30th Birthday Lessons

Hi Friends,

Oh hi, its me.. I'm Abby and I'm 30??? WHHHAAAA, where has the time gone?!!! I remember crying in 5th grade because I didn't want to go to outdoor camp in 6th grade because after outdoor camp meant middle school, then high school, then college, then marriage, then you're 30!! Welp, 12 year old self, you were right!  I have been struggling all week with this birthday, but I woke up today and am so excited about this next chapter.  I think turning a new year older always brings a little reflection, transitioning into a new decade brings a whole lot of reflection.  Through these past few days I've come up with a list of advice that I would share with my younger self and thought I'd share as a reminder to me and hopefully helpful to you too:

Location: Sweet Cooies Ice Cream // Photography: Jenna Sparks

• Be Kind

This seems simple and obvious, I know.  I've found when I am having a bad day and the last thing in the world that I want to do is be friendly to anyone other than my dog, doing something nice for another human makes my day instantly better.  Kindness makes people happy - happiness makes you laugh - laughter is the best medicine and keeps you young.... so pretty much being kind is the fountain of youth! 

• Find Your Passion

They say that if you do something you love you will never work a day in your life.  I am not entirely sure that is correct.  I think once you find something you love you will work your a** off like never before to make sure that it succeeds.  Before starting Denver Darling I worked on The Hill in DC, in the non-profit space as a fundraiser, and also at a PR agency.  Each were great jobs, but never got me excited to wake up early or well into the night like I do now.  

• Be Active

Do something active every. single. day! Before I found workouts that I loved I would stress about working out.  I would plan a trip to the gym days or a week in advance.  I realize now that was because I never loved the exercise I was doing and was just so dang bored at the gym! I fell in love with CorePower Yoga, it turned into an every day thing for me and now I alternate, yoga, CycleBar, hiking, skiing, running, and walking with Sir Stanley.  

• Don't Diet (seriously)

Just don't do it! If you know me personally, you know that up until recently I was always on some crazy diet.  I realize now that I missed out on some fun times and delicious meals to a save a few extra cals.  I believe that my metabolism has finally kicked in at 30 because I am eating normally and enjoying what my body is craving.  Eat the damn ice cream cone and enjoy it (and this new spot Sweet Cooies just might be the cutest place to do that!)! #yolo

• Quality over Quantity

My early 20's self worried about doing as much in one day as humanly possible and spending little time with as many people that didn't mean all that much to me.  Now I spend more time doing the things I love with less people that I care the most about.

• Roadtrip

Jonny and I have been to some fun places for sure (last year we spent my birthday in Thailand which was a highlight!), but one of my favorite trips to date was a last minute road trip we took to Montana.  We took our time, and stopped for hikes, pictures, interesting biker bars and listened to Hamilton on repeat.  We can't wait to do another this summer!

• Know your go-to's

Find 2 favorite restaurants that you love that are perfect to recommend to friends for brunch, that you can always drop in and have a great meal and perfect for date night (we love Postino and Linger here in Denver).  Memorize a delicious, but easy recipe that you can whip up for guests or take to a friend's (this dessert is always a hit!). Know your go-to beverage orders... mine are prosecco, an oaky chardonnay (this one is sparkly and gives 15% back to charity!), and Cider!

Enjoy your weekend!! I would love to hear your favorite kernels of wisdom always feel free to email or share in the comments below.

xo

Going Red with Kendra Scott Tonight!

Hi Friends,

I am so excited this morning because today kicks off a long few days of birthday celebrating.  Don't get me wrong, I am normally not a birthday person at all!! However, I think transitioning into a new decade feels a little different and I am going to soak in the last days of my 20's and celebrate the heck out of this weekend with my friends and I just can't wait.

Tonight I am celebrating the start of my birthday weekend with Kendra Scott and the American Heart Association and I can't think of a better place with a more important message to kick off the fun! February is Go Red for Women Month and I recently learned that cardiovascular diseases kill about one woman every 80 seconds and about 80% of cardiovascular diseases may be preventable.  Last year, I touched on some heart issues that my mom had been dealing with and how important, as women, it is to be our own biggest advocate.  The last few months, she has been having trouble again and I have been so proud to watch her advocate for herself to ensure that she gets the care that she needs.  Yesterday, she received a heart monitor to make sure that her heart is working properly and I am thrilled that tonight's event will benefit the American Heart Association.

It is highly likely that I will be wearing this exact outfit tonight (please don't judge).  I don't know about you, but when I find an outfit that I love, I wear the heck out of it!  And I love these pants and can't get enough of them!! I have really been into high waist trousers lately, but they also come in a mid rise version.  The fabric on these is so so soft.  This blouse had me at "hello" ruffles, flowers, and a bow? and a price point under $60, game over!  My Kendra Scott earrings are from their Go Red collection and as I mentioned here 20% of proceeds will be donated to AHA and will be a great way to support if you are not able to make tonight's event.  Hope to see you there!! Please see details below. xoxo

So Vacation Ready

Hi Friends,

It has been a hot minute, hasn't it?! 

Jonny and I just spent the weekend in Whistler and it was chilly!  Half way through our trip, while watching the snow accumulate feet at a time, I started dropping hints that a warm weather getaway would be a welcomed 30th birthday gift (ahem).  Who's with me 🙋🏼?!

So, I am feeling a little grumpy today, guys, so forgive my venting.  Traveling home earlier this week, two of my flights were canceled after sitting on the tarmac for 4 hours because of a winter storm that hit Seattle then, this morning I learned that my flight to New York tomorrow was canceled due to the same storm.  Luckily (I thought) I was able to get on an earlier flight so I frantically threw pretty much everything in sight in my suit case and sped off to the airport just to learn that flight had also been canceled...  I had to laugh a little because I am really getting used to these flight cancellations and the series of events throughout the day were either going to make me cry or laugh.

I am a little bummed however, because it doesn't look like we are going to make it to NYC until Friday and I was so excited about a few Fashion Week events and shows that I am going miss... I was particularly looking forward to the Kate Spade show.  Darn you mother nature.  I guess there is always next season!

Anyway, it sounds like NYC is going to be COLD (whenever we get there). I am hoping the next time I hop on a plane it is to somewhere very little packing is involved - and I only need a beach bag with a few pretty sun dresses (like this one, this one and this one!). A great sun hat, sunglasses, a swimsuit (I love this one!), and a good book.

Where are you going next?  Somewhere warm, I hope.  

Favorite Fall Dresses - Anniversary Sale

Hi Friends,

I don't usually like to think about summer ending or fall clothing until the last possible moment - it really bums me out.... except during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.  It is Nordstrom's biggest sale of the year and they preview all of their incoming fall items at big discounted prices (and make the inevitability of fall coming just around the corner not so bad).

The early access sale is in full swing and is available to Nordstrom Card holders for two more days.  After the 21st the anniversary sale will be available to everyone through August 7th.

I love that all of these dresses are easy transition pieces and won't be forgotten about in the closest from now until fall.  This blush dress is under $25 and comes in 10 colors - I plan on wearing it with sandals now and booties, then tights boots and a jacket into the fall (such an easy piece!).  This cold shoulder shift is adorable, comfy, and really flattering (under $30).  

This is also the time that I stock up on work dresses.  This fuscia bow dress is perfect for meetings, or tea with the girls - there are only a few sizes left (under $100).  And although I am typically more drawn to color in my wardrobe, even I can't deny a classic LBD.  This little black dress is great for going for from meetings to date night or a cocktail party (under $100).

I will be sharing a few more roundups over throughout the sale, let me know if there is something you have your eye one and would like me to cover.

(to shop, click the picture of the dress above or below).

xo

no ticket, no problem

Hi Guys!

Hope you had a wonderful weekend and it's been a great week so far.  Jonny and I had a blast in Chicago celebrating our friends and just loved exploring the city.  We spent all day Sunday, with a big group of friends, riding from neighborhood to neighborhood, along the Navy Pier with their bike share program, it was such a fun way to sightsee.

We always love to travel and spend time with friends, but we are home for a few weeks and I am so excited to spend some time in our own wonderful city for a while.  

Amazing restaurants are opening right and left in Denver, but Jonny and I have our tried and true favorites... and Linger is one of them.  They opened a few years ago, but it continues to be one of the best places for brunch and happy hour and our go to suggestion for out of town guests (the view is fantastic).  It is nice to be home to be reminded of the little gems right in our own back yard.

I do love that this dress feels like a vacation all on its own... no plane or TSA headache needed.  It is also on sale ($143) with just a few sizes left (I am wearing a 2 for sizing purposes).  All of Mara Hoffman's pieces feel like a tropical getaway - I also love this one, this one, and this one (also on sale).  Right now is the perfect time to stock up on summer dresses since brands and retailers are getting ready to launch fall lines and they need to make room (jokes on them because there is so much summer left - hehe!).  My purse has been one of my favorite last minute buys this summer - especially since it was only $12! The quality is great and I love adding a bright pop of color to any outfit.

Working on a few Anniversary Sale roundups over the next few days, let me know if there is anything you are loving and would like me to focus on.

xo