Latest TikToks

Catch up on the latest feminist cocktails — xoxo darling, Hayden.

Pink + Red

 I've come to love pink and red outfit combos over the years and each Valentine's Day I come up with some combos I think you'd like. Check 'em out and let me know what you'd rock for your Zoom date — xoxo darling, Hayden.

1. Pink Leggings, 2. Red Loafers, 3. Pink Tiered Dress, 4. Gingham Dress, 5. Bow Earrings, 6. Red Turtle Neck, 7. Blazer, 8. Red Lace Pants, 9. Gold Heart Earrings, 10. Red Dress, 11. Heart Shaped Glasses, 12. Pink Skirt, 13. Red Fuzzy Sweater, 14. Light Red Dress, 15. Heart Earrings, 16. Red Sweater, 17. Gingham Pants

Week Re-Cap

Watched the first woman be inaugurated.

Oof, this week has been a good one but the end has been long. Every single day I've had more than one meeting and it's just more than I'm used to! But the weekend was super fun — a day of adventure into northern Lee County/southern Sarasota County and a day of rest and getting ready for the week. Upcoming there is nothing huge, it's just v stressful at work at current but that will get better. How are y'all? — xoxo darling, Hayden

Finished my second book of the year!

Grouper tacos at Dixie Fish Co.

Warm Mineral Springs Park in North Port

Afternoon on Boca Grande

Finished with cookie monster from the Pink Pony.

Palentine's Gift Guide

Can y'all believe that Valentine's Day is so soon? I certainly can't and I'm looking forward to celebrating my pals this year. That's right, yet again your girl is single...but who cares, we're living in a global pandemic! Below are some of the goodies I think my besties would love (and your's too) — xoxo darling, Hayden. 

1. Crab Purse, 2. Be Your Own Sugar Daddy Candle, 3. Espadrilles, 4. Luggage Tag, 5. Gold Under-Eye Patches, 6. You Are Beautiful Sticker, 7. Gingham Mask, 8. Giraffe Earrings, 9. I Miss You So Much Card, 10. Soap, 11. Bookmark, 12. The Jetsetters Book, 13. Baseball Cap, 14. Plain Mask, 15. Blue Basket, 16. Green Socks, 17. Bright Mask, 18. Sweet Lips Balm, 19. Popcorn, 20. Blue Bandana, 21. Clutch, 22. Compost Bin, 23. A Shot of Love on Valentine's Day Card, 24. Headband, 25. Tie-Dye Socks

Quotes of the Week

Images here.

Latest Link Round-Up

Catch up on some interesting news — xoxo darling, Hayden.

If you read one thing on this list, make it this about QAnon and wellness influencers.

I laughed so hard & would love to try these when I get back on the apps!

Kung Pao Chicken is my favorite American-Chinese restaurant dish and I kinda want to try making it myself.

Adding these to my must-watch list for 2021.

This bag, yes pls.

Y'all excited for Sex And The City's return?

Fantasizing is something I feel I've gotten really good at.

Fighting words in Texas include fast food + tacos...

cupcakes & cashmere was the first blog I started reading...it has grown so much.

Y'all as obsessed with the new version as I am?

A fun way to connect with your friends.

Definitely have a lot on this list I'm excited to do once more of us are vaccinated.

I want to watch this show real bad.

The ghosts of segregation are very much still with us.

As HT started out as a fashion blog (and still, sometimes, is) this bag has always been a want of mine.

Kinda dying to make tiramisu...

Deffo want this dress.

Chai gingerbread cookies seem so cozy for winter months.

Welp. I want to move to Paris again.

I do not need more books to read but...here are 45+ more! And romance novels!! Oop, 10 more!

Girl Scouts aren't letting you get away with not buying cookies...

Is it too early to be saving things for Christmas 2021? Or New Year's Eve?

19 roadtrips outside Austin.

On Deadline Playlist

As of late all I seem to be is on a deadline. Work is just insane, TikTok is a lot, DFA is blowing up...yeah just many, many deadlines. So, I thought I'd create a playlist for when I need to sit down and bang out some work. You probably need to do that too so maybe you'll enjoy it as well — xoxo darling, Hayden.

Am I missing something? Let me know below!

Week Re-Cap

Happy Inauguration Day! How are y'all doing? I'm cautiously optimistic for everything happening today. Over the weekend we took a three day trip to the east coast — the middle bit where we rarely go. It was so nice to get away (and honestly felt longer than three days). We drank a lot of beer — outside, socially distanced of course and slept in. I thoroughly enjoyed it and needed it. Now it's back to work with a lot of things happening. So many balls are currently in the air but it will all be good...eventually. Check out photos from the weekend getaway below — xoxo darling, Hayden.

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse

A banyan tree tunnel in Stuart.

A mural in Melbourne.

Intracoastal Brewing

Lunch at Playalinda Brewing

Malabar Scrub Sanctuary

I revisited Bongoland...and loved it even more!

New Smyrna Beach Brewing

Tomoka Brewing

Giuseppe's in Port Orange

We used to have Ritter's Frozen Custard near us but it closed when I was little. The whole fam missed it greatly and we stumbled upon it on the east coast. It was the best moment and it was just as good (if not better) than we remembered. 

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

As the chief spokesman for nonviolent civic action, Martin Luther King Jr. should be an example to us all. Especially in wake of the Capitol terrorism that occurred two weeks ago. I am not suggesting we don't be violent — clearly time has shown that sometimes violence is the answer (I give you the Boston Tea Party, British women blowing up post boxes & the Stonewall Uprising). But simply showing up and doing the work, sitting at a lunch counter in 1960 or standing by your friends as a person they know they can lean on in a protest, that's what we should be doing. Recognizing your white privilege (me included) is difficult, but it must be done so we can better serve the cause at hand. Everyone in our country has a right to human rights (and more than that!!). So, on this MLK Jr. Day, I ask you to consider donating to Know Your Rights Camp and Fair Fight. These organizations are working to dismantle oppression through education, something we should all support. Hope y'all enjoy your day off but remember this day isn't about mattress sales, it's about educating yourself on the causes at hand. We must do more to make our country a better place for all — xoxo darling, Hayden.

New Year, New Wardrobe

I'm currently feeling like a wardrobe change-up could be nice so I thought I'd share everything that is currently in my cart. Some brights mixed with classic navy + neutrals — xoxo darling, Hayden. 

1. Sweatshirt, 2. Dress, 3. Green Sweater, 4. Coat,  White Ruffle Collar Sweater, 5. Orange Scarf, 6. Keds, 7. Pink Sweater, 8. Light Jeans, 9. Blue Ruffle Collar, 10. Thin Bandana, 11. Navy Sweater, 12. Colorful Stripe Sweater, 13. Pink Sneakers, 14. Green Jacket, 15. White Fleece Sweater, 16. V-Neck Sweater, 17. Yellow Stripe Sweater, 18. Dark Jeans

Walking.

If you flashback to me in late March, early April, you'd see a very unstable person. I wasn't sleeping, I was stressed, I was scared, I was anxious...just like everyone else in the world. And the sleeping was my biggest issue. I have never had trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. But why was that now a problem? And I realized, it was because I wasn't exhausting myself anymore. No more getting up at 6:15 to rush around getting ready, driving to work and then having to be on at work + whatever after-work commitments I had any given day (and there were usually a lot). So, how was I going to remedy this? I decided I would start walking, not as a lose weight deal, just as a thing to keep me sane. 

Well, it has been nine months and I've walked almost every single day. As of yesterday I've walked 1,011.93 miles since April 25, 2020. That's like 17,000+ football fields. It's like walking from Tallahassee, FL to Austin, TX. It's like walking from Madrid, Spain to the capital of all things EU, The Hague. Basically, it's a lot of miles! 

I missed six days in August because I was sick, two days in September due to the fires raging in Colorado, four days in October because Marcus visited and fires, three days in November associated with travel and two days in December for no good reason. So, 17 days out of 288 I missed. 

I'm not saying any of those stats to flex on y'all (ha!) but I just want to let you know that it is possible to get out there and just walk. I think for so long my perception of walking was working out to lose weight. But that's not how I look at it now. Walking is something I do for my mental health. It's something I do because it brings me immense joy. If I lose weight or tone up my muscles that is just an added bonus. Walking helped me get back to me during this incredibly rough year. 

Has anything really helped you? — xoxo darling, Hayden

Week Re-Cap

My parents have a vintage Trivial Pursuit so I pulled it out for a fam game.

What an up and down week it has been. Capitol insurrection was, obviously, the major topic. The day it happened I was in a work zone (for that big project coming out in May) so I barely knew it was happening. Then something really exciting happened that involved my dad and I speeding across town that night. So...yeah. What those terrorists did was insurrection, domestic terrorism and a showing of white supremacy that, being honest, terrifies me to my core. That there is that much hatred in those people is devastating. I demand impeachment of Trump and the removal of Hawley and Cruz from the Senate. And that the book is thrown at those terrorists as it should be. What they did will never be okay in this country and it never should be. 

In happier news, we visited Sarasota County this weekend for a little day trip and ended up at a beautiful state park (see photos below). How are y'all doing? — xoxo darling, Hayden

Walking through Edison Park neighborhood is one of my favorite pastimes.

Indian Mound Park

An overly friendly pelican. PLS DON'T FEED WILDLIFE!

Lemon Bay Park

Myakka River State Park serves craft beer...wild, but amazing.

Pink Gator grilled cheese

The canopy walk at Myakka River State Park is a must-do.

Wear a mask! 

Let's Talk 61 in 1001

If you re-read the list below you'll note that it was clearly created before COVID-19 struck our world an insane blow. So many of the tasks involve travel and that's just impossible at the moment. So, I thought we should do a bit of restructuring. Since the list doesn't end until late 2022 I'm not going to rewrite the goals completely...yet. If we get to the end of 2021 and the major ones still seem impossible I'm going to reevaluate and come up with some new ideas. It stinks. I wanted this 61 in 1001 to be amazing but ya know, life happens. Join me on this journey — xoxo darling, Hayden.

Began: February 14, 2020

Ends: November 11, 2022

15 completed, 46 to go!

In Progress

C U R R E N T L Y     P O S S I B L E

1. Read 100 books — I've read 24 thus far and while I'm proud of that number, it needs to dramatically increase. My friend Lauren & I are going to do a two-person book club and then I'm going to try to read more each month. I truly love reading and just have to convince myself to do it more.

4. Do 4 more Haute Table travel guides — I've already written two and want to finally sit down to crank out my NC version because we've been going since I'm a kid and I feel I'm an expert at this point. 

21. Pursue graphic design somehow — While I have no real idea how this could take place, it is certainly something I could do while working from home.

26. Make Croquembouche — This undertaking scares the s*** out of me. But I want to do it because it looks amazing and I want to taste it! Claire Saffitz just made it for Munchies and I think I'll follow that to a T.

28. Work on my book — Well...when I wrote this I had one book in mind but now I kind of think a different book would be better. And then recently I had another idea. So I'm not entirely sure...but I should really think about it while we're still quarantining. 

30. Do something for my career — So, technically I've already done this. But I'm waiting for the big reveal to come mid-May!

32. Re-read all of the Harry Potter books — I mean...this just screams quarantine. When I'm back in Denver and start doing my walks again I'm going to listen to the audiobooks. 

34. Add a new layer to my skincare routine — Seems fairly simple...just have to commit to a product!

36. Cook 10 new recipes — 4 have been crossed off but I need to figure out what the last 6 should be. 

40. Get business cards — I think I want to make some for my side hustles (aka Denver Food Adventures, Feminist Cocktails and Haute Table). 

44. Have my camera professionally cleaned — This would just be dropping it off and picking it up...should be easy!

46. Build a snowman — Truly have never made one. Once I'm back in Denver I'll try. 

50. Create a photographer's guide to Denver — Ugh, this is just sitting down to do it.

55. Buy something big for myself — When I wrote this I was thinking along the lines of a Chanel flap bag or Hermes scarf but now I think I just want to save for a downpayment on a house...which would be forever in the future but start saving now, ya know?

56. Bake bread — Weirdly a hold out of mine during quarantine but we shall do it! 

57. Keep fresh flowers in the apartment for 3 months — Once I'm back in Denver this just becomes a "remember to add to the grocery list" item.

58. Donate to Planned Parenthood — I've been saving this one because I would like to make it a really big one. 

59. Go flower picking — As soon as spring hits I'll be doing this!

60. Buy perfume I truly like — Not entirely sure how to do this, but we can try.

C U R R E N T L Y     I M P O S S I B L E

2. Travel to a new state 

7. Go on a girls trip
8. See 6 plays 

10. Take a spontaneous trip

12. Visit a dermatologist
13. Visit a friend (not Hannah)

15. See 3 more live shows

17. Visit a new national park

19. Find a financial planner
20. Go to therapy

23. See the Kit Carson Carousel
24. Travel by myself

25. Attend the symphony

29. Travel to a new country

31. Throw 3 more parties
33. See an opera
35. Go to a wedding
37. Shoot a gun
39. Go to a basketball or hockey game

41. Go on a fall foliage road trip
45. Attend a caucus 
48. Take a cooking class
49. Go to 20 new coffee shops 

52. See Beyoncé (if possible)
53. Go to a drag brunch
54. Attend a state fair
61. Finish this entire list in the time frame

C O M P L E T E D

3. Try 50 new restaurants (1. Tocabe, 2. Bonchon, 3. Marino's Italian, 4. Cochino Taco, 5. Coal Mine Kitchen, 6. Tuk Tuk Thai, 7. Bird, 8. Vinh Xuong Bakery, 9. The Feedery @ Grow + Gather, 10. Louis' Cafe, 11. Leevers Locavore, 12. The Post, 13. Rupert's on the Edge, 14. Uno Mas, 15. Falafel House, 16. Stack Subs, 17. Chicken Rebel, 18. Roberts Italian,  19. Lynn's Tea Shop, 20. The Copper Pot, 21. NYC Bagel Cafe, 22. Mike's Famous Pizza, 23. McKinners Pizza Bar, 24. Sunflower Cafe, 25. Woodgrain Bagels, 26. The 49th, 27. The 303 Sports Grill, 28. Jessie's Smokin' NOLA, 29. Jabo's BBQ, 30. African Bar & Grill, 31. Intersections Restaurant, 32. Winston's Smoke BBQ, 33. Konjo Ethiopian Food, 34. Angie's Italian Littleton, 35. Iwayama Sushi, 36. Cuba Cuba, 37. Roots, 38. Mac Nation Cafe, 39. Homegrown Tap & Dough, 40. Anthony's Pizza & Pasta, 41. Genna Rae's Wings & More, 42. NOLA Voodoo Tavern, 43. Eat!, 44. Bar Helix, 45. Que Buena Suerte, 46. MC Brooklyn, 47. Cherry Hills Sushi Co., 48. Make Believe Bakery, 49. Rodizio Grill, 50. Spanky's Roadhouse)

5. Watch 5 documentaries (1. Building Chernobyl's Megatomb, 2. Tiger King, 3. 100 Humans, 4. 13th, 5. Feminists: What Were They Thinking?)

6. Try 3 new cocktails

9. See 2 more classic films (1. Some Like it Hot, 2. His Girl Friday) 

11. Try 20 new breweries (1. LaBelle Brewing, 2. Hogshead Brewery, 3. Creature Comforts Brewing, 4. Birds Fly South Ale Project, 5. Swamp Rabbit Brewery, 6. Dry Falls Brewing, 7. Triskelion Brewing, 8. Lost Province Brewing, 9. New River Brewing, 10. Booneshine Brewing, 11. Fonta Flora Brewing, 12. Sidetracked Brewing, 13. Johnson City Brewing, 14. Great Oak Brewing, 15. Yee Haw Brewing, 16. Kettell Beerworks, 17. Blowing Rock Brewing, 18. Olde Mecklenburg Brewing, 19. Sugar Creek Brewing, 20. Baere Brewing)

14. Try a new cuisine

16. Go to the gynecologist

18. Watch 3 more foreign films (1. Isi & Ossi, 2. 365 DNI, 4. I Am Not an Easy Man)

22. Bake a new cupcake flavor

27. Treat myself to a spa day

38. Work on a campaign

42. Finally write my Austin guide (Ultimate Austin Guide)

43. Vote in the 2020 election

47. Go to a drive-in movie

51. Grow Denver Food Adventures to 3,500 followers (June 16, 2020)

Quotes of the Week

Images here.

Latest TikToks

Catch up on the latest feminist TikToks — xoxo darling, Hayden.

Monthly Inspiration No. 17

Kind of loving a bit of everything right now... — xoxo darling, Hayden

Images here.

Week Re-Cap

What a nice week it has been! Full of walking, reading, movie-watching and lots of eating. How are y'all? 2021 seems to be off to a fairly good start. We've got a vaccine, a new president will be installed in the White House fairly soon and there seems to be a new sense of hope in the air. I'm really excited for my work life in 2021 — I have a huge project that should be out in May that I'm incredibly excited about. Plus, another one due in February. What is your thing you're most excited about right now? — xoxo darling, Hayden.

 

This re-cap has a bunch of photos over the last two weeks as there was no version last week...we were recapping the whole year back then! 

This neighborhood wreath invites anyone to hang an ornament.

Adore this house.

My neighborhood puts these luminaries out every Christmas and they make the whole place magical.

Obsessed with my new fair isle sweater!!

My parents got married right there, on those steps!

Lots of walking.

The old downtown train station has been converted into our community foundation.

Cute details.

Got this water bottle for Christmas and I'm pretty into it.

Weirdly feels like fall in south Florida.

Calossahatchee Regional Park

Wings from LaBelle Brewing.

A socially distanced visit to the Sanibel Farmers Market.

Sanibel City Hall

Walk along a boardwalk at Ding Darling.

Love this view!

One last candy cane crush sno-ball from Pelican's.

Discovered this hidden-away boardwalk at Shady Oaks Park.

In case you missed it Texas won their football game & then fired their coach...and then hired a new one!

Adorable card from Libby & Steph.

Harns Marsh Preserve walk.

Breakfast biscuit from Buckingham Farms.

Telegraph Creek hike.

Estero Bay Preserve State Park walk.

Post-Covid Bucket List

As a person who adores exploring new places (lol it is literally my job) 2020 was incredibly difficult. Did I discover some of the great outdoors not far from my front door? Yes. But did I miss getting on a plane and going somewhere brand new? 100 percent. So, I thought I'd share with y'all some places I'm feeling fairly desperate to go. Some of these are obvious (Austin, duh) but others you may be like why? And the incredibly obvious (Italy, London, etc.) didn't make the cut because I'm feeling a sense of adventure and those aren't doing it for me, currently. Granted, there are quite a few places in the U.S. on here because it's more affordable and it will be easier to get to in the immediate future. Please let me know where you are dying to go once we a) get 95 percent of the population vaccinated and b) start recovering economically. — xoxo darling, Hayden

Image here.

Vermont

I have been dying for a fall leaf trip to New England for years. We did NE one summer and I kind of fell in love. Add in Kiel James Patrick's incredible instagram photos and you've got me lusting after hot apple cider and riding boots. You can take a chairlift up to the top of mountains for all the fall foliage views and that just sounds phenomenal (Mount Snow looks A+). Plus, the Trapp Family Lodge is there and I...am obsessed with the Sound of Music. Other Highlights: Sleepy Hollow Farm, Cold Hollow Cider Mill & the town of Woodstock. 

Image here.

The Balkans

We visited Croatia and saw a tiny bit of Bosnia in summer 2019 but ever since we visited I've been dying to go back to this region. Specifically, I want to see Zagreb (their craft beer scene & trams look amazing) and the countries of Montenegro, Albania and Kosovo. Serbia and Bulgaria are also on the list but I'm a bit iffy on them at present. But, this region is just so beautiful. From the mountainous regions inside the coasts to the coasts themselves. Part of me thinks fly into Zagreb and then figure out a way to make it down the coast...trains seem difficult so it might be a bit of plane hopping, which also scares me but it's a once in a lifetime opportunity! Other Highlights: 

Image here.

Minneapolis

For the best friend's birthday last year I gave her the gift of trip planning. It's not her favorite thing to do so I "planned" her six trips — lodging, restaurants/bars, activities and day trips. It was one of the best gifts I think I've ever given because I really had to think about her and what she'd want but also do a ton of research. We ended up choosing Chicago (see more about that below) but Minneapolis was one of my random-but-I'll-throw-it-in-there-because-I've-never-been-to-Minnesota ones. And I'm kinda obsessed? Like now I desperately want to go. I think it started when I started following the daughter of Sweet Martha's...aka those amazing chocolate chip cookies that they have at the Minnesota State Fair. Now I want to visit Betty Danger's Country Club (they have a ferris wheel!!!), eat at St. Genevieve and see the art at Weisman. Other Highlights: Edwards Dessert Kitchen, Como Conservatory and the Alma Hotel.

Austin

2020 was the first year since I made my decision to attend UT that I hadn't been to Austin. And I was heartbroken over it. I consider Austin to be an extension of home at this point...one day I plan to settle down there in a cute bungalow (if I can ever afford it!). So not being able to eat Cabo Bob's, sip a hefe at Live Oak or sit in beautiful silence at the Austin Central Library really hurt. But I'm hoping by the end of 2021 I can venture back because I really need my hit of breakfast tacos. Other Highlights: Batch, Blanton Museum of Art and the Lady Bird Lake Trail. 

Scotland

When I studied abroad my parents flew in for a weekend to visit Scotland for the first time and I fell in love (and was incredibly ill at the time). And I've thought about that place since we boarded the plane to head back to London. My goal is to, one day, take a whole summer and rent an airbnb somewhere central as a jumping off point. Then travel around to all the little villages, gorgeous countryside vistas and pubs in the highlands. It was one of the most breathtaking places I've ever been and I am dying to get back asap. The Cairngorms, Applecross Inn and Isle of Skye look so picturesque. Other Highlights: the town of Killin, Bealach na Ba road and Doune Castle. 

Image here.

Chicago

As previously mentioned, I had planned an epic trip to Chicago for Hannah and I but it was about a month into the pandemic so of course we cancelled. But that doesn't mean I haven't wanted to go ever since! The obvious stops were Hampton Social and the Field Museum but I think the Wabash Arts Corridor and Garfield Park Conservatory are what really drew me in. I haven't been to the city since I was a kid and I would love to explore it as a (drinking) adult now. Other Highlights: Dove's Lunchonette, Three Dots and a Dash and the Flamingo Wall. 

Quotes of the Week

Images here.

Twenty Twenty One Resolutions

It feels really weird to be discussing resolutions because I vividly remember writing my 2020 ones thinking, "oh these are great, gonna kill it!" But alas, here we are on the eve (well I'm writing this on the eve) before 2021...what will hopefully be a better year. I racked my brain with what I want to accomplish this year. But I feel there was so much pressure placed onto 2020 that I want to keep it chill. Things are going fairly well at the mo' and I'm not looking to change anything crazy. I decided on three that I think I can truly work on no matter what is going on with the pandemic. My hope is that I can travel by the end of 2021 and that I can start dating again/exploring with my friends. But we just don't know where we will be. Let me know if you have any resolutions or if you think all of this is b.s. (which I 100 percent respect) down below. — xoxo darling, Hayden

Adventure Outside.

If 2020 has taught me anything it is how much I love being outside. Or...how much I love going for my long walks. Seeing how the plants change throughout the seasons, doing waves to the elderly as we pass 8 feet apart, etc. I've decided I would like to purchase a CO state parks pass when I'm back in Denver because there are plenty within driving distance of Littleton and I think it will get me exploring more. And because we have no concept of when we can travel like we used to (ie., eating in restaurants, museums) I think this is a phenom idea of exploring but through the lens of the great outdoors. So here's to exploring the great outdoors as much as possible.

Stay Social.

OOOO repeat goal! Last January I said I wanted to improve my social media game when it came to Haute Table. And I...didn't do it. I think my idea was solid but I had no feasible plan. But I think I've got one now. Basically, as I fill out my editorial calendar I'm also pulling images to put with them on Instagram. I started last week and it's making it easier. Granted, this is only a week in so I could hate this system two months from now but I really want to stick with this one. I also would like to try a bit harder on my images for the blog & social media. I was watching a photographer on TikTok and her images are just so beautiful. The best part? She takes them herself! So here's to improving my social media game in regards to Haute Table.

Raise It.

I've always been fairly in the know when it comes to politics because of my parents (both hold masters degrees in political science) but the past few years have really taught me the voice I have. And 2020 showed me that I'm still not doing enough. It isn't enough to vote in every election, we must hold our politicians accountable once they are in office. I want to use 2021 to educate myself on the issues that are important to me and then use that education to make the country better. Whether it be reading more, contacting my reps, testifying at the leg, whatever form it takes.So here's to raising my voice whenever possible.
Cheers to you & any goals you are bringing into this desperately needed new year. I wish you the best of luck in 2021!