is warm and fairly incorporated. 5. Ladle into mugs, add a orange slice & cinnamon stick and enjoy! 

Holiday Drink Week: Christmas Punch

Okay, the holidays can be stressful as heck, so why not make entertaining easy with this punch? You literally just combine everything in a big bowl and people can help themselves to it as the evening progresses. Alternatively, it can be a great Christmas morning brunch cocktail...think of it as a big mimosa. I love the color and the taste...probably could finish a whole pitcher by myself but we won't do that! Would y'all drink it? — xoxo darling, Hayden

Christmas Punch Recipe: 

You'll Need:

-2 cups cranberry juice

-1/2 cup orange juice

-1 cup apple cider

-2 cups champagne

-lime or other fruit for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine all liquids in a punch bowl.

2. Ladle punch into glasses, garnish with a slice of lime and you're done! 

Holiday Drink Week: Cinnamon Hot Toddy

When thinking of the holidays, cinnamon is at the forefront of my mind and...of course, a hot beverage. Especially now that I live in a cold place. Now, I will admit, I've never had a Hot Toddy, this was my first. But I did some research and I truly think the Fireball adds a nice kick. Plus, don't we all have a bottle of Fireball lying around that needs to get used? Does Fireball go bad? I really like the subtle taste of this drink, you get the alcohol but it truly warms you up. What do you think? — xoxo darling, Hayden

Cinnamon Hot Toddy Recipe: 

You'll Need:

-1 oz whiskey

-2 oz Fireball

-6 oz water

-1 teaspoon of honey

-1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

-Star anise for garnish

Instructions:

1. Put a sauce pan on low heat.

2. In a glass or bowl mix together all ingredients.

3. Pour into sauce pan and keep over low heat, whisking the whole time (1-2 minutes until warm). 

3. Pour in a mug and place a whole star anise on top.

Vlogmas Has Begun!

Vlogmas 2019 has begun and we're kicking it off in Austin, Texas. Check it out below & I'll see y'all tomorrow — xoxo darling, Hayden.

Holiday Drink Week: Eggnog Bourbon Milk Punch

Bourbon Milk Punch is my best friend's favorite cocktail. Eggnog is one of my favorite holiday traditions, so I thought, why not combine them? And let me tell you, the result is delightful. I loved it! I find the recipe a little boozy but in a good way — the holidays can be a tough time so why not indulge? — xoxo darling, Hayden

Eggnog Bourbon Milk Punch Recipe: 

You'll Need:

-2 cups ice
-2 oz dark rum
-2 oz bourbon
-10 oz eggnog
-Tablespoon vanilla
-Nutmeg for garnish

Instructions:

1. Put ice, rum, bourbon, eggnog and vanilla in a cocktail shaker. Shake until incorporated and cold.

2. Strain into a cup, sprinkle with nutmeg and serve up. 

3. Enjoy!