Holiday Card Ready

Happy Monday Friends!

I can't believe Christmas is almost here! It really hit me last night.  I had big plans to finish my Christmas shopping this weekend, but got hit with a nasty cold and ended up wrapped up in the house all weekend.  It turns out it was the perfect weekend to stay cozy inside since it was pretty snowy here.  However, I am rushing a little today to order the last of my gifts to make sure they get here before Christmas (here is a helpful guide for shipping deadlines coming up).

Jonny and I weren't sure that we wanted to do a Holiday card this year.  Last year we did our first card as a new family and it feels like I was so organized and ordered them almost immediately after we got our wedding photos.  This year, time got the best of me, and I was worried we missed our opportunity to order them (turns out they can still be ordered, we use Minted - they can still be delivered by 12/18 if ordered by the end of today with code SHIP). I also love that Minted gives you the option to have the envelopes pre-addressed and they have tons of adorable address designs (which saves a lot of time and is perfect for me considering I don't have the prettiest handwriting). 

I stopped in J.Crew Factory ( currently 50% off everything plus extra 15% off and free shipping with code Jolly) last week and saw these pants for Jonny which matched my pants from there that I had just ordered (I was probably a little more excited than the average person, but they are really cute!).  He has mentioned, more than once, that they are the warmest pants he has ever worn.  I have also been wearing this coat from there (also on sale) a ton!

My shirt is sold out, but also love this one and this one.  I tied a bow under the collar with some extra ribbon I had from wrapping to add a little more texture, color, and cheer to my outfit.  I gave Jonny his fleece (40% off with code getgifts) as an early Christmas present and he hasn't stopped wearing it since it is so cozy (I have even put it on a few times it is so soft I just can't resist!).

If you are in the Denver area over the holidays and looking for some fun photos of you and your loved ones, I often work with Corey from Corey Anthony photography... he always captures such fun moments of Jonny and me and I can't thank him enough!  Can't wait to get my whole family home and get a few more with everyone together!

Have a wonderful week!!

xo

Wish List Wednesday - Christmas Jammies

Growing up my mom had a field day dressing my sisters and me alike.  Her favorite time to do this, of course, was the holiday season.  She would often make giant bows for our hair, or matching dresses for us to wear on Christmas Eve.  My sisters were never thrilled about our coordinating ensembles... guess who was 🙋  

Each year we were allowed to open one gift on Christmas Eve.... It was always jammies!  To this day,  this tradition holds true.  And it is the gift we each look forward to every year and joyfully parade around in our matching sets.

This adorable flannel set ($68) just arrived at my doorstep - I got it in red which has sold out, but there are a few sizes left in navy (more sizes available in this print $64.50)! I know mom has other plans in mind for this year's pajama look (there was talk of footed PJs like these ($29.99 - extra 25% off with code: Friend) for Jonny and Matt, we can't exclude the guys!  Last year we branched out from the traditional pant set and went with a nightshirt like this one ($68) or this one ($39.50) (I wear mine all the time!) (also like this one $17).  This set from J.Crew is also a gorgeous, classic option and love that they offer monogramming! You guys know how I feel about anything with a monogram... gets me every time.  

I always love cozying up Christmas morning in my new jammies... throwing on a cozy robe (I like this one $35.50!).... and slippers (like these $55!) and spending the day with my family by the tree drinking cocoa and eating leftover Christmas cookies.

What fun traditions do you have?  

(All of my favorites are linked below or click the picture above!)

Wish List Wednesday - Gifts for your Guys!

1. Buffalo Plaid Sweater // 2. Tie Bar Style Box // 3. Christmas Sweater Belt // 4. Activity Tracker // 5. Wayfarer Ray Bans// 6. Wool Jacket // 7.  Forester Pull on Boot // 8. Ski Tricks Needlepoint Wallet // 9. Flannel PJs // 10. Weekender // 11. Garment Bag // 12. Scuff Slippers

Good Wednesday Evening Friends!

Jonny and my dad are both pretty simple and similar in the things they like - Broncos, skiing, golf, done.  Anything that has to do with any of these things is a pretty safe bet that either or both of them will like!  

However, the last couple of years, I have had fun finding gifts that compliment the things they love, but may not obviously scream, "Go Broncos!".  For example, these Ugg Boots were not the first thing on Jonny's list when I got them for him a couple of years ago, but in the winter. he wears them more than any other shoe in his closet.  They are perfect for after skiing and even wears them on snowy/casual days to work.  I love the Smathers and Branson needlepoint pieces for gifts like this skier wallet... so fun! Jonny has a similar one with his college insignia that he loves.

My dad travels quite a bit for work and has always carried a backpack as his main form of luggage (he packs a little lighter than me :/).  Last year, Jonny and I got him this weekender from Pottery Barn that he now takes everywhere!  Dad's very favorite thing of all is his FitBit that he got himself years ago - he does not leave home without it... he can be found walking around the block before bed to insure he has gotten all his steps in for the day!

Other ideas:

  • I love this Tie Bar Style Box ($99) - which comes with 3-4 ties/ 3-4 pocket squares and matching socks.
  • If your guys need a nice jacket - this one is perfect for work or hanging with the guys (and on sale)
  • cozy jammies (30% off with code presents) and slippers are always awesome options!


The Best Cyber Monday Sales + a little giveaway

Hi Friends!!

I hope you had a great long weekend relaxing and enjoying time with your loved ones! I did a lot of my shopping on Black Friday, but always save some purchases for Cyber Monday since it is the last day to take advantage of the big deals (and sometimes best ones) before gift giving season begins.

Above are some of my picks of great sale items (click directly on item for more info) - for some reason I couldn't get these adorable Sole Society shoes to link, they are so cute and in tons of different prints and 30% off site wide today!  These Ray-Ban's are a mix of my two favorite sunglasses that I wear all of the time and are a steal ($119 - usually $170 through 11/30).  I also love this cream quilted parka I love a coat that is super cozy and warm, yet not overly bulky and still feminine (43% off today and $95 through 11/30).  I bought these pjs - so cute for the holidays and cozy for the inevitable chilly winter ahead (and 50% + an extra 15% off with code todayonly)!  I think this Kate Spade cross body (30% off today with code Shine) is such a great gift idea - they are offering personalization on a number of their items.  Personalized gifts always add such a great touch.  I always feel so special receiving a personalized gift so do my best to give them as often as possible.

Notable sales: 

Who are you shopping for today?  I know I will be able to check a few people off my list - yay! I will be giving away this adorable Oh Snap tote from CaraDiane + CO - to enter to win, simply subscribe to my email list (on the right hand side) and winner will be emailed next week :).

Happy Shopping!!


Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving Friends!!!

Yesterday I got the opportunity to head up for a quick day of skiing with my dad.  It was such a beautiful day -  I cold not stop looking at the mountains around us and feeling grateful for time with my family.

Thanksgiving has become a favorite holiday of mine - the perfect time for reflection and thanks. Every day I try and step back and think about the things that I am thankful, grateful, excited, and happy for, but especially this time of year and especially this year.  Recently, have been spending extra time talking on the phone and enjoying the company of the ones I love and holding them a little tighter and just feeling grateful for this life that we live.

Last week Jonny and I hosted 30 of our nearest and dearest (actually 31 if you count our tiny newborn nephew) for the second annual Miller Friendsgiving.  It is always such a treat having our friends over for dinner, but sharing a cozy feast and and reflecting on the things that mean the most to one another made the evening even more special.

To prep for our party, my friends Nerida and Bethany and I learned how to make Thanksgiving inspired floral arrangements (here).  I also made a trip to one of my favorite shops (Swoozies) to pick up some fun decor - I love these napkins - and they usually have sweet and funny sayings for each holiday and different occasions (our napkin drawer is stocked with them :) ).  Also, this Friends Giving chalk board was a hit - cute and interactive!  I also love our banner - I wanted one that made sense to hang for the whole holiday season and "count your blessings" I think, rings true throughout! 

For bigger parties I think it is always easiest to make fun specialty cocktail that fits your theme.  We went with pomegranate punch - it was delicious and perfect for a large group (I used a drink dispenser like this one).

Here is what I did:

  • Fill dispenser half way with ice
  • Pour 8 Pomegranate Izze's 
  • Pour 3/4 gallon ginger ale
  • Pour 4 cups Pomegranate/Blueberry juice (I used Tropicana)
  • mix together
  • slice 4 oranges to lay inside drink dispenser (do not mix)
  • seed 1 pomegranate and place on top (do not mix)

Have the happiest Thanksgiving!! Eat something delicious and enjoy every minute.

xo



J. Crew factory Sale Round - up (50% off all my favs)

Union Suit in Stripe // Gold Slippers // Plaid Ear Muffs // Gold Passport Holder // Ski Sweater // Tiered drop earrings // Loafers with Bow

Last Christmas I bought a lot of my gifts from Factory - the quality is great and obviously an almost identical style to J. Crew, but at a more affordable price point.  I wanted to be sure to highlight this big sale for you guys before it ends!  J. Crew Factory is having a 50% off sale before black Friday which awesome!  These striped pj's ($32) are so cute and will be perfect for my sisters for our annual, Christmas Eve, matching pj pic (a favorite tradition of ours).  I love these pants ($49) as an alternative to a holiday dress - paired with a sequin top or sparkly shoe (like this one from Banana Republic, also 40% off with code BRFRIENDS) they are perfect for an party!

Shop the sale easily by clicking the pictures or links above or by scrolling and clicking the pictures below! 

xo 

Easy as (Pecan) Pie

Hi Friends!

In an effort to get things ready early for our Friendsgiving party tomorrow night, I decided to bake pies and do as much as I could today since there always seems to be last minute errands and grocery trips the day you are hosting a party.

This is my favorite pecan pie recipe that I have adapted from my grandmothers recipe and several others over the last few years.  It is super simple, and friends and family seem to (er...) gobble it up!  PSA - I don't know if I will ever be able to make pretty crusts, but someday I hope to learn... until then I'll focus on the filling!

Ingredients:

  • 5 Eggs
  • 1 cup Karo syrup
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/8 tsp. salt
  • 1 1/2 cups pecans
  • 4 tbs. melted butter
  • 2 tsp. vanilla

Directions

  • roll out pie crust and pinch in pie dish (there is a much prettier way to do this)
  • preheat oven to 350° 
  • whisk all ingredients EXCEPT pecans
  • pour mixture in pan
  • pour pecans in mixture
  • bake for 70- 75 minutes (until middle is no longer jiggly and crust is golden brown)




Wish List Wednesday - Holiday Dresses

Hi Friends!

I have been looking forward to these wish lists every week because it is so fun sharing all of the things that I am eyeing with you and it means it is inching towards the weekend (yipee!).  This week I have been on the hunt for the perfect holiday outfit for our upcoming Friendsgiving - which kicks off our holiday party season.  I love any occasion to get dressed up so holiday parties are the perfect excuse to wear something extra special and sparkly.  

I am planning to wear this Vince Camuto skirt for our Friendsgiving this weekend.  I think the deep plums and oranges are perfect for the season (not to mention my best friend, Emi is wearing this one and we have loved wearing matching clothes since 1st grade... #notashamed).  I really love this dress for the holidays - the big bow on the back is so sweet and feminine - and the price is really affordable ($58) (also love this almost identical Kate Spade dress, but a little pricier :) ).  I snapped this one up late last night because I know they are going to sell out quickly!  

I have also updated my shop page with tons more of my favorites and will be continuously updating it with fun dresses and and gift ideas throughout the season! And in case you missed last week's wish list with my favorite winter coats you can check it out here!

What fun party plans do you have this season? Would love to hear what your favorite dress is?!

xo

Wish List Wednesday - Winter Coats

Dear Santa,

After staring for hours at last week's wish list I may or may not have eliminated two things from my wish list already - I simply needed this cape and these red Hunters for the Holiday season (both are selling out like hot cakes!).  (Do people still say that?).  I realize that this is not how a wish list is supposed to work.  A wish list is a list of things that I WISH I had and hopefully SANTA (ahem) might bring.... will be doing my best exercise my self control over the next month an a half.

I have rounded up my favorite coats this winter above.  There are also some amazing Veterans Day sales going on today on some real gems... so a perfect time to score the perfect coat for yourself or as a gift!  I have been lusting over this J.Crew Chateau Parka ($365) since last year and love all of the colors it comes in - especially the red, blush pink, grey, and camel.  I just saw that J.Crew Factory has created a similar version at almost half the price (not as many color options - but no biggie)... I love shopping there when I can!  I also love this merlot, skirted, Steve Madden coat (on sale $119) it is so feminine and would be adorable with jeans or a dress.  And this Penfield down jacket ($235) is perfect for casual days after skiing in the mountains or running errands this winter.

Which coat is your favorite??

xo



Cleaning out my closet

Hi Friends!

I told you over the weekend I was feeling quite productive, this was one of the reasons.  I change my closets out twice a year - once in the spring so my bright summer clothes are more accessible and once in the fall - so my Uggs are never too far from my bedside. As you can imagine, this time of year I want to fill my closet with cozy sweaters, hats, jeans, and boots, but as I was organizing I realized there was not space to keep clothes that I love, but I just don't wear anymore.  I cleansed my entire closet - removing what seemed like 100 pieces that I haven't worn in the last year; realizing that someone else could give them a better, more exciting home (clothes have feelings too).

 Around this same time I was contacted by a store called Uptown Cheapskate - they asked if I would be interested in shopping at their new store... Although a lovely invitation filling my closet back up was really the last thing I needed.  Todd, the owner, informed me that they are a high end resale store, which is different from consignment because they give cash for items that you bring in... this was music to my ears!

I visited their store twice last week because I had such a pleasant experience the first time. To keep our closet in the orderly condition it is in now, I have decided to start living by "something in, something out" rule - if we get something new, something has to go.  Since my introduction to Uptown Cheapskate, I am more motivated than ever to do this and feel good that someone else will get use out these pieces!  In total, I made $350 on items of clothing that I no longer wear and were just taking up space. 

Below are a few of the items that I just dropped off (some still with tags) - and I forgot to take a picture of the sparkly Armani Exchange dress that someone will definitely love!  Uptown Cheapskate is having their Grand Reopening Today starting at 3:00 pm.  If you stop by and mention Denver Darling you will be entered to win a $50 gift card.

Have a great day!

Wish List Wednesday

Dear Santa,

I have been a mostly good girl this year.  I only crashed my scooter twice, and went over on our family data plan every other month 😳, but just in case you are still listening - these are few things I am loving!! 🎅

Velvet flats ($58) // Check shirt ($44.50) // Kate Spade watch ($175.00) // Gold Slide slippers ($25.50) // Plaid Reversible cape ($48) // Hunter Rain Boots ($150) // Statement necklace ($54.50) // Plaid throw ($39) // Initial wrap ring ($125) // Talk is Chic notebook ($16) // Antler Jewelry Tray ($12) // Kate Spade dot candle ($40)

From now, through Christmas I will be posting a weekly wishlist (in addition to a few other fun gift guides) of things that are on my Christmas list and gifts that I would love to give through out the holidays.  I hope this is helpful in your holiday shopping!!

I love the idea of wearing blue suede shoes, they are classy and fun rolled into one.  These gorgeous flats are also a steal ($58) and can be worn with a pair of fun tights or jeans!  I am definitely hoping for this shirt.  I have a similar, summer version (seen here) and it is one of my very favorite shirts!  I never knew I was going to be such a big fan of capes... I posted one just yesterday (here) and love that this plaid one ($48) is similar and is also reversible which makes it versatile and easy to wear multiple ways.  I also love that they add character and a pop of color to a simple outfit.

Hope your week has been great!

xo