Denver Bike to Work

Yesterday was one of those days guys...  just a big fat bummer!! You know the big European trip that I have been telling you about?  That I have been so excited about all summer?  Coming up in a few short weeks... well we just found out we have to seriously modify or cancel it because Jonny has some work conflicts that are unavoidable.  On the plus side, if you follow my instagram stories, you know it was my childhood best friends baby shower this past weekend and we are getting very close to the end of her term so I am a relieved that we will certainly be home when the baby arrives.

A few weeks ago, Liz and I and I did our best to do a small part to reduce pollution in our beautiful state.  We participated in bike to work day with Allegra Allergy whom sponsored many of the Denver Bike to Work Day activities as well as others around the country.  

We both work from home, but often have meetings and appointments all over the city!! Liz and I biked from Lohi to meet Lacey at Civic Center park to check out all of the great vendors for Bike to Work Day, sample some treats, and head out to meetings from there.  It was such a great way to start the day and such a great reminder to enjoy the outdoors each day!

It was the perfect day to bust out my new bike (Clementine).   These Huffy bikes are so adorable and all around $100 or less!! I also love this yellow one $119, this pink one $139,  and this white one $79!! I have to admit, my dress ($35) was probably not the most practical Bike to Work outfit, but it was quite warm.. and most importantly it matched my bike #priorities?! This dress is still available in all sizes and perfect for summer days or a casual date night! I am wearing a 4 for sizing.

Allegra Allergy wants you to know that: A recent survey found that a majority of Americans (88%) are concerned about the impact of air pollution on their overall health. It also found that most Americans (90%) wish there was more they could do to get involved and help reduce air pollution. Riding a bike to work instead of driving is a great place to start.  This survey was conducted online using Toluna’s QuickSurveys methodology between January 22, 2017 and January 24, 2017 among 1,256 adults (ages 18 and over) in the USA.  Respondents for Toluna QuickSurveys are selected from among those who have agreed to participate in Toluna surveys.

This post is in collaboration with Allegra Allergy . 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!

The Full Scoop on Shein

Hi Guys!

I am packing and planning away for a busy weekend ahead in Aspen and then a few trips in the coming weeks.  I am heading up for the Aspen Food and Wine Classic this weekend - something that has been on my bucket list for a long time, so am pretty dang excited!! If you have been, would love any tips!! 

You may have seen this dress on my Instagram story last week as I was starting to pack for this weekend and I got several questions about it.  Many of you may recognize it as the Self Portrait  ($510) dress of the season, but actually it is a fantastic dupe.  

I am often asked what I think about Shein and similar retailers like Chicwish and I must say, that I am always pleasantly surprised with the product.  In no way is the fabric quality what you would get if you were spending 5 or 10 times the price, but for trendy pieces that aren't worth the investment the fabric is perfect.

When I first ordered from the site, I had a hard time believing that they were legit.  With prices of dresses and tops usually below $20 it sounds a little too good to be true.   However, 9 times out of 10 I have had a good experience (taking this amazing skirt this weekend, and remember this?).

I have 4 rules that I use when shopping these online retailers that always ensure that I end up with good product and not disappointed.

1.  Read the reviews! I know this sounds obvious, but it is so helpful in ensuring you get what you want.  Usually someone has tried the piece before you and if they hated it or loved it will leave a review (see reviews from my dress here).

2. Set expectations! Know you are not getting a $500 dress for $20, but you can still find some fun/trendy pieces without breaking the bank! 

3. Order early! If you find something you like, don't wait.  Shipping can take a few weeks since it is coming from overseas and if it is a popular item even longer.

4. Mix and Match! Mix your new pieces with old investment pieces and no one will never know what a bargain you got! (Unless you are me and you share it loud and proud)!

My dress and the original are in the gallery below (on the blog) so you can compare yourself.  Hope you have a wonderful week!

xo

The Perfect Colorado Road Trip

Hi there, happy Friday!

In case you missed my Instagram story from last weekend.  I wanted to be sure to fill you in on our fun filled road trip that we took over the long weekend.  Until our road trip to Montana last summer, I had forgotten how much fun they are.  When my sisters and I were little we would take one long road trip as a family a year.  We would pack up our suburban, make a bed with sleeping bags on one row of the seats and listen to The Lion King on repeat (my poor parents).  

This was similar, except with two of Jonny and my best friends and we replaced sleeping bags with dog beds and The Lion King with Hamilton (poor Molly and Brandon).  I guess some things will never change.  

We left Denver Thursday evening and stayed at our cabin in Silverthorne to get an early jump on the drive to Palisade Friday morning.  Palisade is about four hours from Denver (3 from Silverthorne) so we got there just in time to enjoy lunch on the patio (with the pups) at Palisade Brewing Company.  We checked into our adorable airbnb that was set on the sweetest little farm.  Our puppies had a blast playing with the baby goats on the property and swimming in the Colorado River right behind the house. 

We reserved the rest of the afternoon for exploring the Palisade wineries (which I was pretty skeptical about)... We first picked up our cruisers from Rapid Creek Cycles - they were so nice and helpful mapping out our route and gave us so many wonderful recommendations - I can't recommend them enough.  I had no idea the wine tasting would be so extensive in Palisade.  I have always known that Palisade was known for their peaches, but I have never thought of Colorado as being hot spot for vineyards. Honestly, I don't know exactly what I was picturing?  Something like 3 or 4 tasting rooms lined up in a strip mall, maybe?  But that wasn't the case at all.  The bike rental shop gave us a map with a 7 mile loop with wineries scattered throughout.  I was still skeptical.  After our first stop, I was on board, and after our second stop at the Meadery (honey wine) I was in love! The scenery could not have been more beautiful - pastel homes and buildings, lush gardens and wineries, rivers, and the prettiest backdrop all along the way.  We are all already planning our next trip for the Wine Fest this fall. 

Before leaving Palisade Saturday morning, we took our time and grabbed breakfast at the Slice O Life Bakery (they had amazing peach and lavender lemonade!) and got on the road to Telluride.  Telluride is another gorgeous 3 hour drive from Palisade through several small towns and over a scenic pass that drops you into town.

We checked into The Lumiere. OMG. We were all so impressed with this hotel.  The staff, the accommodations, and their doggy hospitality.  Upon arrival, they upgraded both of our parties to ensure that we would have enough room for our pups to play.  I have stayed in some pretty rooms before, but this was definitely one of the biggest!  I feel like I always write about shoulder/mudd season in Colorado because it is definitely our favorite times to travel.  You get beautiful weather and the mountain towns are still sleepy so you can find incredible deals too!

The Lumiere is located in Mountain Village so we rode the free gondola into town for most meals/activities.  Our first night we went to Sidework, a speakeasy in town, and had an early night before our hike Sunday morning.  Sunday, we hiked the Jud Wiebe Trail, which was the perfect intermediate hike (about a 3 1/2 mile loop plus an extra mile to go back and see the waterfall).  We had lunch in town afterwards at Brown Dog Pizza, the puppies snoozed outside with about 6 other dogs at the dog parking spots (so cute!).   We also loved dinner at Oak 221 and our lunch on the way out of town at The Butcher and Baker. 

We all agreed that we could have spent weeks exploring Telluride.  It is definitely my new second favorite mountain town (Vail will always have my heart).

Have a great weekend! 

xo

My Favorite Happy Hours in Denver

Happy Friday!

I always feel like summer has truly arrived when Memorial Day Weekend is here.  I have been getting a lot of questions about the nightlife and party scene in Denver.  And although my days of last calls and dance clubs are well behind me (mostly... last weekend was a fluke, guys!) long happy hours in the sunshine are my jam! I wanted to share my list with you guys of my favorite places to happy hour in Denver!

1. Postino

On a typical warm weather week, you can find me, Jonny and Stanley on the patio of Postino, enjoying $5 peach bellinis (me) and $5 pitchers of Saison (Jonny), at least twice.  Their patio is huge so there is never a long wait for a great table and the staff is incredibly friendly (fun fact, my middle school boyfriend works there. Hi Tyler!) be sure to tell him hi if you see him.  My girlfriends and I (remember Bethany from this post and this post?!) love the $5 before 5:00 or $20 board and bottles on Monday's and Tuesday's which include a bottle of wine and 4 different bruschettas... yummmm!!!

2. Recess

On casual afternoon or evening with friends we love heading to Recess  (it is also neighbor to Postino so it is easy to go back and forth).  It is Stanley's favorite bar for for sure.  It is the most doggy friendly bar and we love being able to meet our friends for a fun pup date - my favorite happy hour deal are the $6 Moscow Mules and $7 bites 3-7pm Monday through Friday!

3. Tupelo Honey 

Ok, this is on my to-try list! Every time I have tried to go since it opened a few weeks ago something unexpected has popped up (seriously can't believe I haven't been yet!)! Any place that has a happy hour called "The Six Dolla Holla Ya'll" sounds like somewhere I want to be and $6 glasses of wine, $4 tall boys, and $8 Cherry Bomb Frozé definitely is definitely a perfect happy hour!

4 Mizu Izakaya

Mizu opened recently in Lohi and since we rarely leave our little bubble, Jonny and I were thrilled to have a new sushi spot in the neighborhood! They have $5 rolls and drinks and apps before 6pm and after 9pm.

5. Coperta

Coperta recently hosted our first Blogger Social Club event (filling you in on this more soon - in the mean time sign up here if you are interested!) and the drinks were so delicious! They made the prettiest aperol spritzes which are $5 for their Apertivo Hour.  They also serve yummy snacks for $3-$7 2-6pm Monday through Friday and 4-6pm on weekends.

6. Quality Italian

Just yesterday a friend of mine and I were stopped at the mall and a group of people asked us where they should go for drinks in Cherry Creek.  I immediately sent them to Quality Italian.  The scene is so fun and food is seriously heaven in your mouth! Not happy hour, but still amazing, they did just open for brunch - woo hoo!!!

7. The Way Back

The Way Back has the most creative cocktails I have ever tried.  The bartender was like a mind reader.  I told him specifically what I didn't love and he brought me my favorite drink that I have ever had (I wish I could remember all of the ingredients... but it was delicious!).  Take a peek at their yummy happy hour menu here!

8. Linger

Always a fan fav. Always has been, and always will be on my list for friends when they are coming to visit to stop by for happy hour, dinner or bottomless brunch! And the rooftop is the perfect spot to sit and and enjoy views of the city in the summer (see a few pics from last summer here).  I love their $6 prosecco, $5 cocktails, and $5 snacks Monday - Friday 4-6:30!

9. Avanti

They don't have any specials per se, but it is one of the best views of downtown and it is the perfect place to go with a group because of the cafeteria style set up! Drinks are typically about $10

10.  Toss Up

It was a toss up between Los Chingones, LaLa's, and the Art Hotel's Fire Lounge and my friend Molly we are traveling with this weekend broke the three way tie and said that she and her fiancé love the views at the Fire Lounge!

We are just leaving on our Colorado road trip, what are your plans for the long weekend?! Would love any recommendations for Palisade or Telluride!

Evening at Alamo DraftHouse

Hi Guys!

Last week was an absolute whirlwind! I was playing catch up all week from my travel the prior week on emails, meetings, calls, and events.  Sometimes I feel like going out of town can be so stressful because I have so much to do when I get back.  The house is a disaster, my suitcase has exploded and taken over our bedroom, and I always have to retrain my body to get back on a regular workout routine (thats for a whole other post).  Luckily I had carved out a little time for fun in my schedule - and the grand opening of the Alamo Drafthouse did not disappoint! 

When Jonny and I first started dating we saw a new movie every week.  As our schedules have gotten fuller, we are pretty picky about how we spend our time and until now have not had the option to enjoy dinner AND a movie in the same venue unless we  drive at least 30 minutes from Denver. So I could not be more thrilled that their is now an Alamo Drafthouse (Sloans Lake) so close to us.

I bumped into a familiar face (Lacey from My Boring Closet - you met her here and here), at the grand opening and before exploring the theater, we were greeted by some rapping magicians on a tilt-o-whirl tuk tuk (I think??)... they insisted we take a ride and "raise the roof", which we of course could not pass up!  I doubt they will be at every movie, but they definitely made for a wonderful first impression.

Jonny and I are already planning our next movie date and can't wait to try the full dine in movie experience.  If you saw my instagram post last week, then you know that the weather was INSANE so getting dressed last week was a little interesting.  I went with this new favorite, lightweight top ($16) (also comes in white)! I have worn it with these white jeans ($59) and these navy shorts ($125) too!  And I wore my favorite OLD sailor trousers, so I am sorry to say they are out of stock, but I found a very similar pair here ($35) and here ($40).

What great movies have you seen lately? Would love to hear your recs!

xo

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Alamo Drafthouse. The opinions and text are all mine.

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

Vail Travel Guide

Hi there, Friends!

As you know, Vail holds a special place in our hearts.  Jonny and I got married here in 2014 and before that, many of my childhood memories were spent just outside of the Village.  I received so many notes requesting recommendations about our favorite places in this lovely mountain town and have been meaning to give you a little tour.  I shared a few of my favorite spots last fall, but winter is often the most popular time so I wanted to be sure and share some of our winter picks as well!

Where to Eat 

• Up The Creek: Serene view, affordable, local favorite, same day reservations
• Mountain Standard: New, fun and cozy atmosphere, new-American cuisine, early reservations suggested!
• Sweet Basil: Romantic, modern, new-American cuisine, early reservations suggested!
• Matsuhisa: Sushi, creative and modern atmosphere, early reservations suggested!

Wheret to Apres

• The Red Lion: live music, cozy, good drinks
• Los Amigos: great view of the mountain, endless chips, great margs
• Garfinkel's: (Lionshead) best nachos in town, drink specials, and yummy apps

Where to Stay

• The Sebastian: We love the Sebastian (shared our love for this hotel here and here)
• The Tivoli: Cozy, doggy friendly, ski in ski out, wonderful breakfast in the morning, and a cozy apres scene with cookies and drinks in the afternoon.
• The Sonnenalp: Charming, walkable, doggy friendly, great spa, wonderful service!
• The Four Seasons: So cozy, walkable, doggy friendly, wonderful service!

Where to Shop

• Blitz Boutique: This whole look is from Blitz, wore more from them here, here and here as well! They have a great location, right by the covered bridge into town and just outside of the parking garage (so it is always hard for me to avoid).
• Gorsuch: Gorgeous furry things and ski outfit inspo!
• Odd Molly: The whole store and website is painted pink... need I say more?

xo