Mother's Day Gift Guide

My mom's birthday is a couple days before Mother's Day and this year I wanted to surprise her with something extra special.  My momma has always been my best friend and biggest style inspiration and I know she would love a great spring sweater set (like this vacation ready one - only a few sizes left!) or summer scarf (like this one!) any day of the week.  But when I was scrolling through Minted's site for artwork the other day this personalized foil recipe card jumped out at me and I couldn't stop thinking about my grandmother's banana bread.

When I think of my grandma. I think of the way her house always smelled like a bakery when we walked in.  She was always making something yummy and was well known by her neighbors for her baking, in particular her banana bread.  I keep her recipe card in my kitchen to keep her close and when I saw the option to customize, and frame a recipe card, I knew that would be the perfect gift for my mom this year (I have instructed her not to read this post until Monday in case you were wondering).  It was super simple and you can still order one in time for Mother's Day, but will need to select expedited/rush shipping.  Right now, they are also offering 30% off graduation announcements with CODE: GRADMORE30 through 5/15.

I had originally put this adorable recipe book in my cart for my mom, but after finding her Minted print I ended up getting it for myself (oops!).  If you caught my IG Story over the weekend, you may have noticed that I attended two baby showers and a birthday.  And my favorite way to organize gifts recently is to package several items together with a fun theme.  For instance, I would package this candle (25% off with code mom17) , with this book, some toffee, and these jammies for a relaxing theme.  Or this adorable mug, with this tea pitcher, an assorted tea tasting chest with this monogrammed journal for my nana because she loves tea and journaling (like me!) to start her day.

xo

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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A Very Merry Yogi Christmas!

Hi Friends,

I hope you had a wonderful weekend!! If you have visited my about me page you might already know that I LOVE yoga.  It is the one thing that I try to do every day to keep me sane and has changed my mind and body in so many ways.  I started visiting CorePower a little over three years ago (sign up for your first week free here) - before then, I didn't have a workout that I loved and did daily.  I would run sometimes or start a workout class, but nothing ever felt like a fit like CorePower did.  For me, it can be encouraging when when I need it, relaxing if I need to get my mind off things... or just a good workout.

Last week an instructor said something that really resonated with me and I thought was a perfect mantra to start the new year... "You must acknowledge where you are to see how far you have come."  I thought that was such an important piece of advice.  We all need to remember to acknowledge our little achievements because they have pushed us to where we are today.  Last year, Denver Darling was just a little idea in the back of my head and has grown so much in the last six months. Working on my blog and meeting all of you has been such a wonderful experience and achievement for me.

If you are looking for some last minute gifts, CorePower has some great Christmas items for the yogi on your list!  Starting with $100 gift cards for $80 to go towards classes or apparel (love that!).  Which is perfect to go towards these adorable holiday inspired tops and bottoms that are unique to CP.  The pieces below are so great for the winter season and can't help but put a smile on your face.  Fun fact: CorePower started in Denver!!

Find these fun pieces at most local CorePowers (find a location near you here).  Also, if you (or your loved one) have been thinking of joining you can sign up for a free full week of yoga and other fun classes here.

Thank you to one of my favorite instructors at Lohi, Kristal, for jumping in and making sure our poses looked 👌! And thank you to my partner in yoga and crime (Liz Ryan) for always being up for a fun shoot!

Hope your week is off to a wonderful start!

Namaste!

Gift Guide - Every Day Favorites!

Raindrops on roses... and whiskers on kittens... bright copper kettle and warm woolen mittens!  Ok - I wont sing anymore, but that is definitely one of my favorite movies of all time!  In case you are still looking for some last minute gift ideas I will still have a few more gift guides for you the next couple of days! Today's gift guide is a list of tried and true things that I have, love and use on the reg!

I wear my glossy red Hunters everywhere (I wore here and here) and they have been such a fun addition to my winter boots,  even in the 12 inches of snow we just got in Denver!  I know us gals (sometimes) think about fashion over functionality, but these have tons of traction so are actually great in the snow - and perfect warm with a thick sock like these cute and cozy ones ($16.50 / 40% off with code BRNICK).   

Until this year, I never imagined myself getting use out of my white jeans much after summer.  I have gotten more wear out of these jeans (I wore here) this fall and winter, more than any other pair in my closet.  And love this personalized wrap ($48) that is very similar to this one here. 

I recently wore this coat - $139 + 20% off and free shipping with code dontmelt - (for our Christmas pictures here!) and have been wearing it non stop since! It so warm and cozy, yet has a tailored fit and not overly bulky which sometimes happens with warm winter coats.

Makeup is such a great stocking stuffer!  I have had a few emails about my favorite makeup essentials.  These are them! I love mascara... I could happily leave the house without most makeup, but just feel naked without mascara.  I love the Extreme Party mascara  - it can be layered on without clumping and still makes lashes look thick and long.  I have been loading on this Extra Lip tint - it is the perfect mix of a chapstick and lipstick.... so perfect for moisturizing and adding a little color.

I am always happy to answer any questions! Please feel free to email them or comment with them below :).  Hope your week has been wonderful!

xo

Christmas Casual +Tory Burch Grand Opening!

Christmas wreath ($48) // Hello Doormat ($23) // //Tory Burch Multi Color Satchel ($495) // Tory Burch Minnie Ballet Flat ($225) // J.Crew Plaid Shirt ($78 - 30% off with code Thursday) also like this one ($38 - 50% off today) and this one ($58) // Sweater Loft - similar here ($59 - 40% off today ) love this one too ($39) or this one ($44) // Gold Ball earrings ($15 - 40% off) // Necklace ($34) // Jeans old from Zara - similar here ($88) and here ($199) 

Hi Friends!!

With just a little over two weeks until Christmas I am feeling the Christmas spirit.  If someone is screaming, "Merry Christmas" to you from across the street.... it might be me (I tend to embarrass my poor husband).  Last night Jonny, Charlie Brown and I took a few Christmas photos among the twinkling lights of Denver and then finished decorating our tree while listening to Christmas music - which is always one of my favorite nights of the year.  I have bought a new ornament for Jonny and myself every year since we got our first tree together four years ago.  It is so fun to go through each one and see how many memories have been made in the last few years (however, we were laughing at how many we have accumulated).

I am taking full advantage of dressing for the season these next couple of weeks.  Even for casual meetings and dates it is so fun to mix and match patterns, sparkles, and textures that you wouldn't normally during other months.  

I snapped up this adorable statement satchel that is so festive and perfect for the holidays from Tory Burch and these matching Minnie Travel Flats that are super comfy and perfect for adding a pop of color to an outfit! Tory Burch is celebrating their grand opening with 5280 Magazine and Colorado Children's Campaign at Cherry Creek Mall tonight from 6-8pm.  10% of proceeds from tonights event will benefit Colorado Children's Campaign.  Look forward to seeing you there!! You can RSVP here with code TBCHERRYCREEK. 

Hope the rest of your week is wonderful!

xo

Wish List Wednesday - Christmas Jammies

Growing up my mom had a field day dressing my sisters and me alike.  Her favorite time to do this, of course, was the holiday season.  She would often make giant bows for our hair, or matching dresses for us to wear on Christmas Eve.  My sisters were never thrilled about our coordinating ensembles... guess who was 🙋  

Each year we were allowed to open one gift on Christmas Eve.... It was always jammies!  To this day,  this tradition holds true.  And it is the gift we each look forward to every year and joyfully parade around in our matching sets.

This adorable flannel set ($68) just arrived at my doorstep - I got it in red which has sold out, but there are a few sizes left in navy (more sizes available in this print $64.50)! I know mom has other plans in mind for this year's pajama look (there was talk of footed PJs like these ($29.99 - extra 25% off with code: Friend) for Jonny and Matt, we can't exclude the guys!  Last year we branched out from the traditional pant set and went with a nightshirt like this one ($68) or this one ($39.50) (I wear mine all the time!) (also like this one $17).  This set from J.Crew is also a gorgeous, classic option and love that they offer monogramming! You guys know how I feel about anything with a monogram... gets me every time.  

I always love cozying up Christmas morning in my new jammies... throwing on a cozy robe (I like this one $35.50!).... and slippers (like these $55!) and spending the day with my family by the tree drinking cocoa and eating leftover Christmas cookies.

What fun traditions do you have?  

(All of my favorites are linked below or click the picture above!)

All Wrapped Up (and a holiday giveaway!)

Happy Monday Friends!!

I hope you had a great weekend!! This holiday season is moving quickly.  Jonny and I have already been to a few Christmas parties - including two ugly sweater parties in one night last week (I wore this one that has a few sizes left and Jonny wore this one).  

The most meaningful party I attended was Pop up for Pups, benefitting the Humane Society of South Platte Valley and Colorado Citizens for Canine Welfare, hosted by Betsy Marr, Paige Elway and Wendy Aiello... three beautiful, Denver women that I really admire for using their influence in the community to give back.  It was such a great way to catch up with friends, beat Christmas crowds and and support a wonderful cause at the same time.... which of course I love, doggies!!!

I love any excuse to dress up and get a little fancy.  The holidays are the perfect time to get a little extra sparkly and oh so festive. I know we have at least a few more parties coming up between now and New Years, so I do my best to find dresses and outfits that are timeless and affordable.  This dress has the fit and flare silhouette that I love.  I was even more excited to learn about it's $58 price tag (whaaaaa?!).  I love this very similar Kate Spade dress - but like the price tag of my dress a little more (also love this dress ($58), this one ($53), and this one ($77)).  Shop the whole look and a few other favorites below!

Giveaway!!

Denver gals! DryBar Denver and I are sending one lucky girl to get holiday party ready to DryBar's newest location right here in Denver! To enter please leave make sure you are following me on instagram (@denver.darling), like today's picture and leave a comment with why you would love a blowout for the holidays below or on instagram and winner will be announced  Friday!

The Best Cyber Monday Sales + a little giveaway

Hi Friends!!

I hope you had a great long weekend relaxing and enjoying time with your loved ones! I did a lot of my shopping on Black Friday, but always save some purchases for Cyber Monday since it is the last day to take advantage of the big deals (and sometimes best ones) before gift giving season begins.

Above are some of my picks of great sale items (click directly on item for more info) - for some reason I couldn't get these adorable Sole Society shoes to link, they are so cute and in tons of different prints and 30% off site wide today!  These Ray-Ban's are a mix of my two favorite sunglasses that I wear all of the time and are a steal ($119 - usually $170 through 11/30).  I also love this cream quilted parka I love a coat that is super cozy and warm, yet not overly bulky and still feminine (43% off today and $95 through 11/30).  I bought these pjs - so cute for the holidays and cozy for the inevitable chilly winter ahead (and 50% + an extra 15% off with code todayonly)!  I think this Kate Spade cross body (30% off today with code Shine) is such a great gift idea - they are offering personalization on a number of their items.  Personalized gifts always add such a great touch.  I always feel so special receiving a personalized gift so do my best to give them as often as possible.

Notable sales: 

• Shopbop // Up to 25% off with code GOBIG15
• Bloomingdales // 25% off (up to 60%off)
• Gap // 40% off everything with code BESTCYBER
• J.Crew Factory // 50% off + an extra 15%off and free shipping with code TODAYONLY
• Banana Republic // 40% off everything with code BESTCYBER
• J.Crew // 30-40% off with code Monday
• BackCountry.com // Up to 50% off - great gifts for guys like this Patagonia fleece
• Revolve // 50% off sale items
• Kate Spade // 30% off with code SHINE
• Tory Burch // Spend $250 get 30% off with code THANKS
• BaubleBar // Use code GOGIFTS35 for 35% off 2+ items and GOGIFTS25 for 1+ items
• Anthropologie // 25% off sale items with code XTRAGOOD
• Madewell // 25% off everything with code SHOPATWORK

Who are you shopping for today?  I know I will be able to check a few people off my list - yay! I will be giving away this adorable Oh Snap tote from CaraDiane + CO - to enter to win, simply subscribe to my email list (on the right hand side) and winner will be emailed next week :).

Happy Shopping!!