Lemon Picking and the Perfect Print

Hi there!

I somehow completely spaced blogging some of my very favorite pictures from my Palm Springs trip last month. What. The. Heck! #oops

As you know, I went to visit my grandparents.  We had the best time.  Nana showed me around their property and we spent time playing cards and picking fruit from the trees surrounding their house.  My grandmother is almost 89 and one of the best bridge players in Colorado.  That is amazing in and of itself, but her love for cards keeps her young and she is one of the whitiest people I know.  

I had a quick photo shoot with a local photographer Erica (if you are ever in need of a photographer in Palm Springs - she is a doll!) and my nana asked if Erica could ever use any of my grandmothers printed pictures in her photography and on my blog, so we said she should hold her photo (above) so I could be sure to include it in the post :).

I have more of these Jackie cardigan sets than is probably ok to admit, but I think they get the more use than almost anything in my closet.  I wear them mismatched like I did here or as a set for luncheons and meetings.  This cardigan comes in an adorable set and has just been restocked in all sizes!  I also love this original plain cardigan that comes in 13 colors and on sale ($29-$49).  One of my other favorites is also on sale with limited sizes available - I wore it (here and am wearing an xs).

My skirt is old and one of my go-to summer pieces.  I found similar options here, here, and here that would be perfect for casual brunch or date nights. My tank is from local boutique Inspyre - (they have great graphic tees!).  And you can still get my wicker and leather crossbody here - it is the perfect size if you have a summer vacation planned!  You know who got a hold of mine (seriously nothing is safe with Sir Stan around!), will be getting another one for our upcoming trips.

Travel Style

Hola from Riviera Maya, Mexico!

This has been a fun, but busy week!  Last weekend  I celebrated my birthday in the mountains with my very best friends.  We went snowshoeing, made dinner at our cabin and played games - It was the perfect way to ring in 30 for sure.  Then I had just a few hours to get myself organized before heading to Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya.  I can't wait to share more about this amazing resort with you (I have never done this all inclusive thing before and WOW!).

I got a few questions about how I dress when I travel so wanted to be sure and share a few tips! I feel like I have been on a plane quite a bit lately and have figured out what works well for me in terms of a travel uniform.  

When it comes to traveling, my moto is function over fashion.  When Jonny and I first started dating, and he was in school across the country, I would dress up (boots, accessories, the whole nine) for my 4+ hour plane ride to go see him just to be disheveled and uncomfortable after a half day of travel.  

A few years wiser, I try to stick to a simple, classic look when I travel.  I always select pieces that are versatile and can be updated quickly once I arrive.  I like a chambray shirt because it can be worn so many ways like my pants, white jeans, or leather leggings ($18) for dinner once you arrive!  I always layer up with a cardigan and jacket because temperatures fluctuate so much on the plane.  I wore this jacket on our flight to Mexico as well as these tennies on our trip down here and these flats on my trip to NYC - both were unexpected Target finds and I wear them all of the time!  Finally, I like to bring a nice tote that can fit my lap top and double as purse which minimizes having to carry extra bags! I am loving my tote from H&M - affordable and well made, the blush is available in stores, but I also love the taupe and gray!

Love getting your feedback and questions!! Hope you have had a lovely week and happy weekend!

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

After Christmas Vacation

Hi Friends!

I hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend filled with joy, family, and delicious treats.  Jonny and I had a such a laid back Christmas this year - we spent almost the entire day in our pajamas and changed into some of our new Christmas gifts, just before dinner.  It was was the perfect Christmas.

We are packing up and heading to the mountains to spend the remainder of the holiday with Jonny's family today.  Packing may be one of my least favorite things, but for this holiday week it always seems a bit easier because I just pack all of my new Christmas sweaters, like this one $79 (thanks mom!), the sparkliest pieces in my closet, my coziest sweatshirts and socks to curl up in after a long ski day, and all. the. fur. (I've been waiting for another occasion to wear this poncho!).

My blouse (comes in black too!) is an additional 50% off today only with CODE: thebest. My new sweater is also an additional 50% off with CODE: thebest.  Recently I have received a few questions about my favorite pink lipstick - I have been buying these Revlon ColorBurst Balm pencils like it's my job.  They are so easy, moisturizing and don't smudge... and $6.19 so I pretty much have one in every purse/clutch!  Let me know if you have any other questions, always happy to answer them.

Have a wonderful day! Jonny and I have a bet going to see if we will be able to fit in one car with all of our bags, Stanley, his kennel, and all of his belongings (he's like a baby).  I think we can do it, but Jonny is skeptical.  I'll let you know!

xo

 

 

Gearing up for the Holidays!

Happy Friday!

I hope you had a wonderful week! It is finally feeling like November in Colorado.  We had our first snow yesterday (which is crazy late) so now I am officially ready for the holidays to begin.  Until yesterday there has been little need for coats or boots - or even sweaters which are usually standard attire during this time of year.

You guys all know that I love J Crew Factory, there is a location near our place in the mountains and Jonny and I stopped in last weekend and coincidentally were both decked out - head to toe in Factory apparel.  We always try and knock out some of our holiday shopping early there because they have fantastic sales and the good stuff always goes quickly! 

I got my coat ($134) on sale last year (also comes in festive red and black) and it so comfy and warm and is wonderful quality! It is pretty much an exact duplicate of the non factory version (I do love this plaid version on sale: with code Festive!).  I wear this shirt ($16.99) year round, with white jeans and skirts in the summer, and with tights/skirts or jeans and boots in the winter.  I think a scarf is always a lovely gift.  I bought this scarf in different patterns (like this one) for myself and my sisters and we are planning on wearing them for our family Christmas card this year.

What are you up to this weekend?! Hope its a great one!