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.

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!

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

Bundled up in NYC

Happy President's Day, Friends,

This weekend was gorgeous in Colorado and Jonny and I spent the past few days soaking every bit of the springy weather in.  An unexpected warm week in the middle of winter always puts a little spring in my step.  I told you that I have really been craving sunshine, so the 70 degree weather was such a welcomed surprise after our week dealing with so many snow related set backs.

This was my second look of the day and wore it to some evening events at NYFW.  It is my favorite kind of outfit to put together - feminine with some unexpected edgy touches.  In normal every day life, I would wear a cami under this lace top ($79), but wanted to be a little edgier than I would typically.  My tweed jacket sold out super fast and I got a ton of questions about it so I searched high and low for you guys to find it! It looks like it is available in very few sizes here!  Sister Jane has a very similar option here.  I think they have the cutest stuff, while searching, I found this dress, this pink ruffle dress, this bow jacket, and this two piece set that I want in my closet for spring.

One of the perks of traveling with mom is getting to borrow her fun things... this pretty vest is hers, but I also love this similar one and this one!  We are heading to the mountains next weekend and I am always sure to pack my vest since it is so warm and is perfect to throw over any casual outfit.

Hope you are enjoying this gorgeous weather and your day off!!

xo