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Thursday, April 30, 2020

Latest TikToks

Here are my latest TikToks! Hope you enjoy — xoxo darling, Hayden.

@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 27: The Rupi Kaur ##feministcocktails ##leavingmybody ##djathome ##AerieREALPositivity ##fy
♬ original sound - hap213

@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 28: The Zaha Hadid ##feministcocktails ##OwnTheCurve ##musiclives ##DoTheScotts ##foryou
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@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 29: The Dolly Parton ##feministcocktails ##OwnTheCurve ##tiktokcovers ##DoTheScotts ##fyp
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@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 30: The Laverne Cox ##feministcocktails ##OwnTheCurve ##petvlog ##DoTheScotts ##foryoupage
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@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 31: The Maya Angelou ##feministcocktails ##everydayscience ##hoopsathome ##petvlog ##fyp
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@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 32: The Naomi Klein ##feministcocktails ##promdiy ##randomthings ##everydayscience ##fyp
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@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 33: The Sofia Coppola ##feministcocktails ##earthday ##promlook ##promdiy ##foryoupage
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@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 34: The Yayoi Kusama ##feministcocktails ##goingpro ##promportrait ##promlook ##promdiy ##fy
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@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 35: The Mary Pickford ##feministcocktails ##MMMDrop ##promplaylist ##snackbreak ##foryou
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@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 36: The Rhianna ##feministcocktails ##MMMDrop ##tiktokprom ##SpaDeOlay ##everydayheroes ##fy
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@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 37: The Margaret Cho ##feministcocktails ##MMMDrop ##travelthrowback ##minitutorials ##fyp
♬ original sound - hap213



Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Week Re-Cap


Finally had a rainbow bagel!
Oh my goodness y'all, the weather. It was 85 degrees on my walk on Monday and I AM HERE FOR IT. Don't get me wrong, I love my fall weather the most but I think we all need summer to just get here. The sun has been shinning every day and it just makes me want to get outside. I'm just hoping that the trees will get their green leaves sooner rather than later. Down in Littleton we also have Crabapple trees that I desperately want to bloom.
This week I worked, laid in bed, walked, got food from some restaurants and watched movies. Nothing too exciting but I am feeling hopeful. I see a light at the end of the tunnel that I hadn't been seeing. What about y'all? — xoxo darling, Hayden

 Don't forget to support your local breweries!
 Spring Spring Spring!!

 Picked up some Crumbl cookies.

 Watched this amazingly chaotic movie on a Netflix Party.

Have y'all done this?

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Can y'all believe Mother's Day is just 12 days away?! I've compiled a few things I think most moms would enjoy receiving on their special day...my dad & I are going halfsies on what we're getting for my mom and we know she's gonna love it. Do you have any Mother's Day plans? — xoxo darling, Hayden


Monday, April 27, 2020

Quotes of the Week


Happy Monday! It was a really nice weekend of walks, watching bad reality tv and just catching up on some things. How are y'all doing? — xoxo darling, Hayden



 

Friday, April 24, 2020

DIY: Kentucky Derby Fascinator


So, I had scheduled this post for today, way before the Derby got moved to September. And you know what? We are going full-steam ahead because this is light hearted and the kind of crafting you can do while quarantined — xoxo darling, Hayden.

What You Need: Plastic Headband (I got mine from Dollar Tree), Big Pom PomsLittle Pom PomsCork CoasterHot Glue SticksHot Glue GunCardstock

Your first step will be to get a plastic headband that has a good surface area. Then, if it is hollow, put some cardstock/cardboard on the under side so your stuff doesn't fall through.

Second step, glue coasters onto the wide bit of your headband to give your more surface area.

Hot glue pom poms to the coaster and on top of each other.

Keep going until your content, then hot glue the coaster to the headband. And there you go!

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Articles From Around the Web


A round-up of feel good things I've seen on the internet lately — xoxo darling, Hayden.

Alex Delaney talks about novelty mugs...

Do any of y'all love Tess?

Feel good films to watch right now.

These are beautiful photos of Normandy.

A good round-up of movies, tv shows and podcasts for the quarantine.

Missing your friends? Send them something from this list.

I adore Allie's NYC apartment.

Crêpes Suzette with Claire might cure something inside you.

Virtual tour these gardens this weekend!

Man Repeller's list of fashion brands donating & offering discounts.

Some more movies to get you through lockdown.

Nancy Meyers kitchen inspo.

Love rom-coms? Wear these outfits while you social distance! 

Free movie streaming on Friday nights.

More Nancy Meyers content.

Trey has made me laugh again.

I just love the outside of this mansion.

Having read Cupcakes & Cashmere since freshman year of highschool (almost 9 years!!) I'm shocked by the negative comments they have been receiving. I think Leslie did a great job of discussing it

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Week Re-Cap


Some delicious tacos from Uno Mas.
 I think what's the most wild about this quarantine is how my emotions range. For example Sunday and Monday I felt on top of the world. I was in such a good mood. Then Tuesday hit and I was not...today is (I think) day 40 of my distancing and I think yesterday was just when it all hit. I'm a highly social person, I'm involved in a bunch of organizations, I see my friends all the time, etc. And yesterday it just all hit that I hadn't gotten to do any of that and I don't know when I'll get to. We don't know when we'll be able to stop social distancing and that just feels awful.

Now, let me reocgnize my privilege — I am thankful to still have my job, be healthy (knock on wood) and have the technology in place to see my friends/family over FaceTime. But that also doesn't mean that I don't feel a bit desolate. Now, will I wake up tomorrow in as good of a mood as I was in on Sunday, it's totally possible! I'll to continue to go for long walks, hope that the trees get their leaves back and that we'll be able to get back to some semblance of our lives this summer. But for now, I think I'm just going to let myself be sad, and that's okay — xoxo darling, Hayden.

 As a way to get me through the week, I do a theme night around RHONY. I get Italian food, pour a glass (or three) of red wine and do a facemask. 

I made these fancy champagne jell-o shots for a TikTok and loved them! 

Tuesday, April 21, 2020

What I've Read & Watched Lately


Happy Tuesday! I thought I'd share what I've watched and read in the last few weeks...since it's all I seem to be doing! What have you been reading/watching...I'm always looking for recommendations — xoxo darling, Hayden.

W A T C H E D

Sex Education — A show I'm a bit late to, Sex Ed is just downright funny. I'm about to finish the second season and I love all the characters so much...they are just downright precious. Also, the aesthetic of this show is like Wes Anderson meets beautiful Welsh countryside and I'm living for it. The plot centers around Otis, who's mom is a sex therapist. He teams up with a girl to go into sex therapy business for the students at his school. What takes place is a wild, sex-infused journey of self-discovery. 

Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness — I'm assuming most of you have seen this insane documentary at this point. Like...holy moly this is the most insane thing I've ever watched?! If you haven't seen it yet, it's kind of like watching a train wreck that's on fire and a bomb being dropped all at the same time? It centers around Joe Exotic, his zoo and all the zany people in the world of captive large cats. Joe gets into it with a woman down in Florida named Carole Baskin (who for sure killed her husband...in my opinion) who runs a cat rescue. He eventually tries to hire someone to kill her and is now in prison. It's wild...there are sex cults, polygamists, a person's arm gets bit off and more. 

100 Humans — I've been on a bit of a documentary series kick and this one was just really interesting. Plus, it's lighthearted which I kind of need right now. Three scientists got 100 people of all different backgrounds together and did a bunch of experiments about questions we have about life. Are women the better sex? (Hint: we are). Is reward or punishment better? And so on, it's fun and a good distraction over all. 

Julie & Julia — I saw this film when it was in theaters and did not love it. I found the Julie character incredibly annoying, to the point I couldn't really stand her. But Debora had never seen it so Serena and I forced her to watch it. And I see why I didn't like it. I still find Julie fairly insufferable BUT the Julia Child parts with Meryl are amazing. Plus, the food does look absolutely phenomenal. I also want a Paul Child like real bad...where can I find one? 

Isi & Ossi — The gals and I did a Netflix party for this foreign film about a week ago and it's just cute. Very reminiscent of those early 2000s teen romances where there's a rich girl and a hot poor guy that get together to deceive her parents but end up falling in love. There's also a lot of subtle humor throughout and beautiful shots of Germany. 

The Windsors — I've watched this show for a while now, and the third season just dropped on Netflix! It's a comedy version of the British monarchy and it's hilarious. If SNL were to do a whole show on the family, it would be this. I adore the actress that plays Kate Middleton and if you've seen Mamma Mia 2, the guy that plays Harry is Prince William in this. If you just need an escape, this is a good one. 

Killing Eve — I realize it has taken me forever to get to this hugely popular series. But let me just say, I started it Sunday night and was finished with two seasons by Monday night. I'm obsessed. I adore all of the characters and love that it's darkly funny. And that it's women led!! If you haven't heard of it, the show centers around a hitwoman and the MI6 team attempting to bring down her and the organization she works for. But the lead MI6 lady, Sandra Oh, has a bit of an obsession — rightfully so honestly — with the hitwoman. It spirals and makes you laugh and is just everything you probably need right now. 
Mrs. America — Okay we all know I'm a feminist, and this is right up my alley. If you aren't watching it, you should because it will teach you so much about the position our country is in right now. And how frustrating life is because women in the 1970s were fighting the same things we're fighting today. Cate Blanchett, Uzo Aduba, Sarah Paulson and Rose Byrne are all phenomenal. A warning: you may shout/scream at your tv a lot...I certainly do. 

Real Housewives of New York & Beverly Hills — Let me admit, I would watch these two regardless of quarantine but I think they are even better because of that. They are so over-the-top, the clothes are insane and they go pretty places. It's how my roommate and I can escape for an hour two nights a week. I've started doing a fancy salad for RHOBH and Italian food for RHONY + a facemask and red wine. It's nice to have routines!

R E A D 

Aunt Dimity & the Summer King — I really like the Aunt Dimity series, it makes me want to purchase a cottage in the English countryside. The main character meets a mysterious man and goes about discovering more about him and the history of her village. No one dies, it's just a cute mystery with lots of descriptions of the beautiful scenery. 

Duck the Halls — Another Meg Langslow book because we know I love them, this centers around Christmas in their adorable Virginia town and I love it. Someone is pranking the churches around town with animals but then someone turns up dead...who did it and why? Follow along on this very cute journey to discover the murderer. 

Monday, April 20, 2020

Quotes of the Week


Happy Monday! It was such a good weekend, like I was in the best mood I've been in since this whole social distancing thing. I don't really have anything planned for the week but I'm sure things will come up. What do y'all have going on? — xoxo darling, Hayden





Thursday, April 16, 2020

My Latest TikToks

Keep up-to-date with my latest cocktail TikToks by subscribing...or just wait for these roundups. What's your favorite? — xoxo darling, Hayden

@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 5: The Peaches ##feministcocktails ##cocktailrecipes ##TheSongOfUs ##earthhour
♬ original sound - hap213

@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 6: The Jane Goodall ##feministcocktails ##cocktailrecipes ##catsoftiktok ##TheSongOfUs
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@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 7: The Alison Bechdel ##feministcocktails ##cocktailrecipes ##ThisIsQuitting ##PlayByPlay
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@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 8: The Cher ##feministcocktails ##cocktailrecipes ##ThisIsQuitting ##reallifeathome ##fyp
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@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 9: The Kathleen Hanna ##feministcocktails ##cocktailrecipes ##cleaningszn ##nbamoments
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@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 10: The Beth Ditto ##feministcocktails ##cocktailrecipes ##celebratedoctors ##sidehustle
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@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 11: The Christiane Amanpour ##feministcocktails ##cocktailrecipes ##DecadesofHair ##fyp
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@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 12: The Selena ##feministcocktails ##cocktailrecipes ##DecadesofHair ##distancedance ##fyp
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@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 13: The Beyoncé ##feministcocktails ##cocktailrecipes ##DecadesofHair ##distancedance ##fyp
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@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 14: The Yoko Ono ##feministcocktails ##cocktailrecipes ##DecadesofHair ##WerkItFromHome
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@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 15: Missy Elliott ##feministcocktails ##cocktailrecipes ##DecadesofHair ##datingstorytime
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@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 16: The Frida Kahlo ##feministcocktails ##cocktailrecipes ##DecadesofHair ##killyourvibe
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@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 17: The M.I.A. ##feministcocktails ##cocktailrecipes ##levelup ##CookieWithACause ##fyp
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@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 18: The Lucille Ball ##feministcocktails ##cocktailrecipes ##freezeframe ##levelup ##fyp
♬ original sound - hap213

@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 19: The Anna Pavlova ##feministcocktails ##cocktailrecipes ##toosieslide ##freezeframe
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@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 20: The Gloria Steinem ##feministcocktails ##cocktailrecipes ##indoorworkout ##foryou ##fyp
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@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 21: The Rei Kawakubo ##feministcocktails ##cocktailrecipes ##siblingcheck ##indoorworkout
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@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 22: The Mindy Kaling ##feministcocktails ##cocktailrecipes ##petlife ##bestfandom ##foryou
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@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 23: The Tanya Tagaq ##feministcocktails ##cocktailrecipes ##happyeaster ##petlife ##foryou
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@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 24: The Nadya Tolokonnikova ##feministcocktails ##OpenForDelivery ##keepingbusy ##fyp
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@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 25: The Ella Fitzgerald ##feministcocktails ##cocktailrecipes ##collegememories ##fyp
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@hap213 Making feminist cocktails until the quarantine ends episode no. 26: The Marlene Dietrich ##feministcocktails ##stayhomestaystrong ##loungewear ##progamer
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Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Week Re-Cap


SPRING!!!
 Happy Wednesday! We're over here keepin' on keeping. It's been snowing so I haven't been able to go on my long walks, which is annoying. But I've been binge watching TV, reading and just hanging out at home — as you should. I did have to go to the grocery store for the first time in a month and that was not the most fun...but now I should be set for a long while. What are y'all up to? — xoxo darling, Hayden

 Had one of my favorite's Birdcall on Friday night. 

 A gyro from Falafel House.

 H & I were supposed to be in Chicago celebrating  our five year friendiversary but corona got in the way so we had tacos and Facetimed instead.

 Had mint chip from Inside Scoop.

 Picked up some take-and-bake Duffeyrolls.

My mom got me the cutest t-shirt from A Taste of Koko!

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Best Books to Escape With


We've been quarantined for quite some time now...anyone else kind of want to climb the walls?...so I thought I'd give y'all a few of my favorite escape books. Now, every book is an escape but these especially got me through times or just made me truly feel like I was having an out-of-body-experience. What are your favorite escape books? — xoxo darling, Hayden


A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle
Peter Mayle is my favorite author for so many reasons but the first being that he taught me non-fiction could be good. This book centers around his wife & his first year after moving to the south of France. They've left behind their jobs in London to retire. They're slowly fixing up the house, but they are working with French contractors and that isn't always easy. They spend months attempting to get a concrete slab on top of a table, they ride their bikes through the countryside and they eat a lot of amazing food. I suggest starting with this but then moving on to his other non-fictions and his mysteries. I will admit, he wrote his final book before he died and I can't bring myself to read it yet. 


Murder with Peacocks by Donna Andrews
This is the first book in one of my all-time-favorite formula mystery series'. Set in a small Virginia town, it centers around Meg Langslow a blacksmith who ends up doing more event planning, organizing and dealing with her family than actually firing up her anvil. What hooked me in was the rustic charm surrounding the books. Everyone knows everyone, they are constantly throwing together lawn parties, it just sounds absolutely idyllic — just what you need when you're stuck inside. Plus, there are three weddings, a murder and Meg meets the man that she will fall in love with...although she thinks he's gay throughout the book (spoiler!).

The Runaway Princess by Hester Browne
Amy meets a guy at a party, starts to date him then finds out he's one of the world's most eligible royal bachelors. And what could be considered as an amazing courtship comes with its flaws. For this down-to-earth gardener, she isn't exactly ready to take the queenship. Will her love for Prince Leo prevail even as she runs from the altar? Guess you'll have to find out! But I love this one because their love is super pure and the scenery of his made up country is beautiful. You'll want to find a prince of a low-key country when we come out of quarantine and...maybe you should.


The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
Books go through trends and there was this trend that probably started with Gone Girl of female-led thrillers. I read a bunch of them but The Woman in Cabin 10 was my favorite because the main character was actually like-able. She truly was involved in wrong place, wrong time. The plot follows Lo, a journalist who is tasked with writing about a week's cruise in the North Sea. But things don't go as planned...a woman is thrown overboard but no one will believe Lo. She is being gaslit but she believes in herself and eventually gets to the truth. It has a bunch of twists and turns plus it's set on a luxury cruise ship so you'll feel over-the-top as you read.


Waltzing at the Piggly Wiggly by Robert Dalby
One of my all-time favorite books, Waltzing is set in a tiny Mississippi town where the Piggy Wiggly is being threatened with being shut down. Determined not to let that happen, main character Laurie enlists her friends to help save the store. They get former ballroom dancer Powell to lead dance classes through the aisles leading it to become a huge event in the small town. Will the Piggly Wiggly make it? Will Powell and Laurie fall in love? Read ahead! This is just a cute story with great descriptions of the South and the food. 

Thursday, April 9, 2020

Denver's Best Breakfasts

 Happy Thursday! I decided to put together a list of my favorite breakfast spots in Denver because we should be supporting them in this time & because after social distancing is over, you should eat locally. What's your favorite Mile High eatery? — xoxo darling, Hayden

This is high on my list when I recommend where to brunch in Denver...or technically Aurora. It's located in Stanley Marketplace, a kind of awesome foodhall meets mall in an old air hangar. What I think is unique about Stanley is some of the restaurants are almost entirely separate from the rest of the stalls. In the case of Annette, it's this beautiful, airy room with plants and light fixtures that look like upper-class IKEA (in the best way). The coffee comes in a Le Creuset french press...yeah. And both I and my companion finished our meals in record time because they were that good. I got the most basic breakfast — eggs, bacon and toast and all of it had just extra special attention to paid to them.
One of my favorite restaurants in Littleton, Bacon Social House, serves up brunch-y items all day in a industrial-chic eatery across from Littleton's Town Hall. I 10/10 recommend going to the rooftop because you can get a lovely view of the Front Range. I love their Aperol Spritz on a warm summer's day. Plus, the chicken and waffles covered in bacon bits doesn't stink. Make sure to get the bacon flight to taste test interesting flavors.
This beautiful restaurant on Broadway is perfect for a special occasion (it is Zagat rated after all). Or, if you want to go and not spend a ton of money, go for brunch! I had the Apple Pie Pancakes — they're served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream — and coffee and was so content.
You walk into Bowles, and you get the sense that everyone knows everybody. It's cute and sweet. I did breakfast on a cold, rainy morning so, I didn't get to take advantage of the outdoor seating next to the waterfall — but do that if you can. The breakfast burrito was pretty good, and the service was excellent. It's that no-frills breakfast spot near your house that won't have an insane wait on a weekend.
A classic diner spot with an awesome sign (think a giant frying pan with eggs and bacon) on Broadway more toward Littleton, Breakfast on Broadway is a good spot for early Sunday mornings. It does get pretty packed around the brunch hours, but you can join the waitlist on Yelp before you get there.
 
I was really surprised by this place! It's in downtown Englewood, and you can park for free in the lot behind and walk through the back door. With the more basic meals, you can either get toast or tortillas, and that makes me real happy. I got scrambled eggs, bacon and potatoes with tortillas so I could make my own breakfast tacos. The coffee is strong, and everyone seems to know everyone early in the morning, which is fun.
A classic brunch spot in a big, old house off of the main Littleton drag, Cafe Terracotta does not disappoint. The brunch wait can be kind of long, so go early on a Sunday. But while you wait, indulge in their mimosas and pretty much all the food on the menu is good. I had a classic breakfast with bacon, eggs and potatoes, all were good and cooked to perfection.
If there is a Sunday brunch spot in Denver, Cozy Cottage is it. It's this tiny little house on Tennyson with a great patio (well, if it's summer). Sit outside on a sunny day and get the chocolate chip waffles. They are crispy and Belgian in every way possible. I love 'em so much. Also, the restaurant is BYOB, so I saw a ton of people bringing their own champagne and just using the restaurant's orange juice, which is kind of ingenious.
Probably the most Instagrammed food in Denver, Denver Biscuit is pretty good. I'm from the South, so I'm a little judgier of biscuits than I probably should be, but they are good. Get the cinnamon roll too because that thing is a delight.
I did a Sunday brunch here in December and fell in love. This is the restaurant portion of the bakery next door. There can be a wait, but it goes by quickly — the place is tiny, so you would expect it. We ordered a ton of stuff, and all of it was good. I would recommend the croque madame and the ratatouille. I wouldn't suggest for a huge group of you and your friends, but for two people it is perfect.
OMG, some friends & I tried this place during the South Pearl Farmers Market (my all-time favorite in Denver), and it was so good! I just assumed it was all cinnamon rolls, which aren't my favorite, but they do amazing savory options as well. I highly recommend getting a few mini rolls and going to town. The Bacon, Cheddar, House Roasted Tomato and Original are my favorites.
Go for Sunday brunch! Their biscuits and sausage gravy is so good, it warms your insides and makes you feel incredibly content. They do an insane mimosa bar that I didn't get the chance to partake in, but I'm definitely going back.
This spot out near the airport...as close as a cute restaurant can be to the airport... had been on my radar for a while but I hadn't had a chance to try it until recently. The place looks like if Bumble (the dating/friendship app) was a restaurant. In the best way possible — it's highly Instagramable with bright yellows and honeycomb design features. The wait can be super long on weekends (but the counter is a free-for-all). Get the Fro-J, basically a frozen mimosa and split the cinnamon roll — it's massive. I enjoyed the breakfast nachos because that's fun, but I think they could have thrown some eggs on top to keep with the breakfast theme.
I love this little cafe off Pearl. It's really cute, kind of feels like it belongs in LA, with tons of natural light. The breakfast burrito is massive and has so many fun ingredients. Also, they do an iced coffee with orange that is so strange but so good.
A good stand-by near the capitol and DU, they do really good donut holes that make for an interesting appetizer. Jelly has that classic, colorful dinner, like Kerbey in Austin and it is a great place to start if you are touring downtown Denver.
This might be the place I suggest the most in Littleton. It's in a cute house, off of Littleton Blvd. Latke Love cooks up traditional Jewish delicacies, but I think their latkes with homemade apple sauce topped with cinnamon whipped cream are the best dish. They taste like home, super warm, crunchy, salty, now I want them.
There are many Lucile's in the Denver-area, but I've only been to the Littleton version, which sits right on the water in a cool yellow house. The inside vibe isn't exactly what you'd expect, but they do some amazing biscuits...they look like pillows. Start your meal with the beignets and mimosas (it comes with your very own mini bottle of champagne).
O&F has two locations, I went to the one in Cherry Creek for an early breakfast and was super happy. You order at the counter, and the food has a French flair. Mainly this is important because you can get a Cafe au Lait and a beignet as one of your sides.
OPH might be a chain you are familiar with. It's located in the busiest/maybe best shopping center in Littleton, and it doesn't disappoint. The meals aren't cheap, but they are MASSIVE. Look at the whipped cream atop those chocolate chip pancakes! If you are headed for a long day shopping, this would be my go-to.
When I'm missing Bojangles, Rise & Shine is the place I go. Also, it's just a great breakfast restaurant with good biscuits and tasty combos. It's a counter-service situation with lots of seating, and while it can get crazy, it moves quickly.
Please walk, don't run to Rosie's. It's in a strip center across from the Southwest Mall in Littleton, and if you didn't know it was there, you wouldn't go. BUT GO. I went twice in two days because I love it so much. They dish up delicious baked goods but they also do great breakfast biscuit sandwiches that both myself and a friend love.
Bagel lover here, telling you that Rosenberg's is totally worth the hype. The downtown location is in a historic building and does fill up on a Sunday morning, so go early. But you should be able to find a seat if you are eating in. The Everything (aka the best bagel in the world) was the perfect balance of spices and crunchiness. They don't toast bagels, but they don't need to because their so fresh they're still warm.
Syrup seems to be a Denver breakfast classic. They have three locations around Denver-proper. A friend and I visited the Cherry Creek version, which is a little odd because it's kind of in a basement. But they do a great job getting natural light in and the s'mores pancakes are phenomenal (plus, highly Instagramable).
The best friend and I love a cereal restaurant, so when we saw that downtown Arvada was home to one, we immediately put it down to visit — and it doesn't disappoint. They have so many different options, I like to go with a pre-created concoction, but you can make your own, and they do some pretty crazy milkshakes.
This is a cute spot on the main Morrison drag. I love it because it's one of the closest breakfast restaurants near my apartment and it's a great place to take people who don't have mountains where they're from. The drive to The Cow is almost magic. They do have a parking lot, but I've gone during the week at 9am and gotten the last spot, so be prepared to park on the street. They serve up all the classic breakfasts, including a delicious biscuit dish smothered in gravy. If you're visiting Morrison in the afternoon and want a sweet treat, you can walk up to their ice cream window.
I discovered this brunchery on accident when trying to take a friend to Sunday brunch. It's in the Belmar section of Lakewood, and it is poppin' on a weekend morning. But it isn't just your regular breakfast food, dish up creative concoctions. Definitely get the biscuit dish covered in cheese that makes you want to drool on your table.
My favorite place to get iced coffee downtown, The Market is on Larimer Square also does a cheap, classic breakfast. It's a good early Sunday morning hangout, they have wi-fi and tons of goodies along the walls to get lost in.
Located down near DTC, it's a bit of a hike to Three Little Griddles, but their ebelskivers (donut holes in seasonal sauces) are worth it. The wait time on a Sunday can be pretty steep as it's a fairly small restaurant, but I promise it'll go fast.

Toast 

Located at the entrance to Downtown Littleton, Toast is always packed. I was so pleasantly surprised and happy with my trip there. I thought it would be your classic diner, not that there is anything wrong with that, but it's so much more. They are incredibly creative with their food, I had the honey chicken biscuits smothered in black pepper gravy and wanted to try one of the epic pancakes.
   
This tiny breakfast cafe-meets-diner on Tennyson has amazing waffles. I went by myself and sat at a low mutual table in the middle with some other loners. It's a bit cramped but kind of inspiring to talk to strangers. I think my favorite thing is the font they use as their logo.

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Week Re-Cap


 My parents sent me bagels from The Bagel Factory and it made me so happy.
Happy Wednesday, is it Wednesday? I kind of don't know what day it is anymore...we've gotten to that kind of distancing vibes. I am happy to say that it seems like social distancing is working in Colorado! So there is that. I've also had lots of good food lately, gone on some long walks and have been reading a lot of trash romance novels — we love that! Tonight I'm doing a Netflix watch party tonight, wine + facemasks + housewives tomorrow night, a facetime session Friday night, my dad's birthday on Saturday and a five year friendiversary on Sunday — so it's shaping up to be a good week. What are y'all up to? — xoxo darling, Hayden



 Was craving a caprese salad and Roberts in Littleton was delightful.

 Obsessing over the green grass, now I'm just waiting for the trees to blossom! 


 A long walk along the Platt River. 

Walter's Publik House does a good lasagna & salad.

Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Creme Egg Brownie Recipe


Can you spot the only intact part of the egg? 
I want to start off this post by talking about failure. Because we all do it. But also the concept of failure. When I made these brownies on Sunday I assumed they would turn out looking right because...my bakes usually do. But, hahaha, they definitely did not. However, they taste phenomenal. They're fudgy, extra sweet and have these little pockets of melted egg that are A+. But, you can't tell that they are supposed to be Cadbury Creme Egg brownies. I was disappointed in myself. I literally told my best friend before I baked them that I was worried about putting them in initially, "Should I put the eggs in halfway through the bake?" I asked myself. In the end I didn't, and maybe they would look "perfect" if I had. But, we work with what we have got. And, since we're in social distancing mode I didn't feel comfortable making a trip to the grocery store to purchase more eggs just for this bake. It wasn't necessary or essential. So, we're getting a little more comfortable with the idea of failure in this time, and I think that's a good thing. And let me say, you should 100% bake these because they taste magnificent and will be a highlight of your Easter lunch...even if it's just you. 
Cadbury Creme Egg Brownie Recipe
You'll Need:
-1 box of brownie mix
-eggs, vegetable oil, water
-brownie pan
-oil spray
-5 creme eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350.
2. Mix up your brownie mix according to the box.
3. Lay the eggs on top of the brownie mixture.
4. Bake for about 30 minutes.
5. Let them cool and enjoy!
Troubleshooting:
If you want the eggs to stay perfect, I would suggest placing them in the batter when there's about a third of time left to bake. That way they won't melt fully. 

Monday, April 6, 2020

Quotes of the Week


Happy Monday! I'm onto week no. four of this whole social distancing thing and I will fully admit it's starting to get to me. I just feel off, bored — all of the normal emotions that come with not seeing your friends and being able to do fun things in society for a month. How are y'all doing? — xoxo darling, Hayden





Friday, April 3, 2020

Articles From Around the Web


Here's a round-up of some links to get you through your Friday! — xoxo darling, Hayden

I recently stumbled upon this designer's site and I love her guide to my hometown.

Scalp treatments kind of sound like the most relaxing thing...

The lighting and simplicity of this Baltic flat is A+.

Okay, need this balloon arch.

Saw this on another blogger's site and I am now making a list of ones I want to visit when I'm back in London.


While we might not get to enjoy spring, we can still decorate for it! 

Love these videos & I really like Dakota Johnson.

If you do everything on this list, the quarantine will probably be over...

My all-time favorite country lady on how she gets it all done.


Get off your screen while distancing and do these!

These photos of Paris make me want to weep. 

I seriously LOLed at this...

Need to escape your house without actually leaving? Look no further.

Someone suggested my all-time favorite A Year in Provence to read while social distancing!

Thursday, April 2, 2020

Monthly Inspo. No. 7

Okay, it's April and you know what? We can get through this month! It's going to be okay and you know why?! It's going to be spring! Soon on our increasingly long walks the trees are going to sprout green blooms, the flowers will start blossoming and everything will seem a little more right in the world. Hope y'all are feeling inspired — xoxo darling, Hayden.


Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Week Re-Cap


A morning walk.
Happy hump day! I will not lie, this week has been more of a challenge. I'm officially on week three and I'm starting to feel the boredom and annoyance set in. To deal with that I'm getting outside, facetiming friends, etc. but I think we're all valid in being unhappy during this time. Basically this week's photos are from picking up food but hey, that's what we got! What are y'all up to? — xoxo darling, Hayden
 Dinner delivered from Stacks Subs in Lakewood.

 Picked up some of my favorite bread from Great Harvest.

 Grabbed a late lunch to-go in Edgewater.

 Stopped into New Terrain in Golden to get some beer.

The roommate purchased us balcony furniture and this may now be my favorite spot in our apartment.

Nashville hot chicken tacos from Chicken Rebel