TRAVEL DIARY: DESTINATION DENVER | CHAPTER 2 - FACING FORWARD + UPDATE

HAPPY THURSDAY, BLOGLAND!

I'm in the midst of packing and have 2 weddings back in New York City before my official move westward officially begins 2 weeks from today.

So, it's time for chapter 2 of my destination denter Travel Diary series.

You can go back and read chapter 1, if interested and you missed it, and I hope you will continue to join me on my somewhat unknown journey. ❤

|  CHAPTER 1  |

image by: devon ehardt shelton

Location: aspen, co - summer 2016  |  Dress: Forever 21

TANK: TARGET  |  BRALETTE: FOREVER 21  |  NECKLACE: DIY

CHAPTER 2   |   FACING FORWARD

<sup>Only a couple weeks lie in front of me before I say a very bitter-sweet and difficult goodbye to a large part of my life and wonderful youth.

My parents are selling my childhood home of 30 years and moving west. While I am taking a large leap of faith, yet again, and moving to another new city. All in hopes of finding what my heart desires most, growing my Sensible Style business and continuing to help others in some form.

Those close to me know that, after a magical summer in Aspen last year and falling in love with Colorado, I did quite a bit of research before making my final decision to make a new life for myself in Denver.

It stood out as a great place for someone my age who is looking for all that I am. While also being only a 6 hour drive, in one direction, from my younger sister, brother-in-law, niece and nephew and 6 hours, in another direction, from my parent's new home that they just finished building.

Needless to say, packing up my childhood bedroom, and sorting through all the memories from the past, has signified a challenging end of one great chapter and the clean, fresh start of a new chapter in my adult life.

It's not going to be easy, this I know, but I do think it will challenge me, something I need to keep that fire burning beneath me. Through it all, I'm doing my best to keep facing forward to move onward and upward. 

Hopefully, one day soon, I'll look back and realize that I have landed just where I'm supposed to and see how it all led me to true love and happiness.</sup>

^{"Just because your path is different doesn't mean you're lost."}

^{Stay tuned for Chapter 3, which will be from on the road while heading cross-country with endless adventures along the way . . .}

TRAVEL DIARY: ASPEN, COLORADO - FAMILY FUN ON OUR FINAL DAY

Happy September, Blogland!

On our last full day in Aspen, we walked the couple miles into town and had a nice breakfast outside at Jour de Fête. Everyone there is so friendly, as I've found everywhere, and the Aspen police, who often eat there, always have a welcoming smile and are there to help in any way and even offer recommendations, such a joy!

All over Aspen, while here, I've seen some of the most vibrant and beautiful flowers, trees and landscaping and they keep it looking so gorgeous at all times, it really is impressive.  Plus, they have beautiful parks and playground where I had some quality time with my Niece Nugget.

After a walk around the outdoor Saturday Market and shops, we stopped at Ink!, a cute local coffee shop where I got a refreshing iced chai tea latte, which was perfect on a rather warm, yet beautiful, sunny day.

That evening, we took in another gorgeous sunset and took fun pictures and selfies in the magical, glowing orange and yellow light it reflects, while also enjoying it with my nephew from the hot tub in our house rental's backyard. 

Now, onto the pictures from another truly fantastic day in Aspen, I already miss it so much and will never forget my time here or the wonderful memories we shared as a family.  I'd love to be able to call it home one day soon! ❤

Breakfast outside at Jour de Fête, a wonderful, super friendly, yummy and affordable casual café.

The flowers and landscaping all over Aspen is impeccable, bright and full of life. 

Ink! Iced Chai Tea, a lovely local coffee shop. 

Sisters Sunset Selfie 

The lilies were in full bloom on our last night in Aspen and glowing magically off the sunset.

Family selfie at sunset, so fun!

Magical view from our Aspen home rental, which needed no filter and truly inspired me
with it's calm, natural beauty nightly.

Hot tub fun with my nephew at sunset. 

Hot tub with a view, I'll never forget this and would rent this home again in an instant. 

ALL of the above images by Liesl Ehardt unless otherwise noted.

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TRAVEL DIARY: ASPEN, COLORADO - MAROON BELLS

Happy Saturday, Everyone!

When in Aspen, everyone will tell you to go to Maroon Bells and there is a reason for it.

Years ago, I went horseback riding through the area, but it was rainy and cold. So, I'd always wanted to go back and explore it, and the many trails, on foot and the weather was just beautiful this time!

There are endless places you can hike, picnic and even camp, with natural beauty surrounding you, alongside a lovely lake and beautiful windflowers.

Below are pictures from my time there captured by myself and a couple from my older sister, Danielle, who went on multiple occasions, so pretty and peaceful.  Enjoy!

Photo Credit: Danielle Robinson (my sister)

Photo Credit: Danielle Robinson (my sister)

ALL of the above images by Liesl Ehardt unless otherwise noted.

TRAVEL DIARY: ASPEN, COLORADO - MY NIECE NUGGET'S 1ST BIRTHDAY

Happy Monday, Everyone!

We celebrated my little Niece Nugget's 1st Birthday with the entire family at our home rental in Aspen, which was very special.  

My younger sister, her mother, really did a beautiful job hand making and putting everything together.  All to complete the theme for the birthday girl, which was ONE-derland, a creative take on "Alice in Wonderland," which kept it all super affordable...music to my ears! ;)

Below are pictures of all the details, tasty treats and fun we had celebrating before ending a successful day with yet another incredible sunset, which some of us watched from the hot tub in the backyard. ❤

My sister with the birthday girl at her ONE-derland themed 1st birthday.

Homemade topiary and butterfly accent details on the lovely tables cape.

Flamingos are just too cute!

A variety of yummy homemade tea sandwiches.

Fresh homemade watermelon squeezed lemonade and homemade plain and raisin scones
with jams and homemade clotted cream.

Loved the flamingo and striped straws!

The adults added champagne to the watermelon lemonade, so refreshing!

None of our family gatherings or cocktail times would ever be complete without
a selection of yummy cheeses, we LOVE cheese!

Birthday presents beautifully arranged under a homemade Happy Birthday and a picture
from each month of the birthday girl's first year.

Homemade "Thank You" goodie bags.

A closer look, I had fun making the little signs to help her out.

Both of my nephews, my older sister's eldest son and my younger sister's eldest son, matched
and it wasn't even planned, too cute!

Aspen trees have quickly become one of my favorite trees, and the way the light glowed off them at sunset from the backyard was magical.

Sunset from our backyard, the view every single night was a sight to see,
love it when you can see the rays reflecting.

Sunset through the trees and view from the hot tub in the backyard,
which was there perfect way to end the day.

Goodnight, Aspen...for tonight.

TRAVEL DIARY: ASPEN, COLORADO - LADIES LUNCH AND SUNSETS

Happy Thursday, Everyone!

While in Aspen, my mother, sisters and I had a ladies day in town. 

We had brunch at Main Street Bakery & Cafe where we sat outside and enjoyed a variety of eggs benedicts and smoked salmon before walking around town and the local, charming shops.

Plenty of wildlife will cross your path and deer and chipmunks like to visit almost daily.  We enjoyed them and much more on another gorgeous day.

That evening, my brother-in-law made his famous margaritas on the rocks and we had make-your-own homemade steak, pork and chicken fajitas with all the fixings and yummy sides.

Finally, we took in more of Aspen's magical evening light and sunsets and relaxed outdoors before playing games as a family. Picture time! :)

My younger sister, moi, my older sister and my mother. ❤

Magical lighting before sunset in Aspen every night.

ALL of the above images by Liesl Ehardt unless otherwise noted.