A Spring Mocktail

Okay y'all, I discovered this concoction when I was ~attempting~ to not have a hangover the next day (FYI: did not work). BUT, this drink is so delightful! It's refreshing, sweet and just everything that spring should be. So why not bring spring into your house while during quarantine? — xoxo darling, Hayden

Spring Mocktail Recipe: 

You'll Need:

-1 cup of ice -1 shot of prickly pear syrup -Topo Chico

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice. 2. Add the shot of prickly pear syrup. 3. Top with Topo. 4. Give it a stir to thoroughly incorporate.  5. Enjoy!

Quotes of the Week

Happy Monday! Does it even feel like a Monday? Are your days blurring together too? I've been doing Netflix Watch Parties, eating some good foods and reading. What have y'all been doing to pass the time? — xoxo darling, Hayden

Images here.

In My Shopping Cart Currently

So...I've been online window shopping a lot. Haven't actually purchased anything but these are all the things I've found that I'm loving...and yes, it's a whole lot of navy. But I just think all of this stuff is great for spring/summer. What do y'all think? — xoxo darling, Hayden

1. Jean Jacket, 2. Navy Dress with Diamond Pattern, 3. Coral Dress, 4. Navy & Green Pom Pom Dress, 5. Lemon PJs, 6. Navy Sweater, 7. Cream T-Shirt, 8. Stripe Dress, 9. Navy Embroidered Blouse, 10. Navy Longsleeve Dress, 11. Women Can Do Anything Shirt, 12. Navy Floral Shirt, 13. Navy Dress, 14. White Dotted Blouse

Some Cocktail Recipes

I've recently joined the masses making TikToks...yes, I recognize I'm a 24 year old and it's an app for kids...but hey, #socialdistancing is hard.
Basically, I'm making a feminist cocktails every day until the quarantine ends and I thought I'd share the recipes/videos with you. I'm basing the cocktails on recipes from the book Free the Tipple by Jennifer Croll but of course, since we're quarantined I'm adapting them so I don't make an unnecessary trip to the store.

The Iris Apfel

-2 shots aperol

-diet tonic water

-ice

In a glass full of ice, pour two shots Aperol and top with your diet tonic water.

@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 1: The Iris Apfel ##fyp ##tiktokreviews ##cocktails ##cocktailrecipes ##feministcocktails
♬ original sound - hap213

The Cindy Sherman

-2 shots vodka

-1 shot cranberry juice

-3/4 shot lime juice

-3/4 shot triple sec

-ice

In a shaker full of ice, add all ingredients, strain into a glass. 

@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 2: The Cindy Sherman ##fyp ##cocktails ##feministcocktails ##cocktailrecipes
♬ original sound - hap213

The Grace Coddington

-3 shots prosecco

-2 shots aperol

-1 shot diet tonic water

-ice

In a glass full of ice add prosecco, aperol and diet tonic water.

@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 3: The Grace Coddington ##feministcocktails ##cocktails ##TheSongOfUs ##happyathome
♬ original sound - hap213

The Meryl Streep

-1 1/2 shots bourbon

-1/2 shot lemon juice

-1/2 shot cinnamon syrup (2 tablespoons sugar, 3 cinnamon sticks, 1/4 cup water over heat until it reduces)

-prosecco 

-ice

In a shaker full of ice, add bourbon, lemon juice, cinnamon syrup. Pour into a glass full of ice and top with prosecco.

@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 4: The Meryl Streep ##feministcocktails ##TheSongOfUs ##onlineclass ##cocktailrecipe
♬ original sound - hap213

Week Re-Cap

Brunch takeout from Toast Fine Foods.

Happy social distancing week two y'all! It's basically been a lot of eating, drinking, reading, binge watching, etc. I hope you're doing well — xoxo darling, Hayden.

The Iris Apfel drink

The Post's Nashville hot fried chicken sandwich

Love discovering new cocktails.

What I've Read & Watched Recently

I do these posts a few times a year, but man does it seem even more necessary today? I've been consuming more television and reading more because of coronavirus and I'm sure you are too! Let me know if you'v read/watched any of this or if you have a suggestion for me — xoxo darling, Hayden.

W A T C H E D

Hunters — This show seems to be fairly controversial but let me say, I didn't mind it. Yes, there were scenes I found I couldn't watch but as a whole it wasn't as gory/awful as people had warned me. What I loved most was the scenery and costumes — set in the 1970s, it's just amazing. There are some pretty epic twists and turns that you probably won't see coming as well. I say try watching it and see how you feel after that. 
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina — Season three of this kind of insane show was yet another one for the books. Do I think it's absurd? Absolutely, but there is something about it that I love. Maybe it's because I watch it when I fly and it totally takes me out of the cramped seats and uncomfortable companions? Plus, I love the clothes...Sabrina's wardrobe is perfection. 
Love Is Blind — I realize pretty much everyone has seen this reality show about couples not seeing each other face-to-face until they're engaged. But I thought I'd mention that my roommate and I basically binged watched it in two days and were obsessed. Giannina was our favorite purely based on her clothes, she pulled off amazing outfits! The whole concept terrifies me, I would never want to do a relationship so quickly but it was interesting to watch the couples struggle with normal day problems after having met in such an odd way. I'm rooting for the couples that got married (and at the time of publishing this) are still married. 
To All The Boys: P.S. I Still Love You — How cute. While, in my opinion, not as good as the first one, it was adorable. I love the clothing and just the colors that the movie is shot in. But I will say I thought the ending was a little too quick? But dang, I want a Peter to show up because I hate driving in the snow too! 
Miss Americana — For most of my life I've been a Taylor Swift fan. There was a brief part when I acted like I thought she was annoying because #peerpressure, but I still stood her in the background. And I think this documentary really sheds light on her struggles both as a musician and as a woman. It also shows that you should basically never cross her because she keeps every receipt and often comes out on top. I'm so glad she finally feels comfortable discussing politics and more controversial topics because we should all feel comfortable to do so. 
Schitt's Creek — The final season is making me cry happy tears (and sad tears, re: Alexis). I adore this show and everything about it is perfect. If you have yet to watch...where have you been? But also, you can binge it on Netflix so get on that during quarantine. Who's y'all's favorite character? Mine is Moira. 
Briarpatch — This show is just plain weird, which is why I like it. Set in a small border town in Texas, the main character's sister (a cop) is blown up in a car bomb, so she goes down to investigate. What happens next involves escaped zoo animals, drugs, human trafficking, arms dealers, dirty cops, dirty city council people and more. I love the cinematography of it and there's a whole lot of being Texas that makes me happy...oh and cute giraffes! 
Fleabag — I'm very late to the Fleabag world, but holy cow is this show funny! I binged it in like three days, and that was me trying to limit myself. It's really short (two season of eight short episodes). The first season you kind of hate everyone but the second season redeems them. It centers on a main character who is emotionally traumatized from her mother and best friend dying. Her older sister is an overachiever that knows her marriage is bad, but can't seem to get out of it. The dad is clueless and the main character is a sex addict...yeah. Olivia Coleman as the mean step mom might be my favorite character. It's a must-watch if you're a woman I think — she goes through so much that is so normal for us but you don't see in most shows/movies.
Jojo Rabbit — What an odd film. But also what a good film. There was a pretty epic twist I didn't see coming about halfway through the movie and other than that it was kind of hilarious. The little kid was adorable and Sam Rockwell truly stole the show in my opinion. If you find Hitler humor uncomfortable I would avoid at all costs, but if you can see humor in horrible situations, I say give it a go.
Ford vs. Ferarri — Okay, I loved this film. I knew, literally, nothing about racing, I had to ask my family a ton of questions about the differences between Formula One and Nascar, but oh my goodness, the acting! And the situations, and the devastating ending! All so good. It's a must-watch even if racing cars isn't your thing!  
Gavin and Stacey — As y'all know I'm a big Zoella fan, and that woman is obsessed with Gavin & Stacey so I thought I'd try it out. I was not disappointed. All three seasons are on Amazon Prime, and it's just a sitcom about Gavin and Stacey falling in love, being from two different parts of the UK and the troubles that come with that. The parents are my favorites and James Corden is hilarious. It's lighthearted and good to binge when you're feeling down. 
Hit & Run — My girlfriends and I did our first ever Netflix Party last week and watched this very 2010s rom com. It's Dax Shepard & Kristen Bell (one of my favorite celeb couples) and basically Dax is a criminal in witness protection and Kristen is a professor with a job interview in LA (where Dax committed his crimes). So, the movie is about him getting her there while being followed by cops and the criminals he sent away. It's lighthearted and kind of just what you need in these times. 
Brockmire — If you like dirty humor, and I mean dirty, Brockmire is for you. My whole family loves it, and it is on it's final season. It centers around Brockmire, a baseball commentator who does everything wrong. He says inappropriate stuff, gets banned from baseball more than once and is an addict of pretty much everything. The best season, in my opinion, was last year's where he's in Florida for spring training and it's so accurate. 
Building Chernobyl's Megatomb — I just watched this as part of my 61 in 1001! And it was fascinating. If you don't know anything about Chernobyl, I highly recommend reading the Wiki page (I know it's not the most accurate source, but it's pretty accurate) and watching the HBO mini-series because it was so good! This documentary, by PBS' NOVA, is about the creation of the large structure to cover the old sarcophagus because it was deteriorating rapidly and if it collapsed it would have released even more radioactive waste into the air. The structure they built was the largest ever moved on land and I just sat enraptured by the whole thing. 

R E A D

My Italian Bulldozer — What a cute novel this was. It's kind of Peter Mayle meets Under the Tuscan Sun. Centered around a food writer, the plot involves his break up and subsequent move to Italy to finish his cookbook. He thinks he falls in love with an American, but really she leads him to discovering someone else in his life and I really liked the practicality of it all. Plus, the food sounds amazing and the scenery sounded beautiful. 
Aunt Dimity & the Widow's Curse — Okay, a new series I'm really into are these Aunt Dimity books! I don't really remember how I found them, but Aunt Dimity is a ghost in a notebook...you have to suspend you mind a bit but she doesn't play the biggest part in the book. Mainly it's about Lori, who has the Aunt Dimity notebook and her life in a tiny English village. It's kind of like Agatha Rasin but a little sweeter. Lori has two boys and a baby girl, plus, an adoring husband and father-in-law. She goes around figuring out tiny town problems and it's just adorable. 
Comfort Me With Apples — I've loved Ruth Reichl since I first read Garlic & Sapphires and it changed my life. Unlike that book, this one show's her raw emotions in such a refreshing way. She talks about heartbreak, cheating, loss, love and, of course, food. I loved it and I cried, which is pretty rare for me when reading. 10/10 recommend. 
The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle — Alright, people love this book. And I was not the biggest fan. First of all, I was confused for the first quarter of the book, then I got into it, then I disliked the ending. Some of my friends really liked it, compared it to Black Mirror, but I just couldn't find my peace with it. The descriptions are great and the concept is really interesting. I think you should give it a try, plus, it's long so good for the quarantine! 
Die Like an Eagle — Another edition of one of my favorites, Meg Langslow, this one centers around her twin boys little league baseball team. Of course, someone is murdered and insanity ensues. What I love most about these books is the sense of community. It's this adorable little southern town with issues but they all seem to band together. And I love Meg's insane family, they throw parties at the drop of a hat like they're professional party planners.
The Sentence is Death — I will admit, I've read this series out of order, meaning this is the second book and I read it first. But I really liked it. Horowitz wrote some of my favorite books as a kid (Alex Rider) and I watched Foyles War, one of the show's he wrote. This book is a weird combo of his real life — he's on the set of the show — and a fictional detective. One of the reasons I loved it was the references to real London things (restaurants, parks, etc) because I could look them up and know exactly what he was talking about. The story itself has like three red herrings, which I love! And I didn't know who did it until he revealed it to me, a huge plus for me. 

Quotes of the Week

It's funny, about a month ago I was seriously considering eliminating Quotes of the Week from the blog's weekly schedule. But this morning, I can't imagine having done that. I think we need inspirational quotes more than ever. Something to tell us that this will all end and we will go back to leading normal — if not more enriched — lives. On the morning of week two of social distancing I feel hopeful. I woke up with a horrible migraine on one side of my head but, somehow, I got rid of it in about an hour and now I'm trying to conquer the day with a new found optimism. I think it's important to let yourself feel bad during quarantine, but also to come out the other side with positive thoughts — the world won't always be like this y'all. Hope your having a good morning & I'll see y'all back here tomorrow — xoxo darling, Hayden.

Images here.

Ultimate Guide to Denver Coffee Shops

Over the past year and a half, I've been visiting coffee shops in Denver in an attempt to create this guide. Now, it is by no means done. I still have about 30 shops to visit and those will get added as I go, but I wanted to get the list out there, so y'all have it. With nearly 40 shops already, this list truly is the ultimate guide to Denver's coffee spots. I highly encourage you to visit them all — collect 'em like Pokemon y'all — as each one is different and unique in its own way. Let me know if you already have a favorite or if I missed one down in the comments & if you're looking for a guide to Denver's restaurants, look no further — xoxo darling, Hayden.

Allegro Coffee Roasters

Located right on Tennyson Street, Allegro is an airy spot with old school wooden floors...yes, the boards will creek under your feet. They have lots of seating options, I even grabbed a seat one afternoon in the summer, plus, more options than just coffee. Grab you a Topo! The iced latte was refreshing and barely bitter. The wifi was good and it extends onto the patio where it would be lovely to sit in the early fall.

Amethyst Coffee (Lakeside — CLOSED)

Truly one of my favorite shops in Denver is Amethyst-Lakeside. It is downright beautiful. Complete with millennial pink bar stools, tile floors, exposed brick and plenty of artwork, it is a must-visit. Plus, it's women-owned and we stan supporting women. While the wifi is good, I like bringing a book, sitting by one of the windows and indulging in an iced chai.

Atlas Coffees

Atlas is down in Littleton in the same shopping center as my favorite car wash. It's cute inside — with many nods to world travel — and their chocolate muffin kills me. It's a fun Saturday morning spot because people are constantly in-and-out discussing their weekend plans with the baristas. 

Aviano Coffee

In Cherry Creek, Aviano is cute. I love the floor tiles that extend up to the bar and the overall airy atmosphere. They have solid wifi to go along with the industrial-chic coffee shop vibe. The cappuccino isn't bitter, and the baristas are helpful. 

Bardo Coffee House

While technically in Wheat Ridge, I count it as Lakewood. It's really cute and big enough to always find seating. Unlike most aesthetic shops, I wouldn't describe it as airy but cozy.  They do have wifi, but it's only for 180 minutes per purchase. So if you want to camp out there expect to have to buy a new item every so often. They have lots of coffee options and snacks. I went for a simple cappuccino as it was cold outside and it wasn't bitter, just rich and strong.

Bean Fosters in Littleton & Golden

I'm partial to the Littleton location of this coffee chain (there's only the two shops), but if you like the idea of being in a library, visit the Golden location. But, the Littleton location is in a sea of chains, and it just feels nice. Cozy but with lots of room to spread out and a very color-coordinated bookshelf that I can appreciate. Since the area is full of hiking spots, I like to visit after an early morning walk. Their straight-up black coffee gets my day started in the best way.

Beet Box Bakery & Cafe (CLOSED)

Where are my vegans at? Beet Box is for you! They are a completely vegan bakery/coffee shop near downtown. It's very cute, with exposed brick, plants and booths that are well-worn because they've seen friends meet to catch up on relationships, beginning business partners discuss future locations and more. I had a traditional latte with cashew milk, and it was super good. Plus, their s'mores baked good is delightful. 

Black Eye Coffee Shop (NAME CHANGED: QUEENSBERRY COFFEE)

This is one of the more aesthetic shops in Denver. Located in the Highlands, it seems to always be packed. So, if you're planning to set up shop I'd say get there early! But it's got a good vibe, dark and lit up by a red neon "Coffee Shop" sign it feels right when it's lightly snowing or overcast. 

Born2Bake

Quite possibly, my favorite place in downtown Littleton, Born2Bake, seems like a home for people. Early on a Sunday morning, an old couple, who are clearly regulars, greet the barista and ask about her children. It's sweet. Not only is the coffee (and the eggnog chai in the holiday season) good, but the baked goods are A+. Get a cake pop, seriously. Also, their wifi is great! 

Brew Culture Coffee

Right off West Colfax, Brew Culture is one of the only "Instagram-friendly" shops in the Lakewood area. There's tons of natural light from the big windows that face Colfax and lots of seating. The bar is covered in white subway tiles in a cool pattern too. My suggestion: grab your coffee then walk behind the bar for the seating back there. It kind of gives you a birds-eye view of the whole shop — good for my people-watching peeps. 

Cafe Ole

Need a perk up after you get your Colorado driver's license? Look no further than this little shop in the same shopping center as the Lakewood DMV. It's pretty small, but on a weekday afternoon, I easily got a seat. I can't speak to the wifi as I only brought a book with me. But the place is comfy and cozy, with mismatched furniture and brightly colored walls. 

Crema

I cannot comment on the actual Crema coffee shop, but the location in Denver Central Market makes a mean cappuccino. Plus, it's right next to Izzio Bakery, one of my favorites. Grab a chocolate almond croissant and sit at one of the many tables in the food hall before walking around RiNo to see all the street art.

Devil's Food Bakery

The place I tell people about maybe the most is Devil's Food. The bakery is the epitome of cozy with dark walls, plenty of seating and strong wifi. Yes, the coffee is good, but really, you're here for the baked goods. The ginger cookie with giant sugar crystals is where it's at...but I've never had anything bad. Plus, the baristas are some of the most friendly in the business — I swear I always have a great convo whenever I'm in there. 

Dirt Coffee Bar

This very aesthetically pleasing coffee shop off of Littleton's main thoroughfare helps a great cause and has delicious coffee. The breakfast burrito is also something to taste test. I would suggest going early in the morning if you want parking because it gets pretty insane. My only thing is the wifi can be a little sketchy, so come prepared with a book, too.

Enchanted Grounds in Littleton

If you are a gamer...of any kind...Enchanted Grounds was made for you. I go for the solid wifi and good coffee — they have a La Marzocco, so we know I'm in love. It's not the most aesthetically pleasing spot, but each time I've visited, it has been filled to the brim with people playing all different kinds of games, so there is a cool sense of community. Plus, parking is never an issue as it occupies the corner of a shopping center.

Global Goods & Coffee (CLOSED)

Global Goods is in one of the cutest houses I've ever seen on the main drag of Olde Town Arvada. It's my go-to meeting spot for Bumble BFF dates and when I need to get some sh*t done on a weekday. I truly think it could have been in Gilmore Girls...seriously, you just feel like it's fall in Stars Hollow when you walk across the creaky wooden floorboards. Grab a spicy chai, breakfast burrito and sit on the patio with a good book or head inside for solid wifi. Also, the shop supports global creators, so pop into the backroom to see what goodies they have today.

Griffin Coffee

A relatively new shop in Edgewater, Griffin has it going on. Their nitro cold brew got me through a long afternoon of writing...and it came in a turquoise ball jar so we good, ya know? Plenty of seating and white metal chairs with good wifi welcome you to sit for a spell. The barista when I visited was so sweet too.

Ground Up Coffee

Ground Up is my closest local shop, and it's perfect to run in and grab a pick-me-up. Their iced latte is one of the best (I've tried in the city). I've never sat down and tried their wifi, but there's usually someone in there talking with the barista or doing work, so it must be pretty good! 

Hello Coffee 

This is another shop that you kind of have to seek out or have someone tell you about. I stumbled upon it on Google Maps and decided to test it out...boy was I happy! It's very cute, but the most important thing is the extensive latte menu. The concoction they put together are delicious...especially the thin mint. Plus, good wifi and plenty of seating options!

HOJA

HOJA is such a good cafe. Like truly. It's off South Pearl next to a Duffeyroll, and I just love it. The place is bright and dishes up delicious foods — the burrito is a must-try. I have never sat outside (they have a back patio), but when I visited literally, everyone went to sit out there while I chose a sunny booth spot. Make sure to get an iced cafe de olla — it's iced coffee with cinnamon and orange that will excite your tastebuds. Plus, look at it...it's so pretty.

Honey Hill

A newer shop in Park Hill, it's downright adorable, and they serve up gelato! I haven't even had the coffee...I just really love their watermelon sorbet. But I will go back to test the wifi and enjoy the overall vibe of the shop. With two rooms, there's lots of seating, but I would assume it gets pretty crazy with all the families that live in the area on Saturday/Sunday mornings.

Huckleberry Roasters in Dairy Block

Milk Market is its own insane, beautiful, food-filled thing, but inside it is a location of Huckleberry. They roast their own beans over near Sunnyside, but this spot has cute red tiles and a huge counter for sitting and enjoying the space. A latte is always a good option and grab a crepe from a few stalls over to tide you over!

Hunter Bay Coffee Roasters

On a corner in downtown Arvada, Hudson Bay has plenty of seats and wifi so you can't get stuff done. I had a foamy cappuccino that was just the right amount of coffee meets milk. Just look at that cloud of foam!

Link Coffee Bar (CLOSED)

Want to talk about a cozy option? Link Coffee Bar is one of my faves. It's right across from where I volunteer, so I often find myself hanging there before a meeting. They have great wifi, comfortable seating and self-serve alcohol in the afternoons/evenings. The baristas are some of the best, and they make a mean iced chai. But also, their hot chai (pictured above) is the epitome of fall. 10/10 recommend.

Lula Rose General Store

Looking for the most Instagramable coffee shop in Denver? Look no further. Located in a former gas station, Lula Rose comes complete with a pale pink La Marzocco. It's just perfect for photos. The latte I had was excellent, not bitter at all. I sat by one of the big windows and just read my book — the place is oddly peaceful on a weekday afternoon.

Mojo Coffee

Located in an Ethiopian grocery store in Aurora, Mojo is kind of tucked away. If you enter from the back parking lot, you'll be inside the coffee shop; if not, you'll have to make your way past cool foods to find it. First, get a Napoleon because it's the perfect balance of cream and stiff cake layers. The coffee was solid too.

Nixon's Coffee

Nixon's has many iterations around Denver. I visited the South Pearl location (not far from aforementioned HOJA), and I've been to the shack on the Hudson Gardens property. The South Pearl spot is often crowded, and it can be a little trying to get a seat. But the wifi is good, and I highly recommend the hot chocolate. It's rich and creamy, just like you want. 

Nook Coffee

In downtown Littleton, inside a cheese shop (which, also visit), Nook is good when you need to get something done in a cute surrounding. They have these big, wooden picnic tables where you can set up shop and sip your latte. The baked goods are spot on, and the people who own the shop are super sweet.

Novo Coffee on Sixth

I love this little shop on East Sixth. It's got the whole dark wood, comfy, spend some time catching up with a friend vibe going for it. I snagged a table on a Saturday morning, so while it can get crowded, you can usually find something. There's only street parking, so be aware of that, but they have good wifi, and the coffee isn't bitter but rich and flavorful! 

Pinwheel Coffee

I haven't had coffee at Pinwheel, so I can't speak to it, but they do have seasonal drinks that I'm a fan of. The did a ginger hot apple cider last fall that was to die for. The inside is bright with wifi, and it's attached to a bike shop, so that's fun! 

Queen City Collective Coffee in Five Points

Located in the Five Points part of town, Queen City is downright perfect. With plenty of natural light, good coffee, great wifi and a summer patio, it's just an all-around good spot. Plus, it's near one of my favorite museums (the Black American West Museum & Heritage Center) and easily walkable from the RTD stop (30th & Downing). 

Riize Coffee

In an industrial section of Littleton — south of the downtown — that I stumbled upon Riize is cute. With these cool black hexagon tiles that run from the bar down onto the floor, it's a quiet spot with big communal tables. There are tons of outlets, and they have excellent wifi, plus, kind baristas. They have a bunch of chai options too — yaaas!

Session Coffee (CLOSED)

Right off Santa Fe, you wouldn't know how cute this shop was from the outside. But once you walk in its dark walls, great coffee and plenty of seating. The cappuccino comes with cute art, and it's just a solid option. I like coming here before I head downtown (I park at an RTD station and take the train into actual downtown). 

Sertinos Coffee

This place kind of, not totally, reminds me of the coffee shop in Friends (I am not a Friends fan, but I know about Central Perk, okay?). It just feels incredibly cozy. I went on a cold November weeknight, and it was just a nice experience. There was a lovely barista working, a fire was roaring, and the wifi was great. If you're in the Aurora area, it's a good spot. 

Solid Grounds Coffee (CLOSED)

Perfect for meeting a friend or for spreading out if you need to get some stuff done, Solid Grounds is off Broadway in Littleton. It kind of reminds me of one of my Austin favorites, Mozarts. The latte was good, not at all bitter. It's yet another, cozy place with good wifi that is great for escaping the snow to get some work done. 

Sonder

If you love that minimalist, bright white, Pinterest coffee shop vibe, Sonder is for you. It's located in Aurora, in the bottom of a fairly new apartment complex, but it's kind of a haven for cute coffee shops in this part of Denver. Their wifi is good, there's plenty of parking, and they have a killer seasonal menu. I visited in the summer and had a sunflower latte, I don't even know if I loved it, but I loved that it was an option.

Steam Espresso Bar

One of my all-time favorite shops in Denver, I highly recommend to anyone in the Platt Park area. It's on the corner of South Pearl and Colorado in a skinny building. With exposed brick, reclaimed wood tables, and a good patio for spring/summer sittin', the shop gives off good community vibes. The drinks are done well — nothing too bitter — and the wifi is solid. On a spring day, I couldn't get seating inside when I first got there but then moved inside about an hour later, so it really just depends on the day/time.

Sweet Bloom Coffee Roasters

Located in Lakewood off Colfax, Sweet Bloom is adorable. It's in an unsuspecting building kind of off-the-beaten-path, but when you walk in, it's a little oasis. They have a fair amount of seating, good wifi, and a really solid cappuccino — super creamy. They roast their own beans and sell them on-site — pick 'em up in a real cute bag. It does close pretty early, so plan ahead for that. The atmosphere is industrial chic, with lots of hanging plants — kind of like most aesthetic shops around the Mile High City.

Unravel Coffee

One Fall afternoon, I visited Unravel to kill time between a meeting and a social event. Off Holly, not too far from Cherry Creek, it has a good aesthetic. Very airy, with lots of greenery, the shop has plenty of seats. Normally coffee shops in Denver are insane, but I was one of the sole occupants that day. Their wifi is solid — I was streaming a football game while getting some work done. Plus, the baristas are aggressively nice...like dang.

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Things To Do While Social Distancing

Okay, everyone is social distancing right now but good lord it's going to get boring if you don't have a running list of things to do (when you aren't working, obviously). I've compiled a list of things you can do/I'm planning to do. This is a jumping off point, and please, comment below some things you're doing so I can fill my time too — xoxo darling, Hayden

Read some books.

(currently on my shelf: Aunt Dimity & the Summer King, The Deadly Dance, Gone Gull, French Chic Living, Shadows on the Lake)

Clean out your closet.

My tip: go into your closet and turn every hanger around so it's facing backwards. When you wear that item of clothing, flip the hanger around. It will show you in ~six months what you wear and what you need to donate.

Make a list of restaurants to try around town once COVID-19 is over.

Denver spots on my list to try: Lumber Baron Inn, Daughter Thai Kitchen, Same Cafe.

Learn some TikTok dances.

Renegade anyone?

Reorganize your bathroom.

Watch a classic film.

Netflix: Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Goodfellas, Driving Miss Daisy, Prime: To Catch a Thief, Charade, His Girl Friday, Murder on the Orient Express, Some Like it Hot

Clean out your emails.

Go through your inbox, trash, spam, etc. for every single email account you have (I have 5).

Write some snail mail to friends.

Love this card...or this one.

Organize your important documents.

Give them all their own folder home. Or do your taxes — why haven't you done them yet?!

Learn how to bake something new.

Might I suggest: American Tiffin, Strawberry Shortcakes, Cranberry Walnut Muffins, Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cross off some of your 101 in 1001.

I'm working on my 61 in 1001.

Start writing a book.

Why not?

Watch a documentary.

Netflix: Miss Americana, Oklahoma City, Fyre, Gaga: Five Foot Two, Building Chernobyl's Megatomb, Knock Down the House, Homecoming, Beary Tales, Expedition China Prime: Generation Wealth, The Red Pill, The True Cost, Iraq's Secret Sex Trade, Bottled Up

Clean out your photos.

I'm so guilty of just photo dumping into Photos, I need to get rid of all the random screenshots!

Order delivery & tip well.

Super important!!

Watch a foreign film.

My favorites on Netflix: Görümce, Romantik Komedi, Romantik Komedi 2, Isi & Ossi, Roma, Chennai Express

Research doctors/financial planners/therapists.

We're going to come out on the other side of this thing, so why not prep for your life while you wait?

Do some facemasks.

Love these: Aztec Secret Mask & Bliss Mask-A'Peel

Fully develop your skincare routine.

Work for a political campaign.

You can make calls to people while you distance!

Order business cards.

Shameless plug — Read some of my favorite blog posts.

Fort Myers Travel Guide, Paris Travel Guide, Colorful Photo Wall (a project you can do while distancing!), London Travel Guide, One Second Every Day of Senior Year, Ultimate Austin Restaurant Guide, Denver Dining Guide, Red Pendleton, Croatia Travel Vlog

Learn how to make a new cocktail.

Frozen Prickly Pear Margarita, Frozen Aperol Spritz, Christmas Punch

Donate to a food-bank or other charity.

Binge watch something new.

Netflix: Parks and Recreation, Schitt's Creek, Love is Blind, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Cheer, The Crown, Virgin River, Unbelievable, The Great British Baking Show, Gilmore Girls, Mindhunter, Queer Eye Amazon: The Pale Horse, Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, Hunters, Grantchester, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Fleabag, The Man in the High Castle, Goliath, Fortitude, The Romanoffs, Tin Star

Clean your room/bathroom.

Have a Harry Potter watch-a-thon.

I did this during a summer internship when I had no friends & nothing to do and it was so much fun!

Paint your nails.

My favorite color.

Workout with Friends.

My two besties and I group Facetime and workout to Beyonce's Homecoming, because why not?

Color.

I just bought these colored pencils, this coloring book & this coloring book to be a little creative.

Week Re-Cap

Stocked up on library books before the libraries closed.

Well...it's not a deep re-cap because I haven't really left the house this week. It hasn't been that bad, I've been binge watching, reading, working, etc. But will I get sick of this and want to be out of the house in another week? Absolutely. Where are y'all at? — xoxo darling, Hayden

 Had my last social activity before social distancing on Friday evening — saw the new Miss Fisher movie.

Had a slice of Rocky Road for Pi Day.

 Supporting local restaurants by getting delivery — Piggin' Out BBQ & Tuk Tuk Thai.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day! 

It's one of my favorite holidays of the year because I get to reminisce on my Irish dancer past. We used to have these crazy days where we'd perform back-to-back-to-back over the course of seven hours. At the time I thought it was hellish but looking back it was an absolute blast. My fellow dancers and I would bond, we'd eat trash food and we'd bask in the love of the old people celebrating — if you don't know, Fort Myers is especially full of old people in March. Now that I'm an adult I barely celebrate the holiday, I try to have an Irish beer but it's just not the same. 

What do y'all do? — xoxo darling, Hayden

Quotes of the Week

It has been an interesting weekend. I practiced social distancing most of the weekend, started and finished a book and have begun the next one. I don't feel bored yet, but I figure after repeating this ritual I will. I encourage you to practice social distancing as well but please continue to support local restaurants. Service industry workers often don't make minimum wage and do not have health insurance. They need you to support them, buy gift cards, get delivery, just please do something to support them. Do your part to stop the spread but also support your community. I hope you all are doing well — xoxo darling, Hayden.

Images here.

Favorite Neutral Pieces

While I love the colors that spring brings, I'm currently really feeling neutral-focused outfits. I've rounded up some of my favorites from the shops around the internet. Let me know if you like 'em! — xoxo darling, Hayden

1. Cream Sweater, 2. Grey V-Neck Sweater, 3. White Sweatpants, 4. Black Longsleeve Dress, 5. Crossbody, 6. White Shorts, 7. Black T-Shirt, 8. Black Tie Pants, 9. Embroidered Sleeve Blouse, 10. Cream Sweater, 11. Grey Cords, 12. White Sherpa Jacket, 13. Black Blouse, 14. Grey Shorts, 15. White Oxford, 16. Black Sandals, 17. Tote Bag, 18. Black Jacket, 19. Vote T-Shirt, 20. Black Button Down Dress