2016 in Review

I am not going to pretend that 2016 was all kinds of rosy - this year was a lot of learning and growing for me, maybe you can relate?  Jonny and I experienced the heartbreak of losing close friends and our first doggy. But 2016 also brought us some wonderful memories that we were so lucky to share.  

We traveled to six beautiful couples weddings and celebrated with countless friends! Checked off a few gorgeous sights on our bucket list.

 I visited Zoe, my littler sister and best friend in NYC and now she is back home in Denver which makes me so so happy.  

We added Sir Stanley to our family and we got to spend the holidays with both of our big families in beautiful Colorado.  It may not have been the year we had envisioned, but we feel so incredibly lucky.  Cheers to you and yours and to what 2017 may hold!

xo

Ode to Charlie Brown - My Doggy Soulmate

Hi  Friends,

I hope you had a nice 4th with your loved ones and friends.  

I started writing this post early last week, but I just couldn't find the words so I spent this last week gathering my thoughts, spending quality time with Jonny and our families, and sharing countless stories about our Charlie Brown.  He truly was my best friend, furry soul mate, and sidekick.  

I never thought about writing this post and really never imagined it would be so soon. As many of you may know through social media, Charlie Brown passed away very unexpectedly last week.  I want to thank you all for the kind words, memories, and love that you have shared with Jonny and me.  It warms my heart to know how many lives Mr. Brown touched.  The joy he brought to our lives over the past 10 years is indescribable.  If you have been following along for a little while now, you know that Mr. Brown was a big part of this blog and I wanted to share some of our favorite memories of him.

I got Charlie the summer before my sophomore year in college.  He helped me make every adult decision I ever made and was by my side for every major event in my life.  It sounds silly, but I believe he really shaped the person I am today.  He moved into my first place with me in college, attended my last day of school (I know, I took him everywhere), was there when Jonny and I met, bought our first home, present at our wedding and with a smile at the top of the stairs every day since.  He made me smile and laugh each day, even in the worst of moods.  Our boy will be truly missed.

I am so thankful for the timing of this blog.  I started Denver Darling a little over a year ago and Charlie Brown, the ham that he was - loved posing for pictures, and I am so glad we were able to document countless memories of the last year of his life that Jonny and I will absolutely cherish forever.

Many of you have asked what happened to our sweet Charlie so suddenly, and we learned that his breed specifically is prone to a fast moving cancer that likely grew in weeks then caused internal bleeding.  We were away earlier in the week when he stopped eating and drinking.  Zoe was watching him and took him to the vet after he ignored chicken and ice cream and the vet explained to Jonny and me over the phone that he likely wouldn't make it through the day.  Jonny was a groomsmen to his good friend so he had to stay, but I knew I needed to be with Mr. Brown as soon as possible.  I got on the next possible flight and 13 hours later got to be with him to say goodbye.  I am so grateful for our final time together and the tremendous love he brought to our lives.  We will miss you forever Mr. Brown.

Charlie's 10th Birthday Paw-ty

Hi Friends,

I hope you had a wonderful weekend.  Jonny and I got to spend the cold, dreary, sleaty, snowy weekend enjoying a cozy staycation at the Hotel Teatro.  We had planned on playing hometown tourists all weekend all over downtown, but it turned out to be the perfect weekend to stay in and cozy up with a good book and watch the White House Correspondence dinner and some Lifetime Original movies.  Gahhh - I forgot Lifetime marathons can really suck you in!  But there was really no need to go anywhere with the awful weather... and hard to leave a room with a great view of Denver, watching the snow fall while enjoying the company of your two favorites - human and non.

There is no doubt about it, I have a healthy obsession with our golden retriever Charlie Brown.  I would bet a lot of you are animal lovers too, I typically don't get along very well with non dog people (so guessing you all are animal lovers of some kind).

After my freshman year in college I had my heart set on a golden retriever puppy.  Most people would tell me what a terrible idea it was to get a puppy during college, but for me, getting Charlie Brown almost 10 years ago, was one of the best decisions I made.  We have been through so much together: countless moves, graduating college, starting jobs, leaving jobs, meeting Jonny, falling in love, first fights, getting married, and becoming the little family we are now.

I may seem like a crazy dog lady (and I definitely am!) but Mr. Brown has been an eager bundle of love happily waiting for me with a smile, or a pup hug when needed, every day for the last 10 years.  He has been the best doggy and more than a girls best friend and I felt his 10th birthday was a reason to celebrate.

Liz and her pup, Gus,  came (also here) came over and Bethany brought Hank, the golden they were puppy sitting.  It ended up being the perfect way to spend a snowy afternoon - a gaggle of girlfriends and goldens.... nothing better!  We enjoyed a little champagne during our walk and came back to  our house and warmed up with a hot cocoa bar and birthday treats for all.

I love all of our bright jewelry from Lonna and Lilly, it is so fun and cheery and brightened up the snow day a bit (here, here and here).  Our mugs and this glass pitcher are two of my favorite hostessing pieces and I got the the party hats from Swoozies (which you will hear more about later this week!).  I have to tell you, I also do not wear these rain boots enough.... yellow, monogrammed, bow? Love!  And I have been wearing these earrings as often as possible - perfect with a plain tee.

Hope the rest of your week is wonderful!! Thrilled the sun is shining today and crossing my fingers we have seen our last snow for the season.

xo

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

Hello From the Other Side

OMG - HIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!

I have missed you guys!  So sorry for my longer than planned absence from the blog.  I was worried while we were preparing for our trip that posting from half way around the world would be difficult... doable, but difficult, but it proved to be more like impossible to find wifi that was compatible with my site.  At first it was nerve-wracking, and a little frustrating, but I am now so thankful for the break that forced me to completely unplug and allowed me to focus fully on spending time with Jonny and soaking in memories from such a life-changing trip.  I can't wait to share more from our adventure with you all!! Currently compiling all of our pictures and will be posting all of the details from SE Asian travels soon!

Photography // Corey Anothony

Full disclosure, this was probably not appropriate attire for playing tug of war with Mr. Brown on a windy day, but I just can't say no to him - especially after being away for so long.  As much fun as Jonny and I have traveling, it is so hard for us to be away from Charlie Brown for extended periods of time (can you blame us?!).  I heard foot steps one night during our trip and woke up in a panic thinking it was Charlie (#crazydoglady).

I love the color of my dress from Stitch Boutique.  Stitch is an adorable store located just up the road from me, that my friend, Jourdan (here), recently introduced me to - can't thank her enough!  The exact color of my dress is only available in stores, but in white here, and very similar here.   This faux leather jacket is so comfy and ideal for spring evenings (also a steal $92).  I think horn pendants like this one or this one are so fun and unique and add a touch of edge to a clean and colorful outfit.  Also... you can find Mr. Brown and me in floral sunnies like these ($11) for the foreseeable future 👓.

I have linked all outfit details and some additional, similar favorites below! 

Hope you have been great!! Let me know if you have any questions or comments or something you would like me to discuss!  Have a wonderful Tuesday!

xo

Dog Mom Resolutions

Hi Guys!!

I hope you are all still basking in the glory of Sunday's Broncos win, as we are over here!!  Denver has been walking on sunshine, even in the midst of a few snow flurries :).

Most of you know how I feel about our (almost) 10 year old golden retriever, Charlie Brown.  The love I have for him is close to unhealthy.  I believe he has the IQ of a 9 year old child and I am convinced he can read my mind at most times.  Jk... kind of. 🐶🙊

With Charlie getting into his more senior years, one of my resolutions this year was to be a better dog mom.  I am sure this sounds ridiculous to some people, but for those who's dog is like family... you know what I mean.  Longer walks and more play time is good for both of us.  This past weekend Jonny and I puppy sat my moms golden doodle, Cooper, so he got to reap some benefits of my resolution as well.

I popped by Gordmans to grab a few things to spruce up my walking wear.  I was so surprised to find the large assortment of very affordable activewear (like these or these $19 leggings... whaaaa?!!)  I also love this pullover in black or pink!

Hope your week is off to a great start!

For some more active inspiration, check out these other lovely bloggers! Charmingly Styled // Economy of Style // Treble in the Kitchen // Kate Maree

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

Photography: Corey Anthony