Catching Up and Weekend Celebrations

Hi Friends!!

I just finished a weekend full of beautiful celebrations for all of the people that I love.  There is really nothing better than a weekend filled with catching up with friends and family from all over.  It was back to back events and running around and lots of decorating, but I would not trade it for the world!!

We started out on Friday by going to The Whisky X a new event to Denver - typically when events are just getting off the ground it takes a while for them to gain momentum.  When we arrived, we couldn't believe how many people were there, excited to get in and sample all of the Whisk(e)y and food.  Side note, did you know that the liquor can be spelled Whisky or Whiskey depending on where it came from? Honestly, I am not much of a whisky drinker at all, but the event itself was a blast!!! And the food we sampled was delicious!  I went with Jonny, Zoe  and her boyfriend, and two of our cousins in town from Oklahoma and we all had so much fun!!

Saturday morning I woke up bright and early for a busy day of baby showers and brithdays! We started the day with a shower for my sister in law (Linnea) at my other sister in law (Erin's) house.  I got some fun sparkly decorations from a great Etsy store (Confetti Momma) I'd highly recommend her!! We snacked on waffles from  likely the yummiest waffle truck ever - Erin's brilliant idea - and enjoyed each others company and the lovely fall weather.

We ended the day celebrating Jonny's 30th at one of our neighborhood favorites - Postino (more here)! They are always our go to place for happy hour, and group gatherings because they make things so easy!!  They conveniently let me make a reservation for 12 - then 15 - then 20+ and happily accommodated our growing party.

Sunday was my Grandpa's (my moms dad) big 80th birthday party - we celebrated with about 120 of his friends and former colleagues and our huge family (I have 28 first cousins on my mom's side alone).  My dad and Nana and Papa came too.  We even had family fly in from Hawaii that we don't get to see nearly enough.  There is just something about having everyone you love most in the world all in the same place at the same time.

We have a few more celebrations this week - Papa's 92nd birthday tomorrow and Jonny's actual birthday is on Saturday.  Needless to say, October has been one big beautiful blessing of a month!

xo

Celebrating August with J.Crew Event

Happy August Friends!!

I know, I know, I am a day late - but still, a new month always feels like a time to celebrate and hit the refresh button.  Yesterday, a friend of mine said that August is like the Sunday of the year 😂😂😂... I get it, it means summer is coming to an end (but not for a while!).  I am hosting an event with J.Crew tomorrow (August 3rd) at Cherry Creek from 6-8 to preview some of their pre-fall collection and show you how I transition my summer wardrobe through these next few months!  They are offering an additional 20% off of a $125 purchase to Denver Darling guests!!

I wear white jeans all year around.  I would say my white jeans are easily the thing I wear most in my closet, and I just bought these because as you have seen here, here, and here - I get a lot of use out of my white denim (especially during transition months!).  

I thought this top would be perfect for our (quick) trip to Italy later this month. The embellishment is so pretty and pretty much the exact shirt I would draw up for myself if I could!  BTW, since last week, we have decided to still go to Italy for a few days to see our friends get married - the jet lag is going to be REAL, but we are still so excited and are planning to finish our original trip at the end of September.

For sizing: I got this top in a 2 and have a similar top in a 00. I like the looser fit of this top, but if you are looking for a tailored fit size down.  My shoes are from a new site (Guilty Soles) - I have a few pair from them and have loved them all, but they run a bit big! I would say size down at least a half size.

Hope to see you all TOMORROW for a little shopping fun drinks, and treats at J.Crew Cherry Creek!!

xo

This post is in collaboration with J.Crew. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible!

Hotel Indigo Denver

Dress (50% off!)// Shoes // Weekender // Purse // Hat

Last week Jonny, (Stanley), and I had an extra special date night and the opportunity to experience the new Hotel Indigo Denver - Downtown.   It was our first full week in Denver in over a month so it made date night and playing tourist around Downtown that much better.  Jonny and I live just west of Downtown (in Lohi) and rarely cross the highway because many of our favorite date spots are just around the corner from us, so even just the small (8 minute drive) distance was a welcomed change of scenery for our little staycation!

Anywhere there is a hotel greeting dog you can bet it is going to be on the top of my list of favorite hotels, but when it is a Golden oldie like Sir Charles Barcly and his job title is "Hotel Ambassador/Greetings Guru" I knew I was going to love Hotel Indigo that much more.  The staff could not have been more accommodating and eager to make our stay wonderful even though Stanley was a bit on the rowdy side at check in (#typical)- they welcomed him with open arms!

PJ's old (Forever 21) similar options here, here, here!

As I mentioned, we live a stones throw from the hotel, but once we arrived we were able to forget about our car and check out some of our favorite spots that we don't get to often enough Downtown - like Union Station.  Hotel Indigo's central location is ideal if you are visiting since it is in the heart of Downtown and most of the major attractions are within walking distance.  We are currently researching spots for our trip to Europe next month and walkability is always the most important thing to us!

Dress (almost sold out) similar here and here // shoes // purse // sweater

I have been hearing rave reviews about Hearth and Dram since it opened, but had not had the chance to try it!  I knew it was near the hotel, but did not realize it was directly through the lobby until we arrived (not sure why I did not put the two together)!  It may have been a little too convenient as we ended up having drinks there once we arrived and then I met Lacey and our friend and photographer Jenna there for lunch the next day.  We enjoyed ourselves so much that lunch turned into happy hour - 4 hours later.  I would say that is definitely the sign of a successful and delicious lunch! The drinks were so creative and we were all impressed by the pretty plating (food wise and actual plates).  My favorite thing we had was the salmon appetizer and I was not even remotely excited at the idea of ordering salmon over cheese, but I can't stop thinking about it! 

If you find yourself in Denver I can't recommend Hotel Indigo enough.  The whole experience was wonderful from start to finish and we can't wait to go back!

This post is in collaboration with Intercontinental Hotels Group . As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible!

Spring catch up with J. Mclaughlin

Happy Monday!

Yesterday Jonny and I were surprised with a free afternoon.  We have always loved being busy, and the two of us over schedule ourselves to a fault, which I am sure a lot of you can relate to.  So realizing we had an afternoon with no commitments, and the most beautiful spring weather to enjoy was certainly a welcomed surprise.  

In case you were wondering, that is why I was little quiet on social media yesterday.  I was enjoying the gorgeous day with Jonny.  He pointed out that I kept repeating how beautiful the day was, but it truly was one of the most gorgeous spring days so far.  As a blogger, my work is always at my fingertips and so accessible, I have to remind myself the importance of having quiet social media free time.  

I am so thankful for rejuvenating  days like yesterday to prepare me for days like today.  A little glimpse at today's to - do list: catch up on work, dog trainer for Stanley (Stanley ate our carpet this weekend.... so there's that!),  social security office, new license, pack for 3 trips in 8 days. Yikes!  By the way, for those of you that guessed Palm Springs on my post on instagram - you got it! Tomorrow I am headed to Palm Springs to visit my grand parents then on to Scottsdale for my dear friends bachelorette then to Chicago for my mother in laws birthday next week.

When I have a series of trips like I have coming up, I am sure to pack lightweight sweaters like this one from J.Mclaughlin.  It is beautiful quality and can be dressed up with jeans and heels, worn with dresses or skirts, or casual with shorts.  I also love the length of their shorts - not too short or too long and the scallop detail is such a sweet touch.  I now have a few of their gorgeous accessories and (first warn here) I can't get enough of them!  This purse is the perfect size for travel so will definitely be coming with me this week (also love this one  this one and just got this one)!

This post is in collaboration with J.Mclaughlin . As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible!

My Funny Valentine

Happy Almost Valentines Day, Friends!!

After a wonderful girls weekend in NYC with Mom, I am so excited to get back home to Jonny and Stanley just in time for Valentines day ❤️.  My mom and I had a busy few days in the city attending events and a few fashion shows and I can't wait to share more from our trip with you!! 

Jonny and I chatted briefly about our Valentines plans and agreed that after a busy few weeks of travel for both of us that the best way to celebrate our love would be a night in at home.  He offered to make dinner, which I am very much looking forward to because after eight years together I have realized that Ramen Noodles is his house specialty, but even that would be ok with me!

If Jonny's cooking doesn't work out, we have a few tried and true restaurants we always go to.  When we are planning a special date night we usually opt for Linger because the ambiance is fun and food is always new and delicious (it is also right up the street which is a little bonus), or Mercantile (we had our Valentine's date there last year).  Also, Cooper Lounge, is always a great spot to grab a drink before or after dinner and has a beautiful view and always fun people watching looking over Union Station.  We have really been wanting to try The Populist!  We have heard great things and it looks so pretty! What is your favorite date night spot?

Almost my whole look is Banana Republic.  I was instantly drawn to this blush midi skirt and I love how soft this matching sweater is which comes in 7 other colors.  My fur vest is old, but I found a similar one here and here.  My shoes are probably the most comfortable heels I have ever had.  Stanley may have loved them even more than me and mistakenly used them as a chew toy, so I am so glad I found them in stock here because they are pretty much out everywhere else. I found a few other burgundy options that I also love here and here (and these also come in blush!) 

Holiday Week of Chic: Coats for him and her and lip kit giveaway

Happy Sunday!

I hope you have all had a wonderful weekend and that you have been enjoying this Holiday Week of Chic Giveaway series as much as Lacey and I have.  Today we have partnered with Glo Minerals to give away a Lip Temptation Kit which makes for the most perfect holiday lip color!

We are exactly a week away from Christmas so today I am spending the day ordering the last of my gifts online to ensure they arrive on time.  With the amount of snow we have gotten over the past few days I have had coats on the brain as a great Christmas gift.  I snagged mine this summer (you know I never plan ahead, but this time I did and am so thankful!) and got this coat for steal! It is so incredibly warm and still on sale HERE and I also love this one and this one also on sale!  I found a very similar coat in four colors, I like the white, and 50% off ($89).

A person or two on my list have requested this coat (40% off with code Holiday).  I have this similar option in grey (worn here and here) and currently $134.  I also love this long puffer jacket very similar to the one I am wearing and $80.

Jonny always needs a new jacket (or two).  With the weather constantly changing and outdoor activities here in Colorado he always has a need for a slightly different layer (or so he thinks ;) ).  

Jonny gets the a ton of use out his Patagonia jackets and fleeces - he wears them to the office, after skiing and out with friends, so you can imagine he wears through them pretty quickly.  I love this plain one and this quilted one, and know he has eye on a patterned one like this .  For work I always think it is nice for a guy to have a classic pea coat and this one is 65% off!  I also like the idea of an updated fun parka like this one $199 that is nice enough for work, but warm enough for weekends in the mountains. 

Be sure to join today's giveaway and the other great giveaways that will be open for a few more days (we have two more coming your way!!) Have a wonderful Sunday!

Join the giveaway below!

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Holiday Week of Chic: What your Bestie Wants Giveaway

Happy Friday Guys!!

We are on to day four of our Holiday Week of Chic Giveaway series! And that also means less than 10 days until Christmas (holy moly!) so I am sharing some of the things that are on my list for my best friends including some fun pieces from today's giveaway with J.McLaughlin and Margaret O'Leary.   

Guys, this Forever 21 clutch is my favorite bargain of the season ($7).  I literally bought four of them (3 as gifts and one for myself)!  My friends and I are always needing to charge our phones while we are out and about so this glittery Kate Spade charger would be a perfect gift!  I was just talking to two of my girl friends the other night and we all love these monogrammed necklaces.  Bauble Bar does a great job all together with gifts.  I just received a few of my orders in the mail and can't wait to give them on Christmas.  I particularly love this set from them!

For today's giveaway we are so excited to be partnering with J.McLaughlin and Margaret O'leary to give away a pair of sunnies and the coziest scarf!  J.McLaughlin recently launched a new line of sunglasses  and I love that a classic pair like Lacey and I are wearing never go out of style! And who doesn't need a warm piece like this scarf to bundle with during this chilly winter?

Have a wonderful Friday!!

Join the giveaway below!

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Holiday Card Ready

Hi Guys!

I hope you are having a lovely week.  I put real clothes on for the first time yesterday - and today am back in my p.j.'s .... the doctor said this flu is lasting 10 days - 3 weeks and wow, am I red nosed vision in sweats.  My poor husband.  

Right before Thanksgiving we took pictures for our holiday card(s).  My whole family was in town so before Jonny, Stanley and I took our pictures we were able to take a few with my sisters, and their significant others and my mom as well which we haven't done in a long time.  Growing up we would take holiday photos every year, but actually getting the holiday card itself out was always a big task.

The past three years Jonny and I have used Minted and I am more amazed by the way they ease the process every year! I signed in to create our card and was trying to think of our list from last year and was happily surprised that they had it (and the addresses) saved.  They offer free pre addressing, with the cutest design options.  And you can even order personalized stamps or stamps that match your card (so easy!). We selected this design but were torn because we love this one too.

My dress is from Patterns and Pops $68.  I just love the sweet bows on the back - it is so comfy and would also be great with tights and boots as it gets colder.  Jonny's shirt is on major sale $25!  Stanley's bow tie is from a local doggy boutique (Two Pals and Pup), but in case you aren't in the area, I found a similar one here.  Shop the rest of my look and a few of my favorite red dresses (all under $100!) below.

Have a great day!

Cha-Cha-Cha-Changes

Hi Friends.. Happy Wednesday!

I hope you had a wonderful start to your week and are enjoying the lovely fall weather! There have been some exciting and interesting changes going on in our world...  Although change is exciting, it always takes a little getting used to, you know?!

A few years ago we met the Masons (you met them here ,here, and here), they instantly became two of our best friends and one of our favorite couples to spend time with! Last week they packed up all of their things and moved back home to Australia.  We are so happy for them to be back home with their families, but selfishly will miss them and little miss Pippa a ton!

If you follow me on Instagram, you may already know, but we brought home a new puppy last week!  Clifford Stanley Miller (goes by Stanley) and we are loving (almost) every minute with this sweet little guy.  I have to admit, Jonny and I are both a little sleep deprived - haha.  It has been so nice to have a furry friend in the house once again.

Last week Jonny and I stopped by the brand new Denver Central Market before heading to the last home Rockies game.  I can't believe how Rino is continuing to grow.  We had so much fun exploring each unique space inside the market.  I would say the highlight was the flight of ice cream from High Point Creamery for $9.  I know! Such a steal!  I love little samplings instead of one big serving and it was perfect to share!

I have been visiting the beautiful Pandora store since it opened several years ago.  When it first opened, my sisters and I would stop by on a regular basis to check out their new charms and compare our purchases.  I recently stopped in to look for a gift and realized that Pandora has changed quite a bit too.  I fell in love with this necklace, a long chain with a feather charm and have been wearing it non stop.  And I love the that they have so many pieces in rose gold, like the bangle I am wearing from the Pandora Rose Collection.  I picked a charm with daisies that reminded me of Hawaii and my grandmother.  Also, the stackable rings are adorable and so delicate, I have been getting so many compliments on them.   Right now they are offering a pair of earrings with any purchase of $100 or more (and the earrings I got I haven't taken out of my ears... I love to have a simple earring that I never have to change even for workouts.).

If you are in the Denver area I hope you get the chance to try the new Central Market and check out the fun changes at Pandora.  What are some of your favorite new places in the area?  Also, you can shop the rest of my look below.

Have a great rest of your week!

xo

This post is in collaboration with Pandora. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible!

To Market to Market

Hi Guys,

I hope you have had a wonderful week so far! It has been so beautiful here - it has really been a hard week to get anything done because I just want to be outside enjoying the sunshine.  Does that ever happen to you?  When you feel like a 5th grader just gazing out the window yearning for recess - I have felt like that all week!

As most of you know, I have a serious thang for farmers markets.  Exploring a new one makes me giddy and wandering around a familiar one is always relaxing and brings a smile to my face.  I recently partnered with Cherry Creek Lifestyle Magazine to share some of my favorite things about the new farmers market at Union Station in Denver (read it here). 

This will forever be one of my favorite shoots, and favorite days.  It was one of our last outings with Mr. Brown and it was perfect.  I am so thankful to Cherry Creek Lifestyle Magazine for honoring our boy and making him the cover boy of their "Dog Days of Summer" issue this month.

Whenever I visit a farmers market I love chatting with the vendors and learning about the products that they are so passionate about and have clearly put their heart and soul into.  I was obviously immediately drawn to the beautiful peonies that The Fresh Herb Company had at their stand.  However, I was even more intrigued and loved learning about the Field to Vase dinner they host in their fresh flower farm annually... I am so jealous that Zoe is going next weekend (August 13th) , we will be out of town and I can't wait to see the pictures!

Read about the rest of my favorite vendors from the Union Station Farmers Market in the current issue of Cherry Creek Lifestyle Magazine.  I would love to hear about your favorite farmers markets or vendors around town!

My dress is out of stock, but I also love these (this, this, and this) similar white dresses (all on sale!).  And I have had these wedges forever - they are so comfy and I love that they still look brand new.

Have a great day!

xo