Dear D'Arcy - By D'Arcy Vandenberg

Drug Store Makeup finds, Perfect for Midlife!

July 30, 2021

Drug store makeup finds, perfect for midlife skin.

Drug store finds you’ll love for your skin over 40! With the help of my Makeup artist sister, Tiana Holiday. I tested out the top picks she recommends to her clients over 40, Who may want cheaper drug store makeup options. Her criteria were, it doesn’t settle into wrinkles, is long-wearing, and gives you a great bang for your buck.

I went shopping and happily tested out options she said would work on my skin and compare to some of the products I use. Wait till you read what I found out below.

Here is the list of Drug store make up finds I tried and tested out:

Loreal- Infallible pro-glow 201 (replaces foundation)

2. Maybelline- City Bronzer (replace Mac or your favorite bronzer)

3. Milani-Cheek Kiss (Replace dry blush)

4. Loreal- Powder True Match N4 (To replace Mac)

5. Elf-Monochromatic Multi-stick in Glistening Perch (

6. Loreal Voluminous- Carbon Black (To Replace- Lancome)

7. Maybelline- line express eyeliner in Brown (REPLACE – MAC Teddy)

8. Wet & wild Kohl crayon -brown (she didn’t recommend this one) I just thought I’d try…

9. Nyx micro brow pencil Taupe

10. Loreal Brow Stylist blond

11. Milani- Lip Stains

12. Maybelline -Eye shadow pallet, expert wear

Shop the photo Below:

The Benefits: Loreal Infallible:
- Wears up to 24 hours
- Hydrates skin with a natural glow
- Instantly conceals imperfections
- Lightweight formula feels luxe on the skin
- Protects skin with SPF 15
- The Basics:
  - Finish: dewy
  - Coverage: medium
  - Best for: normal to dry skin
I loved this product and how it made my skin look! This is a product I will use from now on. ( I only use it in the Fall and Winter)
Maybelline City Bronzer-This product was also a winner in my book!
City Bronzer Makeup is Maybelline’s 1st bronzing and contouring powder that delivers a sun-kissed makeup look and sculpted makeup look. Benefits:
- Formulated with whipped cocoa butter
- Get all over bronzing, subtle contouring, or natural makeup look
- This bronzer and contour powder is ideal for creating multiple makeup looks
3. Milan Cheek Kiss_ The cream looks so pretty on your skin verses the dry look of podwer blus. Keeper
Features

Ultra-blendable and buildable, lightweight creamy liquid formula

Multi-use, easy-to-apply blush lets you control the flush factor

Available in shades to flatter all skin tones

Vegan

Cruelty-Free

Benefits:

Infused with skin-loving ingredients like Pomegranate, Rose Extract and Watermelon
5. Elf-Monochromatic Multi-stick in Glistening Perch = Gives a beautiful glow (see my cheecks)

6. Loreal Voluminous- Carbon Black (To Replace- Lancome) Benefits

Bold, volume building mascara for up to 5x fuller and thicker lashes

Separates and builds every lash

Clump-free and smudge-resistant mascara

Contains Panthenol and Ceramide-R and helps protect and condition lashes

7. Maybelline line express eyeliner- in Brown (REPLACE – MAC Teddy)

Easy to blend formula is perfectly paired with a smudging tool for any eye look, from subtle to dramatic, Creamy, smooth color impact for a variety of eyeliner looks. Does what it say’s and its a great product. I still perfer spending the money on my MAC Teddy eyeliner.

8. Wet & wild Kohl crayon -brown (she didn’t recommend this one) I just thought I’d try… This one is not great, it runs and doesnt last all day.

9. Nyx micro brow pencil Taupe

A micro mechanical brow pencil that shapes, defines and fills in sparse brows for a natural look. This is great if you dont have alot to fill in. It does stay on. I do perfer my Charlott Tillbury worth every penny and last months. Shop Here

10. Loreal Brow Stylist blond

A dual pencil with a brow pencil and a brush. I purchased the color blond and I needed to go a little darker, as my brows are so blond, I need to darken them up. ( I actually have my eyebrows dyed) and use a pencil to give shape and fill them in a little. This would have worked had I gotten the right color.

11. Milani- Lip Stains

Smudge resistant satin matte finish, soft suede-like feel, Delivers long-lasting hydration. These Lip stains are just as good as City Beauty $38 and ShadeM $18 Milani is a great deal at $7.99! I love these Lip stains, All 3 are not drying or make your lips flake. They truly are all long lasting and come in beautiful colors. Seriously, you cannot go wrong with these stains. (All have a great selection of colors and several different shades from each brand.)

12. Maybelline -Eye shadow pallet, expert wear

This eyeshadow makeup quad boasts extraordinary color thanks to ultra-blendable jet-milled pigments. Delivers a silky finish that lasts up to 12 hours and really is so easy to use. If you struggle with appling eyeshadow, and never know what to put where, this eyeshadow is “color by numbers” for Woman. I love how easy it is to use, I really love its 4 colors only and they are the colors I would use out of some of my big pallets and have all of these extra colors I am never going to use. The shadows really do last all day.
I joined my Chic Chat Chic Girls in sharing our Beauty or Makeup routines today on our blogs. So make sure to hop on over to their pages and see their take on Beauty and Makeup for Midlife.

Cindy= LuLuloves7

Lisa’s= Coast2coast

Michelle= Poised Petite

Cammi=Cammie’s Happy Place

Thank you for stopping by, I truly appreciate your support, and Hopefully, I helped you somehow. I also appreciate you supporting my small business if you choose to shop any of the links I provide, as I do make a small commission at no cost to you. May you have a happy day and a wonderful weekend.

You may also enjoy:

Midlife & Hormones

Tula Beauty products

Hair Products

No Cook Dinner, Perfect for Summer! Charcuterie Board

July 26, 2021

No-Cook Dinner, Perfect for Summer! Charcuterie Board

“Kitchens are made for bringing families together.” Sunday dinner has always been an important part of our family’s weekly routine. When we lived in California, it was the day that ALL the family, grandparents, aunts, uncles, everyone was welcome, came over to enjoy a meal. A fun time to catch up on the week, spend time together chatting over a good meal: a special time and a special day. When we moved to Utah, our crowd was smaller, but the idea was the same, and over the years, our crowd has grown. Friends that have become family added girlfriends, and occasionally out-of-state family.

The importance of Sunday dinner and sharing recipes has become popular on my Instagram stories that I started sharing “In the Kitchen with D’Arcy” on my Sunday posts. Find HERE. I realized my blog following wanted more recipe content as well. With that being said, Sunday’s blog post will be dedicated to Recipes and sharing an occasional Family meal at our favorite restaurants, and showing our support for supporting local businesses.

Today, over on Instagram, I shared A great, No-cook Dinner…A Charcuterie Board perfect for a large crowd, a great Sunday dinner, with something for everyone. We love to enjoy on the deck🥖🧀🫕🍓🍎 and take in the beauty of Summer. A charcuterie board makes for great conversation, talking about cheeses and crackers, the combinations you like, and the fun of creating combos you’ll enjoy.

Below: I have included a list of everything I have used here, and I also shared some of the yummy combos we love.

What you’ll need to create our Charcuterie board, No-cook Dinner:

-Everything crackers & cracked pepper Triscuit

-Strawberry & Jalapeño crisps

-Wheat thins

-Organic Garlic Naan crackers

-Caramelized onion cheddar cheese

-Beacon Fell Cheese (traditional Lancashire cheese)

-Unexpected cheddar cheese

-Old Amsterdam cheese

-Asiago cheese with Rosemary and olive oil

-Peppered Salami

-The marinated olive duo

-Velvet Bees Honey butter

-Cornichons

-Cucumber

~Mini peppers

—Honey crisp apple

~Strawberries

butter
-baguette
Hummus
-cream cheese
Olive oil

-Dill goat cheese

Tip: I love collecting Items for creating all types of Charcuterie Boards, this helps to create all types and size boards, perfect for any occasion or meal. Here are a few of my must-have items:

SHOP THE POST

Tip: When creating your Charcuterie board, place items next to items that pair well with each other for easy pairing. It helps your guest know flavors that pair well together. See some of our favorites below.

Charcuterie Board combos we loved: going clockwise from the cucumber.

Cucumber and hummus
Strawberry Jalapeno cracker, cheddar cheese, and Honey butter
Strawberry Jalapeno cracker, cream cheese, and Strawberry
Baguette, Beacon Fell cheese, olive oil, and salt
Honey crisp Apple and Cheddar Cheese
Salt & Pepper Triscuit, Old Amsterdam cheese, peppered Salami, and olive
(center) Naan Cracker, Hummus, and pepper

There are several other fabulous combinations. These are just some of our favorites. The Rosemary cheese is fab on the baguette, the goat cheese on the everything crackers.

Tip: When cutting celery stock for a Charcuterie or another meal, cut the end off in one chunk. Save and use as a garnish(it looks like a flower and oh so easy to create. I like to tuck into my veggie trays and use them as decoration on my Charcuterie Board.

* Trader Joe’s was where I purchased most of the Charcuterie Board Items.

Thank you for stopping by. I really appreciate your support. Hoping I inspired you to create an easy and no-cook dinner, Charcuterie Board.

Midlife, Hormones, and How I deal with it!

July 15, 2021

Midlife, Hormones, and How I deal with it!

Please note I am not a Doctor. This is my personal plan and Journey. See your physician before adding any supplements to your diet.

This is 49, Looking and feeling good over 40! Shop my look HERE

Bioidentical Hormones

Testosterone 2 Troches
Progesterone- Rx 150 mg.

Supplements: My Dr. Subscribed These are medical grade Supplements

Dim once a day to helps with conversion to Estrogen.(CDGEstroDIM)
Vitamin D
Vitamin B12 injection 1 week
Multivitamin/energy
Vitamin C (integrative)
Nu Adapt (stress Reduction ) helps with cortisol level

Supplements I take on my Own:

-Goli Apple Cider Vinegar

-Biotin

-Celltrient protect cellular support

-Vitamin E (if I am going to be in a lot of suns)

-Magnesium (which you need to absorb the Vitamin D)

-Collagen daily in my coffee (I love this one)

Shop my Supplements below:

The Joys of Midlife! I started noticing a change about 42. Not ever having a weight gain issue, I was slowly gaining about 5 LBS a year. ( no matter what I did, I couldn’t lose it) My energy wasn’t what it used to be, I wasn’t sleeping as well as I used too and my skin was so dry. ( I did not have hot flashes, and I still had a regular period)

I would ask my OBGYN to check my thyroid and hormones. (Which she said was fine) That I was experiencing the joys of aging. At 44, I wouldn’t say I liked that answer, I had gained 15-17 LBS that I couldn’t lose, and I knew my body… something was up.

I researched and heard about Bioidentical Hormone therapy replacement Doctors. They do a more extensive blood panel and really look at all of the hormone levels. More info HERE

Tip: When looking for Hormone Replacement Therapy, Doctors make sure they are Bio-Identical specialists and, most importantly, they do the Saliva test and the blood work. The saliva test also checks your cortisol level. ( how and when your body handles stress) More HERE High Cortisol can lead to Stubborn Belly Fat! Cortisol can help control blood sugar levels, regulate metabolism, help reduce inflammation, and assist with memory formulation. It has a controlling effect on salt and water balance and helps control blood pressure.

The following simple tips may help to moderate cortisol levels:

Lowering stress. People trying to lower their cortisol levels should aim to reduce stress. …
Eating a good diet. …
Sleeping well. …
Trying relaxation techniques. …
Taking up a hobby. …
Learning to unwind. …
Laughing and having fun. …
Exercising.

Turning a long story short… As a result, I took the replacement therapy My Doctor prescribed for me at that time. Therefore within 3 months, my skin looked amazing, my energy was back, I was sleeping normally, and BEST of all, 12lbs came off without trying. 🎉

I did Whole30 that November and lost 16 more pounds and keep it off as a result.

Fast forward to covid… Hormone replacement scripts ran out, no bloodwork, and my Doctor moved. Lots of Family Cooking and a 49th Birthday… Therefore All the weight is back, and so are the Symptoms above.

As a result, I researched new Doctors and found Dr. Kat At Renewal. Her practice is in Salt Lake City, and I love her. Dr. Kat is who Prescribed the above plan. I’ve been retaking Hormone replacement for the last 20 days or so. Remember, Hormones take 30-90 days to start seeing results. I will give you an update in the future.

Follow my daily Journey on Instagram stories as I share my diet, How the hormones are working, and what I do for exercise. Instagram HERE

Some of my Favorite items for fitness HERE

For a Quick Update: on Diet and exercise

In addition to Hormones, I started Whole30 4 days ago, and I have been walking 5-8 miles a day for 7 weeks. However, I’ll keep you posted on my journey on Instagram and do an updated blog post in the future. In conclusion, I hope I helped shed some light on Midlife, Hormones, and How I deal with them!

Join my Chic Chat Chic Girlfriends below on How they deal with Midlife.

Cindy= LuLuloves7

Lisa’s= Coast2coast

Michelle= Poised Petite

Cammi=Cammie’s Happy Place

Skin pH: Is Yours Out of Balance?

July 14, 2021

It’s time to dig up your good old chemistry textbooks because your knowledge of pH levels is one of the keys to healthier skin. This scientific measurement, a scale that tells how acidic something is, will help you understand the problems of your body—and this includes persistent skin problems! So let’s dig a little deeper and discuss pH levels so that you can soothe and restore your skin.

What is Normal for the Skin?

In an ideal world, your skin is acidic with a pH level that falls between 4.1 to 5.8. It may be terrifying to think that your skin likes to be acidic, but don’t worry too much. Just be aware that it definitely needs to be on the lower end of the pH scale to be as healthy and natural as possible. Once your skin is at a pH level that makes it happy, it can properly seal in moisture and serve as a barrier against free radicals, pollution, and environmental irritants.

However, your skin may drastically slide to a higher pH level (or even lower than normal) because of numerous factors. These include the hygiene products that you use. Do you know those soaps, detergents, or leave-on products that smell strong to your nose and irritates your skin? They may cause your skin’s natural state to go haywire, bringing forth several conditions as a reaction to the change.

How pH Levels Affect Your Skin

And bring numerous problems to the surface of your skin. For example, you may experience eczema, dryness, itchiness, oiliness, and even acne as your natural barriers get compromised. In fact, people are more likely to develop fine lines and wrinkles if their skin rises to a higher pH level. So before you aggressively apply products to your skin, you need to be aware that it will fight back by showing various skin conditions.

How to Restore Your Skin’s Ideal pH Levels

To keep your skin happy and healthy, you must maintain the right acidic pH level. However, this doesn’t mean that you only need to use skincare products with acids…and it’s also not an invitation to rub the juices of citrus fruits on your skin.

Being aggressive with products is not the key to a good skincare routine. Your skin definitely needs a lot of TLC so that it can properly carry out its normal functions. Therefore, you need to use gentle products for your sensitive skincare regimen to keep it calm, resilient, and healthy. Start your routine with a calming gel cleanser that can remove dirt and impurities without affecting your skin’s natural barrier. It would be best if you also used a moisturizing cream to soothe and hydrate your skin, keeping it supple and healthy.

If you need an extra boost, acid-based serums at the right concentrations can help you get to that happy, acidic spot. For instance, serums with lactic acid can gently exfoliate your skin, while mandelic acid serums can get even out your skin tone. Just remember to use these products carefully since they can have high acidic concentrations that will make your skin react when it gets too much!

Your skin’s appearance is only a reflection of the processes and conditions that it is going through. So keep your pH level balanced, and you will definitely be rewarded with calm and clear skin. For more beauty tips, check our skincare articles here.

Thank you for stopping by. I hope you learned another way to help keep your skin in top shape.

Weekend Getaway to Park City, Utah

July 8, 2021

Weekend Getaway to Park City, Utah

: Yotel Pad

: Another Sitting Area

: The Lobby

: The Stunning View

: Hotel Bathrooms

: Hotel Room living room

: Hotel Bedroom

: Workspace rooms

: A spot in the Lobby

: Outdoor Patio

: The View out of our Room

: Gaming Room & Conference Room

NEED A Fresh Start to The Week?

Start to feel new again and prepare for a new week ahead. Take a little break and treat yourself to a couple of nights at Yotel Pad Park City, A new Hotel that opened in December. This resort has it all relaxing modern rooms with amazing views, lounging decks all over the property to enjoy the great mountain air, a fully equipped game room with Free ski ball, Pac man, pool, and every board game. Relax by the pool and spa while taking in beautiful ski slope views and walk to restaurants and plenty of hiking and biking trails.

Need to get a little work done? Yotel Pad Park City has mini Office rooms and a full conference room for your working needs. In addition, a coffee station and a fully stocked refreshment area, including local beers, for a small fee.

The location is centrally located to everything, from the Historic Main street with shopping and dining. In addition, to all of the Hiking and biking Park City offers in the Summer, and Ski in and out for Winter and a quick drive to Kimball Junction for more shopping, dining, movies, and walking paths.

Yotel Pad is extremely family-friendly with bunk beds in the rooms, the free game room I mentioned above, separate areas located around the hotel designed for workspace if one of the parents needs to get work done. A very friendly staff that goes out of their way to make you feel special.

My husband and I enjoyed our relaxing stay and cannot wait until My Girl’s trip in August. View more = Yotel Pad on my Instagram HERE and Instagram Stories Highlights HERE

Hotel Specials this summer:

It’s Electric – https://www.yotel.com/en/hotels/yotelpad-park-city/offers/its-electric.
Blue Tee Golf – https://www.yotel.com/en/hotels/yotelpad-park-city/offers/golf-getaway
Splash & Tan – https://www.yotel.com/en/hotels/yotelpad-park-city/offers/splash-tan

Hearth & Hill Restaurant

: Cheers

: My honey enjoying ALL the food!

: Heart & Hill

: Menu

: Shrimp

: Garlic Parm Fries

: Truffle Mac & Cheese with Bacon

: The Refuel salad with Chicken

: Halibut

: Heart & Hill entry

: Date weekend

Talk about an amazing dining experience in the heart of Kimball Junction Heart & Hill was a foodie’s dream. We had the pleasure of being treated by The Park City Chamber @Visit Park City on Instagram to this amazing Meal. Everything from the appetizers to the main course was delicious. Heart and Hill use top-quality ingredients, the chef has a very creative flair, and my hubby said his Halibut tasted as if it was caught that day in Alaska and prepared to perfection.

The atmosphere was Mountain modern, fresh and casual with a friendly wait staff. With a menu that has a great variety and offers many dishes for the vegetarian and other health restrictions. Serving craft cocktails and a full bar to quench your thirst, you won’t be disappointed. Highly recommend reservations.

Kicking off your Weekend getaway Should be a Massage at Alpen + Hyde Massage & Spa.

A great massage is an hour Vacation….Or in some cases, a 90 minute one.

Massages revive your body and help you prepare for the new week ahead. We had the pleasure of a 90 min Hot stone massage at Alpen + Hyde in Park City for our Little 3 day Summer getaway 🌿 Let me tell you, and it was our delight! Liz was my therapist, seriously the Best massage I’ve ever had. Her technique was amazing. While using the hot stones, she also incorporates cold stones to help relax the muscles. (I never had a cold used as well, amazing!) Ben had equally rave reviews about his therapist Olivia.

-The space is delightfully charming and relaxing,
With lemon water upon arrival and fruit and sparkling water served after massage.

-For those of you that don’t want to leave your home or hotel… they’ll come to you with a Mobile massage. Perfect for that stay in pampered & relaxing vacation.

– Need to recover Fast from that hike, bike ride, or run? A massage should do the trick✔️

-Heading to @visitparkcity, make sure to book a massage, At you won’t be disappointed ✔️🌿❤️ Alpen + Hyde

We had a great weekend getaway, and I highly recommend taking little mini weekend getaways with your spouse. It’s so good for your marriage and your soul. Park City has many things to offer, and I could go on and on. Instead, I will do a blog post-round-up featuring my favorite shops, dining, and activities as I was considering what you, my following said about liking blog posts with not too much reading and not all photos. With that being said, I hope you enjoyed this post. Make sure to put Park City on your travel list.

4th Of July BBQ Side Dish Recipes

July 2, 2021

Bbq side dishes to celebrate the 4th Of July. Actually, you could use any of these sides for any Dinner side dish, and the Pasta could be a meal in itself. So whether you’re having a bbq or want yummy side dishes, I’ve got you covered, with 4 of my family’s favorites.

Dutch Potato Salad

5 lbs mixed sm potatoes

4 hard-boiled eggs chopped

1 onion white chopped

1 cup green onions chopped

15 oz Mayo

1/2 cup mustard

1 Tablespoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

It feeds a large crowd

Boil potatoes. When done, drain and mash but chunky, and mix in all the ingredients. Refrigerate until serving.

Caprice Tortellini pasta salad

Caprice Tortellini pasta salad served as a side with grilled chicken.

Caprice Tortellini salad

12oz bag Barilla tortellini

10.5 oz mixed medley tomatoes (small) cut each tomato into fours

1/2 of one large onion chopped

2 -1/4oz package Organic fresh basil chopped

1/2 of 1 Costco fresh Mozzarella cubed

1 tablespoon garlic minced

1/4 to 1/3 cup olive oil

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional garlic salt

Top with balsamic glaze (I use Trader Joe’s)

Boil water, add pasta, cook as directed, Strain. Mix in all the ingredients above and serve warm or cold.

Baked Beans

6 16.5 oz baked beans ( I use Bush)

1/2 pound cooked bacon chopped

1 sm onion chopped

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 large tablespoon Mustard

1 tablespoon kitchen bouquet browning seasoning

2 tsp garlic salt

2 tablespoons chopped onion season

Use a large crockpot, add beans and stir in all the ingredients above. Let simmer, and stir occasionally. Serve when warm. ( I make it in the morning and keep the crockpot on low)

Best Corn Salad (Fresh and tastes like Summer) Photo of this Salad HERE

5 Ears of corn Shucked (or a bag of frozen sweet corn)

1/2 cup small-diced red onion (1 small onion)

3 Tablespoons Cider Vinegar

3 Tablespoons Good olive oil

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup Julienned basil leaves

Corn corn, let cool, Place corn in a bowl make sure it’s separated, then add in all of the above ingredients, mixing as you add. Refrigerate until serving. I could eat as a meal so yummy!

I thought you might like to see or shop some of my favorite decorating pieces and serving pieces for the 4th of July. So here is My Amazon July 4th Shopping Board HERE and a few of my favorite things. View below:

I hope you have an amazing 4th of July with family and friends. We, of course, are having a BBQ, and you better believe I am making the side dishes above as my family looks forward to a big celebration BBQ. Happy 4th of July!

2 Summer Cocktails perfect for 4th of July

June 28, 2021

2 Summer Cocktails perfect for 4th of July

Do you love a refreshing and lower-calorie cocktail? I have created two perfect for Summer cocktails that I think you’ll enjoy. Easy to create and so refreshing. Perfect for entertaining on your deck.

4th of July Berry Sparkler Cocktail

You’ll Need:

Vodka ( We like Grey Goose)

Berry Sparkling Water (I used Waterloo Summer Berry) HERE

Seattle Cider ( I used Berry Rose)

Simple Syrup ( make with sugar and water) For lower-calorie remit… Recipe HERE

Ice

Strawberries and Blue Berries

Fill a glass with ice, add two shots of Vodka, pour in about 1/2 cup of the Cider (or until the glass is 3/4 full, add 1 teaspoon simple syrup, mix slowly, top off with the berry Sparkling water, stir slowly and add berries. Enjoy.

One of my Hubbies and I’s All-time favorite cocktails is a Mojito, and I created this Watermelon Mojito with that in mind. I adore watermelon in the Summer, and this takes the traditional Mojito to a new level.

Watermelon Mojito

You’ll Need:

Crushed watermelon ( I like to soak mine in rum in the refrigerator overnight in a zippy bag)

Rum ( your favorite)

Mojito Mix

Lime Sparkling water ( We like La Croix )

Mint

Simple Syrup (see above for recipe) For lower-calorie remit

lime

Ice

Muddle mint in a glass, Fill glass with ice, add two shots of rum, Add 1/4 cup watermelon add about 1/2 mojito mix, 1/teaspoon simple syrup, MIX, top off with Sparkling water and squeeze lime. Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy the 2 summer cocktails I have created for you. You’ll have to let me know if you create them and if you enjoyed them.

TIP: The Best watermelon Knife ever…. I Highly recommend HERE :

The Best Deals on Amazon for Prime Day!

June 21, 2021

The Best Deals on Amazon for Prime Day!

It’s that time of year again when Amazon prime members have a chance to shop deals on items that rarely go on SALE. To Shop the Deals on Amazon Prime Day. You have to be a prime member, which pays for itself in the first couple of orders. Free shipping for the year, Free books on kindle, and free videos are completely a game-changer. My family shops on amazon almost daily, from everyday items to big household purchases.

I went through the Amazon Prime SALE and picked items we love and use, plus a couple of items I added to my cart! This quick post was created to help you shop the SALE easily for items I know you’ll love at a great deal! Want more items? Check out my Amazon shops. HERE I’ve created themed Shopping boards to take all the pain of looking for the perfect item away. From Packing for a trip to purchasing the best entertaining pieces to finding the perfect gift. Shop my Amazon shops HERE

Amazon Prime Day Fashion Finds:

Amazon Prime Day Beauty Finds:

Amazon Prime Day Home & Electronics :

Happy Shopping, Pretty Ladies!

10 Summer Favorites to Kick off Summer

June 20, 2021

10 Summer Favorites to Kick off Summer🌴☀️🌊

My Favorite SHORTS right NOW… I could wear it every day… so comfortable and easy to style in multiple ways. ( Not ashamed to say I wore them 3 times last week) Purchased at Evereve HERE
TULA Sunscreen is NEW this year, and I love I can use it on Face and Body. It’s not greasy and won’t clog pores. Grab yourself one HERE
I love BEACH BAG season… Let me tell you. You could never have too many😂 HERE are a few of the Favorites I own below. 👇🏻

Here are several cute ones under $30. Some as low as $12 Shop the Post.
You know I am a HAT girl, and these are the ones I purchased this year. Each one provides great protection for your face and looks great with All your Suits & Summer outfits.
SUN TEA is no secret. I am a BIG Ice Tea drinker, Nothing better on the Hot days of Summer than to cool off with a Tall glass of SUN TEA. How I make mine: 4 -5 Lipton tea bags, a glass jar (I have a large Ball Jar HERE) fill with warm water, add bags, and set out in the sun in the mornings. By afternoon it’s the perfect Dark color I love… Grab a tall glass, add ice & pour. ( you can add mint or lemon 🍋)
A good BOOK– I have a few on my reading list this Summer. Below is a couple I can’t wait to read.
CHIPS, SALSA, and GUACAMOLE… I could eat it every day in the SuMMeR! My easy Recipes HERE
WATERMELON and YES I salt mine…. Yum yum yum

TIP: For picking the perfect Watermelon, look for one with a large yellow spot and what looks like scratch marks. The yellow means it stayed on the vine to get ripe, and the stretches are really bee stings (meaning it’s sweet). BEST watermelon cutting Knife HERE

9. SUN DRESSES Summer dress styles are easy to wear, lightweight, easy to pack, and super easy to style. (Below is one I’ve been wearing on repeat) Shop it HERE.

I’ve purchased a few of my favorites this season and have been styling over on the gram for you BELOW: (don’t judge:) HEHEHE…because YES…I did purchase every single one of these dresses this year. (insert shopping problem) seriously though..there so good and so easy to wear!

10. SANDAL season☀️ I adore sandal season, showing off pretty painted toes! It’s no secret I am a shoe lover, and I buy new shoes all the time. I can’t resist pretty shoes. Below are my go-to sandals every season and my NEW additions this year.

Let me tell you… if you don’t have Havaianas Flip flops, you’re missing out. (not joking; I own at least 20 pairs, Got my Mama hooked too) Very very comfortable, not like any flip flop you’ve ever put on. Last for years, come in so many fun colors and designs. Made in Brazil. This was the shoe that saved me when I had Plantar Fasciitis. Trust me, worth paying a little more than your average flip flop. Range $28-35

I hope you enjoyed my 10 Summer Favorites. I would love to hear one of yours below. And make sure to check out my Chic Chat Chic girlfriends blog post for their Summer Favorites as well below.

Cindy= LuLuloves7

Lisa’s= Coast2coast

Michelle= Poised Petite

11 Bridal Shower Gifts for the Bride, She’ll Absolutely Love!

June 6, 2021

11 Bridal Shower Gifts for the Bride, She’ll Absolutely Love!

Personal Bridal Shower Gifts

Looking for a unique Bridal shower gift? While I recommend sticking to the registry for wedding gifts, a bridal shower is a perfect opportunity to gift something a bit more personal. It’s also a chance to give the Bride something that can be used on the actual wedding day, honeymoon, or beyond.

Consider the bride’s personal traits and hobbies when selecting a gift. Does the bride like to cook, Has a hobby, entertain or travel? It’s fun for the bride-to-be to be surprised by a unique gift that she might not think of for herself. (I love giving an outfit for the Honeymoon) Whether the gift is useful or indulgent, she’ll surely appreciate the sentiment behind it.

The Pj’s above would make for a darling shower gift for the bride or a perfect gift for the bridesmaids. Throwing a Bridal Shower or bridal brunch? How cute would the color scheme be, using the pj’s as color inspo? “Tiffany blue” Such a cute shower inspo. (the mug is a Tiffany & co. China cup) HERE

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A Bridal Shower is a Time to Spoil the bride.

While it’s wonderful to select something from the couple’s register for a bridal shower gift, it’s also a great opportunity to gift the bride something special. Personalized gifts (like the cheese board above), pretty lingerie, jewelry, a beautiful candle to burn as she gets ready on her day, and a Custom top are all thoughtful presents that put the spotlight on her.

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Molton Brown, a beauty line and a complete splurg. This is a gift she’ll love and will look beautiful on any bathroom counter. I purchase mine through Skin Store

What to Wear to A Bridal Shower

Depending on where the bridal shower is, and the time of day, it depends on what you should wear. Is it in the garden, at a restaurant, at an event center? This is to be considered while planning your outfit. I choose 9 dresses that could work for any Bridal Shower. From a Bridal Brunch, a Romantic Garden Party, a luncheon, or Summer night dinner. There is a Dress above that would be appropriate.

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How to know How much to Spend on the Bridal Gift

Since the bridal shower is a little more casual than the wedding, the price range is also more flexible. Spending between $30-$80 on a gift (on the lower end if you are not particularly close to the bride and higher if she is a good friend or family member). Is a normal budget. You could also join in with a friend or family member to purchase a larger gift.

This week over on Instagram, I’ll share All things Bridal Shower, From Outfit inspiration, gift wrapping ideas, a must-have tool, party ideas, and a couple of recipes. And heading on a trip and taking you with me for a real-life bridal shower. Make sure to be watching stories! Have a Beautiful week.

Make sure to stop by my Chit Chat Chic girlfriend’s blogs TODAY to see what’s on their Gift Guides. Graduation, Father’s Day, and Wedding the themes.

Cindy= LuLuloves7

Cammi= Cammie’s Happy Place

Lisa’s= Coast2coast

Michelle= Poised Petite