Quotes of the Week

Oooo what a Monday! I got back super late last night from Austin, woot, where I had the best time with Marcus and we won!!! Seriously, you don't know how much you'll miss your friends until you move far away from them. This week is a short one in Denver and you know what? I'm kind of sick of flying. I say this now and in the spring I'll be itching to jet off somewhere. But dang y'all. It has gotten exhausting not being in the same place week to week. But still, I'm super excited to fly home for the Thanksgiving holiday. I get a full four days with my family and I just want to relax and enjoy some bagels. Hope your Monday is off to a great start - xoxo darling, Hayden.

Images found here.

Articles I'm Reading

1. Starting to get ideas for my apartment // 3 Christmas Homes I Love // Emily A. Clark
2. Love these! // Adulting Gifts // Carly the Prepster
3. Oh you know I got higher than a 13... // If You've Eaten More Than 14 Of The Free Restaurant Breads In This List, Then You're Basically A Hero // BuzzFeed
4. Beautiful, just beautiful // Home Tour: William McLure's 'Bright, Open, Airy' Alabama Tudor // The Maryn
5. How cute are they?! // Together in Tweed // Carly the Prepster
6. Adding all of these to my "in the future" list // 16 Of The Most Instagrammable Spots In Spain To Add To Your Travel List // BuzzFeed

In Case You Missed It:

My first gift guide launched yesterday !! ...

Some advent calendars for everyone in your life...

How to get your skin feeling better this winter...

Holiday Gifts Under $100

Welcome to the season! That's right it's finally time for the gift guides and holiday postings. Are y'all ready? Because, believe it or not, I think I am. This year I'm feeling really pumped for the holiday season...I'm not sure why...maybe it's because I don't have tests/final projects looming over me but I'm hyped to spend the end of the year with my friends and family doing fun things. Below is my under $100 gift guide for anybody in your life. Let me know your favorites - xoxo darling, Hayden.

{Candle, Sparkle Keds, Le Creuset, Skirt, Purse, Backpack, Earrings, Blanket, Heels, Sunglasses, Coffee Maker, Hat, Kate Spade Bag, Cake Stand, Geometric Bag, Sweater, Lilly Dress, Slip Pillowcase, New Balance, Gloves, Perfume} Candle - As someone who is new to the candle world, I am always shocked when they are so expensive. But I think that's what makes them great presents. You are truly buying something for someone that they wouldn't buy for themselves. Especially one of these huge candles that will last them forever, all you need to know are their favorite scents. Sparkle Keds - How fun are these?! I legitimately chose them because I think they're fun. Plus, they would make a great holiday gift so the receiver can wear them on New Years Eve. Nothing better than a sparkly moment for that holiday.  Le Creuset - If someone gave me Le Creuset for a holiday I would know they love me. First, they're expensive, second, they're heavy. You have to be committed to someone to buy them one of these French baking dishes. But gosh, aren't they wonderful? Skirt - There isn't anything particularly special about this item. I just like it and think it would look good on any of the ladies in your life.  Purse - How cute is this?! The circle shape is so much more unique than the usual square so if you get this for your bestie she'll be the talk of the town. Plus, it comes in a bunch of colors so you can really pick something perfect for her.  Backpack - This backpack is so cute! The structure is amazing and so professional. Great for a friend that works in the business world that wants to be chic. It comes in a tan color but I like the blue better. It fits a 15" laptop, so it really is great.  Earrings - These little disco balls would make a bunch of people in your life happy. It's like they're wearing parties on their ears! Another great piece for someone's NYE outfit.  Blanket - Now that I live in a cold place I really appreciate a good blanket. This one is adorable and I would love to have it on my couch...I'm sure the people in your life will love it too. It comes in three different colors, all of which seem cozy and all of which will keep you warm as we head into January.  Heels - Know a Longhorn? These shoes would be perfect for them! They are the absolute right shade of burnt orange and they will go with anything - jeans and a white Oxford shirt, white/orange dress, skirts, etc. You can dress them up or dress them down! Sunglasses - A pair of expensive sunglasses is a thing I wouldn't spend money on but it would be a sweet gift for someone in your life. These are cute and matte so they're a little different but they maintain that classic shape.  Coffee Maker - Oooo, get this for someone in your life and they might propose. This thing looks glorious. As a person who uses her roommate's two cup Mr. Coffee, dang this looks beautiful. Get this for your friends who adore coffee and they'll never not be your friend.  Hat - I will fully admit, I would never purchase a beanie that was between $80-$100 but it was cute so I thought I would include it. And maybe you have that much money to drop on a friend's hat. Also, maybe this will inspire you to get your friend a cute bauble hat without spending this much money... Kate Spade Bag - If you know someone that goes to events in stadiums frequently (concerts, football games, etc.) this is the perfect gift! It fits in the palm of your hand but has a strap so you can put it on. It's just for your phone and credit cards/cash so no space for things you don't really need and will get you in anywhere. Plus, great for nights out on the town!  Cake Stand - Have a hostess in your life? Someone that would actually put a cake stand to good use? Get them this beautifully crafted stand! I'm in love with the design of it; it would be a great statement piece on your kitchen counter.  Geometric Bag - I'm still obsessed with these, I don't care if they aren't #trendy anymore. I think they are fun and all of my friends would love 'em. Sweater - Cashmere is so nice, but who buys it for themselves? I just discovered a sweater I bought at Goodwill is 100% cashmere and I was shook because I didn't know I owned something that nice. This sweater comes in every color under the sun and I think it's a great piece for anyone in your life.  Lilly Dress - Know someone who lives in a tropical climate? Or someone who's going on a spring holiday? Get them this cute lil dress! I love the pattern and the cut; I think it would look flattering on anyone!  Slip Pillowcase - I have no idea if this works but lordy the reviews make me want to buy one for myself. No frizz? Better skin? I'm here for those things. This is very much a luxury I wouldn't buy for myself but I would totally buy for a best friend or mom or sister.  New Balance - How cute are these? I'm in love! These would be a great gift for your bestie, sister or mom I think because they are cute, comfy and just a really good buy. Who could say no to these? Gloves - If you know someone who lives in a cold climate or travels to cold climates gloves are a great purchase. I like these because they are just luxury enough. Like they are good gloves but they aren't ridiculously expensive.  Perfume - A great luxury present that your friends won't buy for themselves is perfume. I'm guilty of this! Bath and Bodyworks spray for life, am I right? But something cute like this will brighten their day. 

Best Advent Calendars

The holidays are right around the corner, trust me, I've been prepping. Now ever since I became a Zoella vlog lover I've re-discovered advent calendars. The last time I had one was probably in high school? My mom used to bring German versions home. But now that I'm an adult, I want a better advent calendar than just regular chocolate. Below are my picks for the best of the season. Splurge for yourself, buy one for your parents or maybe get your best friend a super early Christmas present. No matter who you give one to, they'll love it. Do you have a favorite? - xoxo darling, Hayden

For the Skin Care Obsessed

We all know someone who is obsessed with their skin care routine. They know every trend in skin care lines, they wear sheet masks and they do it well, they can give you recommendations based on your Zodiac...basically we all have that one friend. Why not surprise that person with a L'Occitane advent calendar? This is one of the most luxurious, cutest things I've ever seen. I love the illustrations and colors not to mention the amount of amazing products located within. Your skin care loving friend might die when they open this bad boy up. It would be an amazing early Christmas present, I promise. 

For the Creative Parent

This isn't so much a gift as it is an option for those of you that are #extra. Because y'all exist and want to be recognized for your contributions and here we go, we're recognizing your need to be over the top! This Anthropologie calendar is adorable. I love it. However, you have to create all of the presents in it - you could go the easy route and just buy a 25 pack of candy or you can be more interesting with your stuff. Overall, I love this idea and if I had kids I think I would...if my November was particularly slow, otherwise they might get a 99 cent one from Trader Joe's, who knows! No, I'm totally kidding, this is a really cute idea and I think a ton of families would make this a big Christmas tradition. Also, you don't have to do this for kids, you could buy this and make stuff for your friends or roommates and each day y'all open it together; I'm not here to limit you! 

For the Old British Woman in All of Us

Does someone in your life love to sit around, reading, maybe in a nook, while it rains, while wearing soft socks, a cashmere throw blanket and all while it rains lightly outside? Well, then that person needs the Fortnum & Mason tea advent calendar. Because nothing would make the scene above better than a very aesthetically pleasing pale pink mug with a tea bag hanging off the side. Also, this calendar is just adorable. I love F&M and this would just be a great, kind of luxury gift for a friend or parent in your life. Also, it's made out of wood so you can actually keep the thing and buy your own tea next year so that you get all the flavors you like. Although the Double Dragon Pearl does sound interesting...

For the Future Ina

Okay, I wish this one was tiny cooking implements...but alas it's just really nice chocolate. However, I feel if you get it wrapped in Williams Sonoma paper your friend that wishes to be Ina Garten will love it. I mean, I would. WS is one of my all-time favorite stores so if I were to receive a advent calendar from them I would die. 

For the Nostalgic

Who wants to go back to elementary school? I DO. No, seriously, I miss doing crafting stations and having centers and P.E. and all of the fun things I got to participate in when the only worry I had was my Friday spelling test. Y'all, adulating is hard and this Lip Smacker advent calendar will take you back to those good old days. I remember the first Lip Smacker I ever tried was Dr. Pepper flavored in 5th grade. My friends gave me a make-over and a little kit to keep up with the make-over (you might not believe this, but in elementary school I always wore my hair in a pony tail and dressed horribly) and there was my very own Lip Smacker. Get this for anyone in your life that loves feeling that nostalgia. 

For the Cheese Lover

Okay, Serena and I had grand plans to get the Aldi cheese advent calendar. But you know what, it's a really big deal and we didn't know that. They had sold out by the time she got to the Aldi in Fort Worth...so the back up: Ilchester Advent Calendar. You can purchase this bad boy at Target, it's British (so not German, but close!) for $24.99! It's a steal for all that cheese. Get this for your friend that is obsessed with fromage or the person that loves wine in your life and likes to be bougie. Or send it to me, my address is -----, just kidding! 

For the Parisian 

Angelina is one of my favorite Paris spots, because you feel like Coco Chanel sipping your incredibly thick hot chocolate and eating a chocolate torte. So if you have a Francophile bestie or family member, this would be the perfect present. Or maybe your friend has no idea what this place is, the chocolate looks amazing. Seriously, that stuff looks delicious and the packaging is adorable. Also, it comes with crispy crepes...my mouth is watering.

Week Re-Cap

Panang Curry at Aung's in Denver

Oooo what a week! So much food, I mean so much. But it was a great time, we visited Michigan and Indiana (crossed off a 101 in 1001) for a football game and just had a great time hanging out with each other. Other than that it's been very chill. However, it super snowed in Colorado when I landed on Sunday so I had to drive in a bunch of snow and I hated every minute of it. But the roads have now melted as of yesterday so it's fine! This week I'm off to Austin to visit with Marcus, one of my besties and we're going to have the most amazing time. What are y'all up to? - xoxo darling, Hayden

The best Pad Thai I've ever had...

First "red" cup of the season...and you know what? I didn't like it. If you've been a blog reader for a while you know that I used to be a lil Starbs obsessed. But then I had better coffee and now I avoid their coffee pretty hard, it's just too bitter. But I loooove that cup, it's so cute. 

Tried Las Delicias, a classic Denver restaurant and it was good! 

Their salsa was just the right amount of spicy.

Do you follow me on Instagram?  If so, you'll see content like this! 

Trader Joe's Hot Cocoa O's are delicious!

HOLD THE PHONE. Dutch Bros now has its holiday menu and 

the Chai Eggnog is one of the greatest things I've ever tasted. 

Flew to Michigan to witness snow, just kidding, we went for a football game.

The Mitten Brewing Company

Downtown Grand Rapids

A little snack at Grand Rapids Brewing.

Winter is here y'all.

Spinach Artichoke at Evil Czech Brewing.

Touchdown Jesus at Notre Dame.

So cold.

Notre Dame Stadium

Zingerman's Deli in Ann Arbor.

How epic are these?! 

Oh, this was delicious.

Biggby Coffee was a thing in Michigan so we had to stop.

Tried their Candy Cane, it was delicious! 

Max & Erma's in the Detroit Airport.