favoritesDuchess of Denver: favorites
Showing posts with label favorites. Show all posts
Showing posts with label favorites. Show all posts

Saturday, December 2, 2017

November Favorites

Is there anything better than a four-day holiday weekend? I don't think so. I'm sad to be back on the grind, but I'm even sadder that November has come to an end. This month I booked a spontaneous trip to Mexico (see you in January, Cabo!), ate more turkey than any other meat, and spent WAY too much money Black Friday shopping. The only good thing about November's close is that Christmas is right around the corner! I better get started on my gift guide posts...


Food Favorites


Cranberries- The Jersey girl in me is a real sucker for cranberries. In a sauce, smoothie, dessert...I love these tart little berries. Cranberries are super good for you, too, so you might as well enjoy them while they are in season!

Moscow Mules- I don't know why, but this has been my go-to drink all month. Ginger beer and vodka is just an outstanding combo, especially when you mix it with flavored vodka (I like peach or prickly pear). Just make sure when you wash your copper mug that you do it by hand. No one likes a dingy-looking, dishwasher-destroyed mug for their drink!

Butternut Squash Soup- Panera has THE best butternut squash soup. Hands down. And it's now sold at CostCo which means I can buy in bulk and enjoy for much longer than a quick lunch break. Top it with some toasted pumpkin seeds and a little paprika for the perfect fall lunch!

Shopping Favorites


Long Sleeve Pocket Casual T-Shirt Dress- I'm probably going to buy this dress in every color. Not only is it super easy to dress up or down, but it's so comfy. I'm 5'10" and it's not too short on me, but I'd still wear it with tights just to be safe. Favorite fall dress!

Designs by Vecc- My good friend Shawna just opened her Etsy shop and you have to check it out! She hand-makes cute signs and wall-art to decorate your house, porch, whatever! Her shop would be a great place to look for holiday gifts...just saying.





November was full of shopping and eating..are you surprised? Let me know your November favorites!




Wednesday, November 1, 2017

October Favorites!

IT'S FINALLY FALL! Yes, I am that basic bitch who can't wait to wear sweaters and eat/drink everything pumpkin. The weather in Colorado is finally changing (it even snowed...typical) and I'm so happy I get to wear riding boots and bell-sleeved dresses. I can't wait to share some of my monthly favorites with you...spoiler alert there's apple or pumpkin in 75% of them.

October Favorites


Food Favorites

Halloween Oreos- These are the best tasting Oreos in existence. Period. I don't know why, and I don't know how, but Halloween Oreos are the greatest thing to come out of Nabisco. They are SO good, in fact, that in Paris they cost 10 Euros. The French just GET IT.

Trader Joe's Apple Cider Jam- New discovery, but I can already tell it will be a fall staple for me. I love love love anything with apple and cinnamon, and this jam is just everything I love in one. It tastes like apple pie filling and goes great on brioche, waffles, and with brie on baguette. Omg I'm so hungry.

Prosecco- I just finished reading French Women Don't Get Fat, and one of the main tips I gained from it was that champagne should not just be drank as a cause for celebration. Being a girl on a budget, and not being able to find Pommery champagne anywhere in Denver, I have settled on Prosecco to cure my bubbly needs. Perfect before dinner snack? Prosecco and Ritz. Trust me.

Shopping Favorites

TJ Maxx- With my new job, I had to vamp up my wardrobe to something more professional. TJ Maxx is the perfect place for me to get key items for my closet -- from dresses to blouses to jackets. You get designer clothes for a great discount AND they are still in season! I highly recommend getting a TJX Rewards Credit Card, too, since you get points for every purchase and can earn rewards certificates for TJ Maxx and Homegoods!

iPhone 8 Plus- I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH A NEW CELL PHONE! For those of you who don't know, I had my iPhone 6 for over two years and it was literally falling apart. The screen was coming off and the speaker just stopped working. So one of the greatest things I bought myself was a new phone, and I'm OBSESSED with the iPhone 8 Plus. It's heavy and durable, but also sleek and stylish. Now I get to buy all new cases and I'm so pumped.

LUSH Pumpkin Bath Bomb- You can read all about my LUSH Fall Shopping Haul, but this bath bomb is my favorite out of what I purchased. It smells so good and is so cute and turns your bath water orange. I love it on so many levels. It just screams "October."

Amazon Prime Surprise Sweets Box- OMG!! This box is my new addiction. I ordered the Surprise Sweets Dash button and of course immediately ordered my first box. I got the cutest goodies that were so delicious and I think it's definitely worth the $18 price tag. Expect a separate blog series coming soon!

TV Favorites

The Walking Dead- GUESS WHAT SHOW HAD ITS SEASON 8 PREMIERE THIS MONTH!!! This show is my life blood, honestly. There is nothing I love more than the duo of Rick Grimes and Daryl Dixon. Except, maybe, that gorgeous tiger, Shiba. The first few episodes have been super intense and I just love seeing how each character is developing with the sudden all-out war that is happening. Do yourself a favor and catch up on Netflix. This show is that good.

Other Favorites


Osiris Tutankhamen- I adopted a new kitten! His name is Osiris Tutankhamen (yes, I am super extra FIGHT ME) and we believe he is a Snowshoe because of his adorable little white paws. When we first adopted him, he was very shy and hid behind my toilet for a few days. But, seeing as how he is a kitten and his curiosity got the best of him, he started to branch out and now runs the house! He is such a lover and can purr/cuddle for hours. I love him so much and I can't wait to watch him grow. I'll probably make a separate post about him soon, so stay tuned!








What were your October favorites? HOW CUTE IS MY KITTEN!? Let me know in the comments below!








Tuesday, May 31, 2016

May Favorites

Ah, May. My favorite month of the year. In the beginning of the month there's my birthday and then by the end there's the official start of summer on Memorial Day. It's just the greatest month out of the year, honestly. I've discovered quite a bit of new things this month and I'm excited to share my favorites with you!

May Favorites

Netflix Favorites


Somm: Into the Bottle - A documentary about wine...is there anything else that screams "Lexi watch this?" No. If you know too much about wine comme moi, or even if you know nothing you should watch this movie. It's crazy how much detail goes into every bottle of wine that is produced. More than anything it's an art form and French Champagne is a Monet.

Food Favorites


Sriracha Triscuits - Do you remember Hot Fries or was that just a New Jersey suburban craze? Well if you do remember those bad boys, these tastes EXACTLY THE SAME except with half the chemicals (I think). I usually am not a fan of the fiber taste of Triscuits but when I saw these at the grocery store I knew I had to give them a try and I'm so happy I did. Spread a little Laughing Cow wedge on one and you'll probably drop dead of utter bliss.

Vinho Verde - I usually reserve my warmer months strictly for rosé sipping, but since my recent discovery of Vinho Verde I think I can make an exception. I went for a Gazela which is almost light green in color (hence the name) and so crisp it's like biting into a juicy green apple. Mix it with a little Sprite for a wine spritzer! 


App Favorites


Venmo - Okay college me could have seriously used this app. You know how you go out to eat with friends and you cover the tab because they'll "pay you back?" Well with this app they will actually be forced to follow through! You can link your bank account or credit/debit card so that transactions to your friends are that much easier. My coworker used it for a bachelorette party and it worked out perfectly because each bridesmaid could pay her back right away with just the tap of a button. You can even use it for rent/utility bills with your roommate! So convenient.

DuoLingo - Nous savons que je parle français, and that is in large thanks to this app. I can practice everyday for 15 minutes and it helps immensely. This app is also how I'm learning Italian and Russian! It's a great tool for those who want to first learn a language or brush up on their skills. There are so many languages to choose from and if you are going on vacation abroad I suggest learning some basic language skills using this app! You can even learn flirtation phrases which is how I plan to land my soon-to-be French husband.




Let me know your May favorites in the comments below!



Tuesday, June 30, 2015

June Favorites!

It's finally starting to feel like summer here in Colorado and I hate it. Don't get me wrong -- I love warmer weather but what I don't love is sweating and having my hair and makeup ruined in just a short 15 minute walk. Comes with the season I suppose! All that being said, June really flew by. I got my first job after graduation and I'm excited to see what's in store for the rest of the year! The end of the month can only mean one thing...monthly favorites! And trust me this month I have some good ones.

June Favorites

Beauty Favorites

Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara ($23) -- This mascara is God sent. It makes my lashes look long, thick, and luscious without clumping or smearing all over my eye. The brush is unique in that it is thick on the ends and slimmer in the middle, almost an hourglass shape. This gives it the ability to hit your lashes at all the right angles and make them pop. The name says it all and I will definitely repurchase this once I'm all out! Purchase here.

butter LONDON Nail Polish in Cotton Buds ($15) -- White nails are all the rage this summer and this nail polish is perfect! Since I was in middle school I have been looking for a nice opaque white but I felt like everything I bought was too sheer. Low and behold I find this one at Sephora and fell in love! You only need two coats to make your nails white and chic. Buy yours here.

Food Favorites

Yoplait Light Watermelon Yogurt -- Honestly, this yogurt takes like summer. Watermelon is my favorite flavor for anything (ironically I hate the actual fruit) and this yogurt holds up to all my standards. It's only 100 calories and is the perfect cool treat on a hot day. Be on the look out, though, because it's only for a limited time!

Gyros -- There is a wonderful Polish woman who owns a street cart right outside my job downtown and I swear to God she makes the best gyro of your life. It's so simple -- gyro meat, feta, tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, red onion, lettuce -- but it's so FREAKING GOOD! And the kicker? She only charges $5 a sandwich. I want her to adopt me.

Shopping Favorites

Etsy -- I have been on an Etsy-kick lately and I'm just falling in love with all the little shops. I bought a gorgeous bewitched crystal necklace in May and loved how sweet and personal the owner was. Then my mother ordered an American flag sweater and the owner of that shop was also so sweet and included a personalized thank you note and free pair of earrings (shout-out to thehartcollection)! If you're in the market for a thoughtful gift for someone close to you, I suggest you browse Etsy first (and you will most likely be on there for hours).

Music Favorites

Feeling Myself by Nicki Minaj ft. Beyoncé -- Could Nicki and Bey ever do wrong? I've been playing this song on repeat ever since the music video came out. These women are so badass that you can't help but feel like a tough bitch while listening. If I was ever a professional MLB player this would HANDS DOWN be my walk-out song...aside from N*Sync. Listen here.





What are your favorite things this month? Anything I should try? Let me know in the comments below!


Until next time my loves x.

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

January Favorites!

How is January already over?! I have already broken all of my New Year's resolutions (love me some carbs), and my final semester of college as an undergrad has begun! I haven't done a monthly favorites post in quite some time, so I thought why not kick off six more weeks of Winter (little shit groundhog saw his shadow) with my favorite things of January!

January Favorites


Beauty Favorites


Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz ($21) - It should come as no surprise that I'm obsessed with eyebrows. And this brow pencil...oh sweet JAYSUS! It's honestly the best brow pencil on the market. Period.  My brother gave me a Sephora gift card for Christmas (bless him) and this is what I bought with it and I regret nothing. I have received so many compliments on my brows after this purchase. I recommend it to all. Buy your's here.

Too Faced Natural Eye Neutral Eye Shadow Collection ($36)- I've been into natural smokey eyes lately, and this palette is perfect for just that. I can make my eyes look sultry, sexy, and everything inbetween. I think I've used this almost everyday since I bought it...no shame. I like that inside there is also a little booklet showing you different looks! And the case is perfect for travel. Win all around. Purchase here.


Fashion Favorites

Nike Compression Tights ($60)- Literally obsessed with these leggings. OBSESSED! I will never buy any other brand of workout leggings for the rest of my life I swear. They're soft, flexible to move in, and make your legs look AMAZING! I wish I could buy them all out from Nordstrom. These motivate me to get my booty off the couch! Get your own pair here.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Logo Disc Earrings ($48)-There is nothing classier than a small pair of studs to go with every outfit, and these have been my go-to earrings this month. They are the perfect size without being annoying to wear. I got these for Christmas last year, but for whatever reason I've been reaching to wear them a lot recently. So cute, so presh, and you so need them in your life. Find them here.


Music Favorites

7/11 by Beyonce- No one beats Queen B. Fun fact: my friends and I blasted this song and danced while we waited to have our exit interviews for my wine class. This song literally makes NO SENSE but I love it. And I love the video for it. Watch and listen here.

Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson (ft. Bruno Mars)- Disco + Bruno Mars= heaven. I cannot stop listening to this tune. And the video? I'm smitten. After listening to this song I was want to blast "Stayin' Alive" and other disco hits. Bruno is officially bringing back the 70s. Take a listen for yourself here.

September by Earth, Wind, and Fire- This is a classic and one of my favorite songs of all time.  If I'm ever in a sour mood, I put on this song and instantly feel 300% better.  It's also a great song to get ready to when you're going out with the girls. Don't ask me why...it just is. Have a listen here.

Where do Broken Hearts Go by One Direction- We've already established my weird obsession with boybands. But this song is SO FREAKING GOOD AND IT'S ONE OF MY TOP 3 FAVORITE SONGS BY THEM EVER, OKAY?! It's so rock n roll and sexy and I belt out the lyrics every time it comes on. Best line is "are you sleeping, baby, by yourself? Or are you giving it to someone else?" Let it be known, Harold, that I would be giving it to someone else. Ayyyy listen here.


TV Favorites

The Walking Dead (AMC)- Holy damn. This show is...EVERYTHING! I randomly started watching it over Winter Break and my mama and I got hooked. HAVE YOU SEEN DARYL DIXON?! I want to marry him and have him protect me forever. I watched all 4 seasons on Netflix in a month on top of work, school, and social gatherings...that's how amazing this show is. What I love about this show is that crazy things happen in every episode, not just at finales. I have rarely been bored watching an episode, and even if I am something big always happens at the end! This show is my new LOST...and that's saying a lot from me!


Food/Drink Favorites

Stella Rosa Wine- We all know I'm a wine fanatic. This wine is so good. It's light and a little sparkly, and the perfect amount of sweet. I could drink four bottles of it, which is okay cause it's barely 5% alcohol (oops). Next time you're at the liquor store grab yourself a bottle of the Moscato. You're welcome.

Trader Joe's Falafel Wraps- Recently I have had the luxury of a Trader Joe's opening five minutes away from me, and I have been taking full advantage of it.  These wraps have falafels and tabbouleh wrapped in a pita.  I personally add some Trader joe's hummus to keep me good and full.  If you like Mediterranean food then you will love these wraps. I promise.


What are your January favorites? Are you excited for February? DO YOU LOVE DARYL DIXON AS MUCH AS I DO? Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time my loves x.

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

September Favorites

I cannot believe September is already over! My final Fall semester of college is flying by and it's thrilling yet terrifying. Next thing you know I'll be graduating! But with the end of the month comes my monthly favorites! I love September because Fall is in the air and everything I love starts coming back to the stores (pumpkin, and I mean pumpkin). I'm sad this month has ended, but I am so excited because October is my favorite month of the year!



Beauty Favorites

Palladio Brow Pencil ($6) -- This is my new favorite brow pencil. Like I am literally in love. I was using Revlon for a while, and discovered this one helping my best friend find a new brow pencil. It reminds me a lot of the Anastasia Perfect Brow Pencil ($21) but at a third of the price. It goes on so smooth and lasts me all day! This just makes me so happy because I feel like bold, beautiful brows put every look together, and this pencil makes my brows fabulous! You can find it at your nearest Ulta or online here.

Tarte Rainforest After Dark Colored Clay Eye & Cheek Palette ($38) -- To say I'm obsessed with this palette is an understatement.  Not only does it have Tarte's amazing clay eye shadows, but it also includes a blush, bronzer, and highlight! The colors are perfect for a natural look, but also allow you to play with them to get the ideal "Girl's Night Out" smokey eye. And the packaging is just gorgeous. I mean a gold snake? LOVE it! I consistently use this and my Too Faced The Chocolate Bar Eye Palette ($49) on my eyes because why should I use anything else? You can find it at your nearest Sephora or online here.


Fashion Favorites

Charming Charlie Shapely Cluster Earrings ($10) -- These earrings are gorgeous.  I'm such a fan of huge statement earrings, and the purple, blue, and white in these earrings scream Fall to me.  They go with pretty much anything, especially a LBD for a night out.  I love Charming Charlie because their jewelry is so cute but not expensive! Buy your own pair here.

Pink & Pepper Rapper Riding Boot ($70) -- Does anything scream Fall is coming more than riding boots?! I love wearing boots because they look fabulous with leggings and a sweater, skinny jeans and a sweater, or tights and a dress! I found these beauties at DSW and was so excited because I have been wanting a pair of riding boots for so long.  I got the Brown/Chocolate color and they are so comfy and cute that I can wear them all day in class or walking through vineyards (did that this past weekend in Palisade...amazing)! Find your own pair at your local DSW or online here.

Music Favorites

Steal My Girl by One Direction -- Yes, I am that girl. 21 years old and I am still obsessed with a boyband. But you know what? I don't care. Those boys are damn sexy and they're harmonies make my heart melt.  I actually just got back from seeing their Where We Are Tour in El Paso, Texas (9 hour drive from Colorado...why) and I don't regret it one bit. Harry Styles even pointed at me in the crowd so...haters gonna hate. Now this single was just released on Monday, and it's off their upcoming album Four. Their first single off the album, Fireproof, I actually don't care for and was weary as to what to expect next. Thankfully, I was not disappointed. Now, this song does start off very different from their past hits, but the chorus is so catchy I dare you not to sing along! Listen now here.

Ugly Heart by G.R.L. -- Another obsession of mine is girlbands (hello, the Spice Girls were LIFE!).  My friend Nicole showed me this song and we probably played it on repeat 20 times.  There is a sick ukulele in the background and it's so upbeat and happy! This is the perfect song for girls like me who have fallen for the hot guys who turn out to be real assholes in the end. There are some amazing high notes and even though I'm not the best singer, I still try to match all of them! Take a listen and watch the fun video here.

18 by 5 Seconds of Summer -- Again, I'm that girl.  But to be fair, they aren't just the opening act for One Direction ( and their replacement). These four Australian cuties write all of their own songs and even play the instruments to back it up! This song, 18, is my jam even though I'm no longer 18. It's funny and super catchy and the perfect song to dance around in your underwear to (not that I've done that what)! If you don't think the line "she's got a naughty tattoo in a place that I want to get to // but my mom still drives me to school" is the funniest and cutest thing ever you can leave. Listen now and fall in love here.

TV Favorites

How to Get Away with Murder -- OKAY BUT HAVE YOU SEEN THIS SHOW?! I know only the pilot has aired so far, but I am freaking hooked on this show. There is nothing I love more than shows that make you think (LOST fanatic over here) and I love how much drama was thrown into just one show! It has some of my favorite people including Viola Davis (you know her as Aibileen Clark in The Help), Alfred Enoch (Dean Thomas in Harry Potter), and Matt McGorry (hot guard Jon Bennett in Orange is the New Black). I don't want to spoil anything for those of you who haven't seen it, but so much crap went down that I was on the edge of my seat by minute two! I can already tell this will be my new Fall drama, but I am looking forward to seeing what Gotham has to offer.

Selfie-- I was able to see the first episode of this on Hulu and I fell in love.  The main character reminded me of myself, sans the selfishness and lack of empathy. I was laughing out loud from the very beginning, and I already want the two main characters (Karen Gillan and John Cho) to hookup because they are precious.

Food/Drink Favorites

Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha -- It's back. And I'm in love. While I do enjoy a nice Pumpkin Spice latte every Fall, the Salted Caramel Mocha has been gaining my interest lately.  I think it's the combo of salty and sweet that drives me wild. I order mine non-fat with lite whip, but girl Summer is over and Winter is nearing, enjoy that full fat if you want!

Brie Cheese -- Here's something you didn't know about me -- I hate cheese.  Now, melted, ooey-gooey cheese on pizza or quesadillas is good, but cold cheese makes me want to vomit.  I don't know what it is, I just can't stand it.  Maybe it's the smell? It doesn't matter, I hate cold cheese.  But, I've recently discovered the wonder that is brie.  Maybe it's because I'm preparing for my graduation present trip to Paris, but I decided to be bold at CostCo a couple weeks ago and buy a wheel of brie.  I let it sit out on the counter to get soft, and then spread it on a baguette and oh my God...IT'S SO GOOD! Plus I'm in a wine class for school, and brie with wine just goes amazing together so that has been my treat for when I need to relax; brie, baguette, and Chardonnay!


What are your September favorites? Anything you're dying to try or can't wait for? Let me know in the comments below!


Until next time my loves x.