Escaping the Colorado Cold to Scottsdale

Hi Friends!!

I am so happy to that the sun is finally shining in Denver!! Last week was freezing and reminded me that I never shared our sunny trip to Scottsdale.

Last month Jonny and I were supposed go on a two week European tour (our second attempt at the trip), but #life and we had to cancel again.  We were both incredibly bummed and knew we had to book a trip right away.  Not to mention we were about to have our first snow in Denver and neither of us were ready for it.  We quickly looked at easy trips from Denver and knew Scottsdale would be the perfect place to lift our spirits and escape from the chilly early winter weather.

I have visited Arizona a few times, but everything about this weekend was completely unexpected and Jonny and I fell in love with the sunny city at every turn.  I arrived a day earlier than Jonny, and started the long weekend at the Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Montelucia. 

I was in total awe the moment I pulled into the driveway at the Omni.  Honestly, I should have researched the hotel better because I had no idea what an incredible resort it was.  We have several hotels with the same ownership here in Denver so I pictured something more business and conference like - when I say I was in awe, I was truly amazed by every little detail of the gorgeous property.  They have several delicious restaurants - I highly suggest the "Tapas Experience" at Prado.  After getting in pretty late, I wasn't sure I wanted to have a big dinner and the small plates at Prado were the perfect late night treat! 

I got up bright and early to take in all of the beautiful sights at the Omni - and again was surprised when I stumbled upon an outdoor spinning class overlooking Camelback Mountain.  I am always able to relax more when I get a nice sweat in - and I had big day of relaxation ahead of me! 

After the gym, I headed to the Joya Spa, which I can easily say is the most creative and one of the most beautiful spas I have experienced.  The staff ensures you are on a relaxation journey right from check in - and even stopped to remind me to set my intention at a giant crystal upon entering the spa area.  After my Hammam scrub (so cool), and massage, I sat poolside all afternoon long on the rooftop of spa and enjoyed a delicious lunch.  It was truly heavenly. 

I finally (reluctantly) left the spa and packed up to go to our next hotel for the weekend, Mountain Shadows, which was just down the road.  I really did not want to leave, but was again wow'ed when I checked in to Mountain Shadows.  From the front the hotel isn't very flashy, but everything on the inside is sleek, classy, contemporary and and truly stunning, and the staff was over the top friendly!  It is really hard to say which hotel I liked better because they were both amazing.

I met some local friends for wine tasting on the Scottsdale Wine Trail that evening, which was such a fun way to see the town.  We landed at FnB - a hidden gem, and local favorite where Jonny met up with us for dinner (starving just thinking about it!!).  The food is fresh and flavorful and I loved meeting owner and beverage director, Pavle... he shared his delicious wine that he curates himself which was so special!

There is no way Jonny would let me get away with planning a warm weather trip without a little golf, and although Mountain Shadows has a beautiful 9 hole course of its own, Jonny was dying to play at The Boulders about a 30 minute drive from town.

We enjoyed a delicious lunch with a view at The Grill and then toured the property, even saw a bride and groom taking pictures before heading back to get ready for a memorable dinner at the Fat OX.

Jonny and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at Fat Ox - 1 bottle of wine turned to two and we ate our weight in tiramisu. Such a fun date night spot!!

We planned to leave late on Sunday so we could enjoy a full day of fun before heading home to the snow and we were so glad we did.   Arizona Outback Adventures picked Jonny and me up early for a kayaking tour down the Salt River. It was such a great activity and way to see the beauty of Arizona in such a fun way.  Our tour guide mentioned that we may get lucky and see some wild horses on our trip... and to our surprise I almost ran right into them as they were crossing the river... such a cool experience!

After returning from our excursion we enjoyed the gorgeous Mountain Shadows pool in one of their poolside Cabanas for the rest of the afternoon.  It was the perfect spot to spend a Sunday - I could relax in the pool and Jonny caught up on football since there were TV's in each cabana.  I was thinking this would be the perfect place for a bachelor/bachelorette party! Before leaving for our flight we had one last amazing dinner at Hearth '61 which is conveniently in the hotel and overlooks the gorgeous pool.  We honestly thought about staying an extra night because we were having so much fun.  As I type we are planning our next trip and can't wait to get back there!!

Scottsdale trip recap

• Where to stay: Omni Scottsdale Montelucia and Mountain Shadows
• Where to eat: FnB, and Fat Ox
• Where to play: Joya Spa, Scottsdale Wine Trail, Golf at The Boulders, and Kayak the Salt River with Arizona Outback Adventures

xo

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

Family week in Aspen Highlights

When you are from Colorado, loving the mountains is in your blood.  Jonny and I are both natives (and our parents too!) so we spend as much time at altitude as possible.  Last week, I got to spend some quality time with my mom in Aspen.  Jonny, Zoe and her boyfriend, Pete, joined for the weekends.  I always feel so relaxed and at peace when I am in the mountains and even more so when I have all of my people in one place.

Jonny, Zoe, Pete, and I rode from Snowmass to Aspen and met mom to wander around the farmers market then enjoy a picnic afterwards.  The ride was not as downhill as we had anticipated, but it made our huge picnic even more enjoyable! The trail from Snowmass Village to Aspen is about 10 miles with about a 2 mile uphill stretch.  It is a great workout and you can do a one way bike rental.  Thank god because I would not have been able to ride back.  We rented from Aspen Sports and they were so helpful and made renting a breeze!

Before the whole gang arrived, mom and I had some great girls days! We would work out, then eat a fresh breakfast or lunch - 90% of the time at Spring Cafe (its amazing!), sit outside with the pups and work and have a glass of wine on our patio or at Bodega then head to dinner.

Our favorite dinner spot was BB's Aspen - I have walked by many times before and never had the chance to stop in.  The staff was so wonderful and the food was even better! It is hard to say what my favorite dish was - but although we were full, couldn't put our spoons down over the sticky toffee pudding!

Jonny and I started taking an annual summer trip to Aspen a few years ago.  This was the first year that we didn't stay at The Little Nell since we had a larger group, but we were sure to stop by and say "hi" to some of the friends we have made and check out the new happy hour menu at Ajax Tavern (yumm!) and the living wall which changes every summer.

I wore this $20 cropped jumpsuit to our last dinner in Aspen at Jimmy's Aspen.  Jonny happened to be wearing a matching shirt and refused to change, so we looked like quite the gingham clad couple!  I will link the rest of my looks in the scrolling gallery on the bottom of my site!!

 

Highlights:

1. Aspen Farmers Market
2. Picnic from the Butchers Block (did this last summer too!)
3. One way bike ride - Snowmass to Aspen
4. Spring Cafe
5. BB's Aspen
6. Jimmy's Bodega and Jimmy's Aspen
7. Rim Trail

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!

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!

My Experience at the Aspen Food and Wine Classic

Last week I was frantically running around getting ready for the Aspen Food and Wine Classic (ummmm take me back!!!).  As a lifelong Colorado girl I had always heard about the Classic, but had no idea what to expect.  Turns out having no expectations made it a million times better!!  

Aspen is obviously always beautiful and lovely, but add endless food, drink, dancing, farm animals and fun and it takes it up to a completely different level!  For me, the entire experience was like a fairytale.  Enjoying time in the mountains with Jonny, amazing friends, and all the delicious food and rosè a girl could ask for made for some incredible memories!!  I am so thankful to American Express for inviting me to participate in such an unforgettable weekend!

The Classic runs for three days starting Friday and events kicking off on Thursday.  We didn't want to miss any of the fun so Juli and I left Denver early Thursday afternoon just in time to meet Leah for the Glenlivit tasting dinner.  Fun fact, Juli and I grew up across the street from each other, but haven't seen each other in forever so we had a blast catching up and reminiscing all weekend!! It is so cool to catch up with your childhood friends and see the amazing things they are doing and she is absolutely crushing it!! Fun fact 2: I was reading her blog (Paleomg) before I knew what a blog was (seriously!).

Lacey arrived late Thursday night and our whole blogger posse was complete, she missed dinner, but we were all reunited bright and early to explore the American Express Platinum House and take a pop up Soul Cycle class Friday morning.  Lacey, Leah and I have been having so much fun traveling together! Remember our Mexico trip last spring and our Garden of the Gods getaway last month?  

Walking into the American Express Platinum House was so surreal.  Mostly because I was convinced that it was held at a hotel then we found ourselves winding and weaving through an Aspen neighborhood and up a mountainside driveway to someones home.  We spent a lot of our time there.... because #whynot!! They made it really hard to want to leave.  We started both Friday and Saturday with Soul Cycle classes and snacks after.  They of course had a DryBar pop, mani station for primping and endless food from Top Chef Stephanie Izard.  Someone said it was like a grown up/ultra luxury Real World house and I think it's safe to say that was a very good comparison.

After a few tastings and more fun at the Amex Platinum House we all went to the Patron party hosted at the Little Nell Residences (basically a huge dance party at the base of Aspen Mountain) - it was so much fun!! I attended another Patron party last night in Denver and I am convinced that they have the summer fun market cornered. And yes, this has been a heavy week of drinking... detox starts next week.

There was a lot of eating all weekend, but Saturday there was a TON!! I attended the the Blackberry Farms x Amex Trade picnic lunch as Juli's date and wore this super light ruffle, off the shoulder dress! I changed into this maxi for the afternoon because it was a little windy and ruffles and wind are not friends.  We walked all through the the tasting tents my favorite booth was the all pink booth from the JW Marriott (pictured above) and they had the yummiest drink - they were so dangerous!!   I wish I could pin point one delicious food, but I cant.  Cheese comes to mind for some reason.  Lots of cheese.

We were so fortunate to stay right in town at the Molly Gibson.  Once we parked for the weekend we walked everywhere! It was so nice to not have to worry about driving in and out of town especially with our big group (4 of us + 3 spouses) - coordinating cars and meeting up would have been such a pain! The hotel prides itself on being an affordable option without skimping on amenities.  I had a slight obsession with the orange cruiser bikes they have available (complimentary) for guests.  I also love that they are very dog friendly and they include a yummy full breakfast every morning at both the Molly Gibson and their sister property Hotel Aspen across the street.

I wore this ruffle top - wearing a small (wind had died down fewww!) to our last evening out! We saw Dan White perform the most amazing magic show ever.  I was completely floored by all of his tricks.  Jonny eagerly offered to participate in the show and got to be part of the finale - it was amazing. There was an after party and an after after party back at the Amex House.  It was one amazing, busy, and filling weekend and I am so incredibly thankful that I got to be a part of it!! Crossing my fingers, toes, and everything else that I can go again next year with this same group of amazing people because they just made it that much better!!

Napa tomorrow, friends... wish my poor little liver luck.  Any and all suggestions are appreciated!!

This post is in collaboration with American Express and the Molly Gibson Lodge . As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible!

Garden of the Gods Club Girls Getaway

Hi Friends!

I am so happy to see a little bit of sunshine this week.  Last week was pretty gloomy, I was starting to think I lived somewhere other than Colorado.  The weather here can definitely be unpredictable, but it is typically sunny more often than not, so several gloomy days in a row had me in an unusual funk!

Luckily the weather just missed my girls weekend with Leah from Eat Pray Wear love, and Lacey from My Boring Closet at Garden of the Gods Club and we were blessed with a couple gorgeous days in Colorado Springs.  We were able to enjoy views from the beautiful infinity pool overlooking the Kissing Camels rock formations and could even see Pikes Peak!

Colorado Springs is only about an hour and a half from Denver, but our trip a few weeks ago, was my first time to Garden of the Gods since I was a little girl.  It is absolutely stunning and I can't wait to go back with Jonny.  He is a huge golfer and I can imagine the views from the Kissing Camels course are fantastic.

Obviously no girls weekend would be complete without room service and a trip to the spa.  After filling up on our delicious spread I went to join Leah and Lacey at the Spa at the Garden of the Gods Club.  My back was a little sore for some reason so asked for an extra deep tissue massage and it was amazing!  After my massage, I relaxed in the cozy relation room and sat in the Himalayan Salt Room before heading to my pedicure (also amazing!).  I felt so relaxed and beyond pampered.  I am actually getting sleepy just thinking about it.

The Garden of the Gods Club is a private country club as well as beautiful resort.  Since staying there several friends have told me that they have attended some amazing weddings here as well (I believe it!).  We enjoyed the yummiest tasting dinner at the formal restaurant at the Club.  And I can't say enough about our knowledgable server and each member of the staff that we encountered.

You may remember, I left a little early so I could get home to see a movie with my mom for Mother's Day.  I did miss out on a visit to the BodPod which is a pod that accurately calculates fat vs. lean muscle mass. I definitely hope to try it sometime soon to get an in depth understanding of my caloric needs as well as possible health risks.  Cool, right?!!

I am starting to pack for a fun road trip Jonny and I are headed on with some friends this weekend.  I would love to hear about the summer trips you have planned.  As always let me know if you have any questions or suggestions of things you would like me to cover!  You can shop all of our looks in the scrolling galleries (above or below within this post!).

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

Highlights from Secrets Akumal

Happy Friyay!

We have been on a major spring like streak since I returned from Mexico.  It has been in the 60'/70's all week which has made for a nice transition from the tropical temperatures in Riviera Maya.  However, we know in Colorado we can just as easily have two feet of snow on the ground tomorrow, so I am soaking in the sun while it lasts.

A few weeks ago, I had a serious case of the winter blues... serious!! And I got an invitation to attend a viewing party of Top Chef at Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya, where it was filmed, and I could not reserve my spot on the beach fast enough.  Apple Vacations and Amstar made this last minute trip seamless!  They booked everything and made sure transportation to and from the airport was a breeze.

Every direction I turned at the resort was simply picture perfect.  However, more importantly the service was wonderful.  We were greeted with cocktails upon arrival (big bonus points), and the staff made us feel right at home.  Several people have asked about the food because I guess all inclusive resorts are typically not known for their cuisine, and I have to say, the food was absolutely a highlight!  

Secrets Akumal has 7 restaurants and I was so impressed with each one.  Lacey and I loved the breakfast spread at The Market - the smoothies were the perfect start to my morning! And I also loved the all pink French restaurant, Bordeaux, and the sushi spot we dined at our last night.  I wore this dress with these comfy wedges ($39) to our progressive dinner tour which commenced in the main kitchen of the hotel with the most delicious and creative eight course dinner.  I could not have been more impressed!

For me, the most important part of truly enjoying a beach vacation is laying out.  Jonny would have something to say about that, so as much as I missed him, it was nice to be on a girls trip with some lovely ladies who understand the importance of soaking in some rays.  After spending a sufficient amount of time laying out and swinging on the swings at the beach bar we spent the afternoon relaxing in the Pevonia Spa.  It was the perfect way end to the day!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend - would love to hear what fun spring break trips you have planned! And as always, please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions!

xo

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

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!