How I stick to my fitness routine while traveling

Hi Guys!

It seems like I have been traveling as much or more than I have been home this summer, so I have really had to change my perspective when it comes to "routine".  I used get a little crabby if I couldn't make it to my class that I had planned or a workout with a friend, because my schedule has been all over the place I have had to adapt!

The last few weeks especially, I have received a ton of questions about how I workout when I am on the road.  My big secret... I try and stay as active as possible.  Truthfully, I feel like I am always more active when I am away because I want to explore.  I also indulge more so know that it is important to get a few more steps in.  I read something recently that said, "Count memories, not calories", and every time I felt a tad guilty eating that gelato, I told myself... F it - I am making memories here! 

When we are traveling our routine looks a little something like this: Jonny and I usually have a light breakfast while we both catch up on work, then head out for a walk or run.  When I am running in a new place I always surprise myself and can go so much farther because I don't know the route or trail and have less expectations when I start out.  When we were in Aspen I took Stanley on a loop every morning that I found out was double the distance of my normal runs (and at altitude!).  

During our trips Jonny and I try and get at least 30 minutes of cardio in, and more if we know that is going to be the only exercise that we get for the day.  If we are going to be sightseeing all day long, we might attempt to walk ourselves through a yoga flow or follow a fun youtube video.  My mom got me hooked on these dance videos (I am awful, but they are a blast), and Lacey showed me these when we were in Mexico which are great 15 minute workouts.

These are some shots from our ladies day out when Ali was in town. Lacey and I had so much fun showing her around to some of our favorite spots... and attempting cartwheels for the first time in probably 15 years.  We are wearing the silkiest leggings I have ever put on.  These Ultracor leggings are so soft that you feel like you are actually naked.  I love the fun designs and each pair has built in underwear!  They are a bit pricier than your average workout legging, but they definitely stand out!

Be sure to pop in to Garbarini to take a peek at this line for yourself!

Summer to Fall Dresses with my girls and Garbarini

Hi Guys!!

Wow, am I glad to (see) you!! I tried to get this post up last night and my site was down for about 15 hours so thanks for your help and understanding, especially since things have been a little slow the last week while I was enjoying time with my family in the mountains. Every time I sat down to write a post all I could think was: I need to be outside with Stanley breathing the fresh air, soaking in every minute with my people, and enjoying the mountains. And the 8 year old in me just could not sit still longer than 5 minutes to get a post out.  But HIIIIIII, I am back!! I missed you all and can't wait to share more about my trip later this week.

Before heading to Aspen I spent the day with two of my favorite blog friends - Lacey, who you all know by now, and Ali, one of the lovely Chicago ladies Lacey and I met on our trip to Mexico last spring.  I've said it before, and I'm sure I'll say it again (a million times) I am so thankful for all of the people that blogging has brought into my life.  First of all, all of you! And the wonderful friends that I wouldn't have met otherwise.

We partnered with Garbarini, one of the oldest, high end boutiques in Denver to share some dresses that are perfect for this awkward time of year... when it is too warm for fall clothes, but their is a hint of the season turning.

Location: Union Station/Cooper Lounge // Photography: Jenna Sparks

I'll be the first to say it, I was not "wow'ed" by my dress when I first saw it on the hanger.  You probably know by now, that I am drawn to bright colors and pretty patterns.  However, once I put this dress on I changed my tune... I love the feminine fit and flare and the ladylike lace trim and the fabric is perfect for these transition months.  My exact dress is available at Garbarini, but I also love this $37 option and this one too! 

Ali and Lacey are also wearing dresses from the same designer. I love the patterns, and flowy - lightweight fabric of both of their dresses.  They would be perfect layered with this $98 leather jacket as the days cool off, and great simply paired with a pair of fun earrings (I like these!, these and these) until then!

Get all of our looks at Garbarini (they ship worldwide!) or scroll the gallery below.  

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

On Mountain Time

Hi Friends!

Jonny and I (and Stanley) are back home and getting reacquainted with "city life" after enjoying the snow in the mountains and being on leisurely mountain time for the last few weeks.  We were really starting to think that we may not ever come home.  We just love being up there and enjoying the fresh air so much - it is incredibly peaceful.  And any place that encourages a cup of cocoa and chocolate chip cookie a day gets bonus points in my book!

I got a lot of questions about this cape when I posted it on Instagram last week.  It is from my favorite Vail boutique, Blitz.  Blitz has been around forever (shared another favorite from them here and here) and always has something that I can't resist (seriously, they are probably the reason I have 97 pom pom hats).  It was too cold to think about dresses, but their dress selection is always spot on! If you have a trip to Vail planned be sure to stop by!

My exact cape can be purchased from their store online here.  I also found several similar options (all under $150!) here, here, here, and here!! I think everyone needs a pair of these liquid leggings and you cant beat the $29 price tag!  Also, I love the height of these boots (also come in a pretty tan)- they hit right at the knee which makes them very versatile.

Snow Day in Keystone

Hi Friends,

I hope your new year is off to a wonderful start!! We had such a wonderful time with our family in the mountains over New Years.  The house was full with Jonny's three brothers and their wives, two babies, Jonny's parents, and one puppy which made for a lot of love and laughter.

We were so lucky to get quite a bit of skiing in last week, but one day was just bitter cold and there was no way I was going to attempt to get on the mountain.  I stayed in a coffee shop at the base and waited patiently for Jonny to finish so I could partake in Apres (since that is often the best part of skiing anyway).

I doubled up on layers because it was so chilly.  I wore my new coat that I got for Christmas (thanks Mom!), I also love this one and this one and wore my warmest puffy coat on top (also wore it here) btw its on sale!  I layered this metallic pink blouse under my dress for another added layer.  Both my dress and top are H&M - I always love stopping in and finding such great affordable pieces (this dress was $15!).  I got a few questions about my hat when I wore it last week - it is old, but I found a very similar one here!

Have a great day!

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

Holiday Week of Chic: Girl Boss Giveaway

Hi Friends!

Happy Thursday and day three of our Holiday Week of Chic Giveaway Series! 

This giveaway is for all the ladies!!  Every single one of us is a girl boss and we should own it on the reg (am I right?)! Today we partnered with Swoozies, one of my go - to places for gifts (read more about them here and here!) to bring you a whole bag of goodies for you or another girl you think is pretty awesome in your life (btw - we think you all are!).  

The whole bag of goodies comes in this adorable and festive reindeer tote.  I just love Lauren Conrad and this book is a guide on entertaining which I love... Lacey and I could have used a little assistance in the gift wrapping department, but we were proud we got the job done!  And I wish I could have a drink out of this "Hello Gorgeous" mug and this "Everyday I'm Hustling" water bottle all the time - such fun little reminders and pick me ups!

Join the giveaway below!

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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!

Back to Basics

Happy Monday, Friends!

I hope your week is off to a fabulous start!! I have missed you all terribly!

Jonny and I just got back from Dan and Bethany's wedding weekend in Cape Charles, VA. Have you heard of it? It was such a sweet little town on the eastern shore of Virginia.  We got to spend a lot of time with them leading up to the wedding (here, here, and here too!) so it was so fun to spend the weekend in a beautiful place celebrating their love!  It felt even more special because Jonny and I will be celebrating our two year anniversary tomorrow and to see one of our favorite couples say i-do almost two years to the day after us, was such a treat!

Apologies for my absence here, there is no real explanation other than sheer business.  With the three foster puppies until a few days ago (um btw, the attachment was real guys! I cried my eyes out all day when they left), and several new clients life has been FUN, but oh so busy.  I have mentioned before that Fall is the perfect time for turning a knew leaf (hehe!), but really, for me, the crispness in the air and color change has always meant that it is time to start fresh and focus on what is truly important... and as I feel I have been neglecting my duties here with you my goal this fall is to get back to basics and focus on Denver Darling!  

As far as fall outfit basics go: cream sweaters, skinny jeans and flats have always been my go to.  I love this sweater from JCrew because it has some girly flare (love the ruffle sleeves in particular!), and the cable knit detailing is really pretty.  It is also a great weight for sunny, but cool evenings.  It also comes in several other colors - I also snagged it in powder blue.  My jeans are really old (Zara), but love these ($48) and these ($75) similar options! Last but not least, I wore these flats all weekend while we were out and about walking around and through the airport.  They are so comfy and come in two other fun colors (bonus: currently 25% off with code shopnow)!

I would love to hear what you guys are interested this fall? I know that a lot of you have some fun trips and moves to Denver planned and I can't wait to hear more about them!

xo

Fresh Fall Start

Hi Friends,

How the heck are you?! It has been feeling a lot like fall and of course back to school season around here.  There have been a few crisp days that have given us a glimmer of what is to come in the next few months.  And although I love summer, there is something about those first crispy days that get me excited for a fresh start.

This time of year always reminds me of freshly sharpened pencils, pink backpacks, Keds, and butterflies in my stomach for the first day of school.  Many childhood  memories were with our family friends and their four children, the Sweeney's.  Jeremy Sweeney and his wife Ally moved to Singapore a few years ago and have recently started a beverage company that gives back with each purchase of Sweeney's Soda.  I have a serious sweet tooth so I always love finding a healthy alternative to a sugary drink or snack and Sweeney's is made with natural ingredients and less than a quarter of the sugar in your typical soft drink.... you can't beat that!

You all know my love for florals, right?! I think just because summer is ending, it absolutely does not mean you have to put them away.  Fall and florals go hand in hand.  This MinkPink dress is a great day to night dress.  I wore it with pumps for work and changed into these for a more casual date look.  For sizing, I am wearing an extra small... and the sleeves are light enough for warm evenings now and will be great with a little jacket or vest as it cools down.

Get your own Sweeney's at the beautiful and delicious American Cultures Taproom in Lohi (check their website for other locations) and have a wonderful day!  I can't wait to share our glamping experience in Montana soon!

xo

To Market to Market

Hi Guys,

I hope you have had a wonderful week so far! It has been so beautiful here - it has really been a hard week to get anything done because I just want to be outside enjoying the sunshine.  Does that ever happen to you?  When you feel like a 5th grader just gazing out the window yearning for recess - I have felt like that all week!

As most of you know, I have a serious thang for farmers markets.  Exploring a new one makes me giddy and wandering around a familiar one is always relaxing and brings a smile to my face.  I recently partnered with Cherry Creek Lifestyle Magazine to share some of my favorite things about the new farmers market at Union Station in Denver (read it here). 

This will forever be one of my favorite shoots, and favorite days.  It was one of our last outings with Mr. Brown and it was perfect.  I am so thankful to Cherry Creek Lifestyle Magazine for honoring our boy and making him the cover boy of their "Dog Days of Summer" issue this month.

Whenever I visit a farmers market I love chatting with the vendors and learning about the products that they are so passionate about and have clearly put their heart and soul into.  I was obviously immediately drawn to the beautiful peonies that The Fresh Herb Company had at their stand.  However, I was even more intrigued and loved learning about the Field to Vase dinner they host in their fresh flower farm annually... I am so jealous that Zoe is going next weekend (August 13th) , we will be out of town and I can't wait to see the pictures!

Read about the rest of my favorite vendors from the Union Station Farmers Market in the current issue of Cherry Creek Lifestyle Magazine.  I would love to hear about your favorite farmers markets or vendors around town!

My dress is out of stock, but I also love these (this, this, and this) similar white dresses (all on sale!).  And I have had these wedges forever - they are so comfy and I love that they still look brand new.

Have a great day!

xo