Dear D'Arcy – By D'Arcy Vandenberg

40 Ways to take a break in the New Year!

January 1, 2020

Fur jacket, Cup of coffee, Blond hair, winter outfit

Shop my looks HERE Taking in the beauty of The Compass Rose Hotel.

Relaxing by the fire with a cup off coffee at First Lift Coffee at The Compass Rose Hotel in Huntsville, Utah.

40 Ways to take a break in the New Year!

Unplug for a day
Take a bath….. Make sure to use some of my Favorite Things Here
Go on a walk
Do some stretches
Go for a drive
Be a tourist in your Town or State (check out some things I love in this State here)
Have lunch or coffee with a friend
Call a loved one
Cuddle up with a good book and a Minky (some of my favorite books Here and Blankets Here Here Here)
Spend a Sunday Morning in bed
Binge watch a series
Get a Pedicure or Manicure
Have a glass of Wine
Journal
Take a creative class
Go sledding
Write your goals down
Make a snack (Honey crisp Apples and cashew butter is one of my favorites)
Go shopping
Take a nap
Go to the Movies
Have a day date with your spouse
Just be and breath
Have a self-care hour (my favorite face mask & Beauty products Here)
Turn up the Music and Dance
Enjoy the outside (I love watching the sunset on the porch with a blanket and a warm drink)
Volunteer (library, kids school, homeless shelter, and museums always need help)
Play a game with the Family or Friends
Organize something a drawer or a closet. (this relaxes me)
Go Ice skating
Bake or Cook something
Browse a bookstore
Watch a Youtube HOW-TO VIDEO
Write a note to an old friend
Do a craft
Write down five Dreams, Goals or Feelings
Move your furniture around (yes, this relaxes me)
Treat yourself to a great meal out
Go to the park
Talk with your Friends Happy New Year’s Beautiful! It’s a New Year and a New Decade! A perfect time to set goals make plans, follow dreams and remember to take a break! I hope you enjoy my 40 ways to take a break. Some are little breaks and others are longer. It’s ok to take a break, it helps you recharge and refocus. I hope you use a few of my favorite breaks and let me know below which one you plan on doing….or maybe all of them! You do have a year! OX, D’Arcy

Christmas Tablescape & Holiday Tips w/ a Few Favorite Recipes!

December 23, 2019

Recap of Last Weeks Instagram Talks & Outfits

July 29, 2019

That SMILE you get when you go to the DENTIST 😁🦷
I know I know, some of you dread the dentist! I am telling you if you visit @drallanthomas you won’t dread the dentist and you’ll leave with the best smile!
If you watch my Instagram stories you would have seen my whitening experience (saved in highlights) No more blue lights, they use the latest technology not painful and the sweetest & knowledgeable staff. I had my teeth cleaned & then whitened. This was my first time having my teeth professionally whitened as I am lucky to have pretty white teeth. Even still I wanted them bright white and sparkly since I have my photos taken so often. Like I have always said”a smile can make someone’s day so do it often!” (so I’ll blind them with mine! Goals🙌🏻)………@drallanthomas office specializes in cosmetics dentistry giving you the smile of your dreams🦷😁

This is how I do squats 😜💪🏻
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Playing with stripes and tied front pants is how it’s done🙌🏻
Warning… this is probably the only time you’ll see me doing squats 😜😜😜 Happy Wednesday babes😘 It #pioneerday today in Utah which means Holiday🎉🎉🎉 State Holiday which means day off and headed to the Lake with all my girlfriends! Not a bad way to spend a Wednesday ♥️🍹🚤
Enjoy your day😘😘😘 Outfit from Banana republic

Starting of this Monday with a 2nd cup ☕️☕️ of @cafe504coffee ☕️☕️☕️#ad
@cafe504coffee found coffee tasted much better when they brewed it with Fiji water, and it turns out it’s the minerals in the water that make all the difference. They infused those same minerals directly with their coffee beans, and they’ve been stunned by how it effects the final cup. It’s a significantly smoother and richer cup of coffee, as if you brewed it with the world’s finest water!☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️
They’ve crafted customized mineral blends to perfect your brewing water, based on where you live and how you filter it.
BOY I have to agree we got the French roast at it’s delicious! If your wanting a great cup of coffee from home head over to @cafe504coffee And grab yourself k-cups,ground coffee or beans. BETTER yet GRAB a FREE Bag By…..
Taking the quiz on their site and get a completely FREE BAG when you use the code DARCYFREE at checkout! Free shipping too! You can easily cancel the subscription at anytime, but trust me, you won’t want to. The coffee is amazing!

Hoping your Friday brings you cheer like a rainbow or like Friends laughter in a big pile of rainbow confetti! 🌈Although you have to watch out for my cute friend @chicover50 Shauna plays hard ball!!! Speaking of BALL go check out her cute stories to see what happened to her at last nights BALL game🎉🎉⚾️💍🌈🌈🌈♥️
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We have are own confetti happening over here today🎉🌈 Our oldest son @hudsonvandenberg Turns 23 TODAY! We had some fun celebrating last night with sushi & surfing on the lake! (see stories for fun photos) This am he’ll wake up to gifts and his favorite donuts and tonight we’ll celebrate with dinner and his favorite cake (Judy’s Chocolate Kahlua cake recipe on blog) 🍰🍩🍰🍩
I can’t tell you how proud I am of this boy of ours, it was like yesterday he was 3 & now 23! He’s such a delight, so smart a family lover and truly a good kid! We’re proud of the man he’s becoming and thankful we can call him ours♥️♥️♥️
Now… my gushing is over… I am off to bake😘

I’ll take HAPPY mail💌 any day!📬💌📬💌📬💌📬💌📬💌📬
When’s the last time you hand wrote a letter or card and sent it snail mail? For me… I still write hand written Thank you notes, Birthday & Holiday cards. I really feel it’s important and more meaningful then a text or email. It’s a lost art that truly should not be♥️ So for #tiptuesday Make someone’s day by mailing them a sweet note💌 even if it’s just a Miss you card😘
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If your in the Utah area head over to @lovelettersmuseum they provide a cute post card and a stamp for you💌 Note to mention all the beautiful ways to use words, letters and forgotten ways to write (aka Typewriter…kids didn’t even know how to put the paper in lol!)
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Outfit details…this season’s hottest trend the tied front pant @tjmaxx, shoes @picandpay, tank @rowanboutique, linen blazer @shoprachelzoe, jewelry old

IT’S 5 O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE 🍹RIGHT?
One of the things I love about Summers is Outdoor living✔️☀️🍓🍹🍔🥗🧀🍉
Do you enjoy outside living? Have you created a space you love to go relax in, entertain or have a quiet date night in?
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I created this space to have a little of the inside brought out💛💛I adore black and white stripes and I think it pops with a touch of yellow and green! Tips for making your outdoor space inviting: throw pillows, a blanket for chilly nights, pots of flowers and plants, trays for serving and keeping things tidy. I love rugs to add color and define spaces, candles and lanterns for lighting (and keeping bugs away) I love some books or magazines to entice you to stay awhile 💛💛💛
Another big tip is if you furniture is mix & match spray paint it all 1 color to give it a cohesive look. It instantly makes it look more planned 😉

I hope you like the random recap of what happened over on last weeks Instagram. I know a lot of you had to DM me about missing a post on instagram because they only show 3% of our photos in our feeds. A trick to seeing people you follow posts: like the post and if you care to leave a comment do it! This will help their content stay in your feed. Another tip is watch their stories the more you interact with the people you follow allows instagram to know you want to see that person. Another big plus, engaging on Instagram really helps us bloggers do what we love and bring you content you want to see. If you want to see a weekly recap HERE on the blog leave a comment or DM me so I can continue to give you what you want to see!

Another plus to seeing a week in review is you get a taste of everything from fashion, items I am loving, interior tips or a space I love and things to do in Utah unless I was traveling.

Have a beautiful week! OX, D’Arcy

This post may contain collaborations and affiliate links.

Easy and Affordable Tips to Remodel Your Space!

July 14, 2019

Our client wanted an updated look with an affordable budget. She also wanted a modern feel and liked the soft feel of grey but loves color, she also doesn’t like much clutter or collectibles. With this in mind we created a space around these needs. I love the pop of color with the grey it works well with each other. Note how the color is in the accessories, this allows for an easy change to the look affordably buy switching out the accessories for new colors and trends.

The finished look. Note: the dresser painted silver to take something old and make it new again.

This space was created to sit and work/read have a cup of coffee or wine and chat. I created a couple of areas to sit and large pillows for the kids to lay around, gather and chat.

Before the space in the front room was used for an office. The space was dark, furniture placed wrong and the flooring was a strange vinyl padding.

Before: boring, furniture placed wrong, no color and doesn’t reflect the owners personality or style .

The entry walking into front room prior used for office. New space living/sitting area. Note the dark dresser, see what a little paint did to it! We did paint this space the same shade of Sherwin Williams grey and added a beautiful new light fixture. (sorry I forgot to take a photo of this.)

As for the molding to help with budget, we re-used the existing molding, painted it white and placed a smaller molding a 1/2 inch space above, leaving a gap that we painted white to give the look of much more expensive wider molding. This give a big budget bang and a fraction of the cost. Molding is like jewelry to an outfit, it really finishes it off. It’s a detail that finishes the job.

This is the before on the two floorings and the baseboard. Sorry for the bad photo! (it was the only one I took and I didn’t realize it was blurred until it was too late.) I really felt it was important to show the up close detail.

The after… refinished hardwood floor to give it an update without the cost of a total redo. Added a fun patterned carpet for detail and a unexpected pop! I think it turned out so sharp.

Hello Beautifuls,

I hope you enjoyed your weekend. My hubby surprised me with a weekend away to Salt Lake City for some pool time alone. Cheers to weekend dates! I wanted to share some news with you, My hubby and I have been a designer & construction team for years. In California we had a business B&D properties, interior design and construction specializing in remodels and makeovers. We were doing flips and spec homes as a team. While he also owned & operated ski shops for 25 years and I had Pages of Tyme, a home decor and scrapbooking store for 10 years. Business was great, we were really busy and life was moving fast! My hubby was burned out and wanted to slow things down….We decided to move to Utah where we had had a second home. So we sold everything and moved to Utah. Our plan was to take a year or two off enjoy our family and then we would start up B & D Properties in Utah on a smaller scale and x out any retail business and then housing market crashed… Needless to say our plans changed… B&D properties went on the back burner for Utah. My hubby stayed in the construction business and took on all kinds of jobs. While I recreated my career (I needed a break and I needed to do something creative on my fashion side). I had always loved fashion and always wanted to open a clothing boutique as fashion and design have a lot in common. The birth of Chic Style was born. Having grown the shops to 3 shops in 6 years after 9 years, I had really been missing design. I had taken a huge break in design while living in Utah and decided to take on a couple projects while still owning the shops…. Now talk about busy but I loved doing both while also growing my blog and social media. In December 2017 we decided to sell the clothing shops not really knowing for sure what I was going to do for work (I promise there’s a point to all of this!) I knew I didn’t want to do ANY type of retail anymore, I knew my blog and social were growing and I LOVED sharing tips and advice on anything fashion and lifestyle & design related. But I also knew I needed to work until I could make a living at this blogging & influencer job. To be honest I’ve been trying to find what that job would be… I’ve been searching, applying for all kinds of jobs (which I constantly get told I am over qualified!) from corporate manager jobs, retail and even big firm interior jobs. In this process I became a long term substitute teacher which I adore and have been picking up interior design side jobs! Reminding myself I’ve been self employed almost my whole life, why would I want to work for another business while I am capable of doing it on my own? After having to bring my hubby back on as the contractor to my last 4 jobs I realized a dream we hadn’t fulfilled, B&D properties, Interior design and construction in Utah has not been fulfilled! It finally all made since and came back around…that’s what we’re supposed to do, team back up and make that dream a reality. (God I hear you!) So B&D properties, interior design and construction is up and running. Our business license and insurances are all in the works or finished. We have a Facebook page HERE and an Instagram HERE and you can email us at bdproperty@icloud.com Don’t worry I will still be running Dear-Darcy, I will just be adding more design and home projects to the blog with a tab you’ll be able to search. My plan is to come up with a content calendar so you will see an even amount of fashion, lifestyle, travel and design. Stay tuned as I am really working on blogging 5 days a week to give you all the content you want to see.

Now.. Do you need some remodeling, organizing, personal shopping or your closet reworked? Email me because this is MY NEW JOB! Thank you for following along & supporting me, D’Arcy.

9 Dry Shampoos Tried and Tested!

July 2, 2019

I have spent a lot of time trying & testing out a huge variety of dry shampoos to give you my honest opinion.

1. {Pantene} 2. {Batiste Wild} 3. {Batiste Tropical} 4. {Detox} 5. {Oribe} 6. {Oscar Blandi} 7. {Amika} 8. {La Soie} 9. {Living Proof}

Double knot bun with a hair scarf. Tip for creating fun buns is to have dirty hair. It gives you the texture you need to make a messy bun. To do this look simple divide hair into two sections, place in pony tails and pull almost through and pin ends, pull out some pieces to give it that messy look and tie with a scarf.

Hello Beautifuls,

I couldn’t live without dry shampoo it’s a MUST have beauty staple. I have oily hair, not to mention silky and straight! I would have to wash my hair daily if it wasn’t for DRY SHAMPOO. As a teenager I used baby powder to skip a wash day ( I could do this as my hair has always been light). So you could see how excited I was to learn about this crazy good invention! I have been using for years now. I have also learned that the right dry shampoo give silky hair like mine texture which helps with styling and holding a curl. So if you only thought dry shampoo was to help skip a wash day, I am happy to share it’s good for more than that. I’ve tried almost every brand over the years and I have narrowed it down to these 9 dry shampoos that I have tried and test out for you.

Dry shampoos are the perfect quick fix for great looking hair between washes. No water needed. It’s a great way to extend your blowout, free up time getting ready and add body & texture.

1. Pantene: Doesn’t disappoint, it’s affordable has a nice smell and instantly refreshes hair. They use tapioca starch to help absorb oils. This product is better for blondes as it does have a little powder residue. Comes in a 4.9oz can.

2. Batiste Wild: This instant hair refresh comes in a variety of scents, Wild has a musky scent. Batiste makes a dry shampoo for Brunettes which I would recommend if you are as if not stated so then it will leave a light powder residue. I love this brand because it does the trick at a super affordable price, one of the most affordable on the market. You can use this dry shampoo multiple days in a row without build up. I also like it’s one of the biggest dry shampoos you can buy. Comes in a 13.46 fl.oz can for around $7-9.

3. Batiste Tropical: This is the same as above but with a tropical scent that smells just like Summer. It has a powder residue but works great on blond hair. I love the scent and it’s become one of my go to Dry shampoos and also comes in a small travel size can.

4. Detox: By Drybar is my all time favorite! I love the smell, it gives the best texturing and helps my silky hair hold a curl. You should really have blond hair for this product as it does have a white powder residue but it rubs away. This only comes in a 3.5oz bottle and is a little pricey at $23 bottle.

5. Oribe: Gold Lust dry shampoo comes in a 6oz can and is one of the most expensive dry shampoos I used at $46 a can, ouch! While this product is a translucent dry shampoo that also absorbs product buildup and oil, plus ever hair color can use I didn’t think it did much more for the money. It had a plain scent and does not add texture, grip, or weight if that is something you need like I do. It does claim it nourishes and fortifies dry, damaged hair & maintains hair health and color vibrancy by extending a blowout.

6. Oscar Blandi: Revive and refreshes hair of all hair colors with this invisible dry shampoo spray. It removes product build-up, absorbs oil and boosts volume it has a nice perfume scent and is an overall great product if you want to spend $25 on 5oz

7. Amika:Perk Up dry shampoo is a talc-free, true dry cleanser that absorbs oil buildup and odor without talc or aluminum, adds volume and cools the scalp (none of the others cool the scalp) refreshes hair with natural rice starch. Leaves no white residue and has fresh perky scent. I didn’t like it as much as others simply because it’s more like a moose and goes on wet/foam. 5.3 oz $25.

8. La Soie: Dry shampoo helps perk up 2nd day hair and adds volume but I didn’t feel it helped absorbed oil. It can be used on all hair colors and didn’t have an overpowering scent but this is not one I’d purchase again.

9. Living Proof: Perfect hair day absorbs and removes oil, sweat and odor. Works on all hair colors because it leaves virtually no visible residue or powdery build-up behind. Gives you body and has a nice scent. I love when you purchase on amazon you get a bundle for $29.99 a regular size and travel! I seem to go through this brand fast.

I hope this helps you ladies out for purchasing your next dry shampoo. OX, D’Arcy

This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own. I only promote brands that I truly love and believe in! Thank you for the support!

Easiest Bruschetta & Toast Recipe

June 25, 2019

Bruschetta & Toast Recipe

This dish is perfect in the Summer especially made with homegrown tomatoes and fresh basil! A light Summer dish everyone will love. My family could eat it a couple nights a week it’s so good!

Bruschetta & Toast Recipe:

Bruschetta:

4 large tomatoes chopped

1 onion chopped

2 cloves of garlic crushed

Fresh Parmesan cheese grated or shredded to your taste (we use about 1/2 cup)

1/2 balsamic vinegar (if you like more juice for dipping add more)

1 bunch of basil

1 tablespoon of Italian Seasoning

1 tablespoon of olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all together and serve with slices of fresh baguette or my garlic cheese toast below:

Garlic Cheese Toast:

8 slices of fresh Sourdough bread sliced

1 cube of butter

3 cloves of crushed garlic

1 tablespoon of Italian Seasoning

1 cup of Mozzarella shredded cheese

Melt butter, add garlic and seasonings brush generously on each piece of toast and top with cheese. Please in oven at 350 until golden brown or cheese is melted. (my boys likes it softer & gooey and my hubby crunchier)

You can serve this as an appetizer or make it a meal served with a salad. The bruschetta is also great served on the top of a grilled chicken breast.

Here is some of my favorite serving Trays {HERE} {HERE} {HERE} Bowls {HERE} {HERE} {HERE}

I hope you try this recipe and if you do please leave a comment, or even better snap a photo and tag me on Instagram (@darcyvandenberg), I’d love to reshare! Have a great week OX, D’Arcy

This may contain affiliate links. Thank you for taking the time to read and for your support.

The Ultimate Summer Bucket List

June 19, 2019

With Summer arriving this week I thought it would be fun to share my Summer Bucket List with you. It seems Summer comes and goes in a blink of an eye! It is one of my favorite seasons here in Utah, it is also my favorite time to be out enjoying our state, plus our town is just beautiful this time of the year. Here is my Summer bucket list… I hope some of them make your list too:)

Summer Wildflowers: Free People Dress similar {HERE} Purse similar {HERE}

Summer brings the prettiest wildflowers which make for some very scenic drives along with all our beautiful lakes and mountains…. So making my list is a Scenic Drive to Mirror Lake, Bear Lake, Little Cottonwood Canyon and Sundance. I love a weekend drive in my hubby’s convertible to take in the sights and get some fresh air.

Skyline Trail Hike here in our town of Eden (Ogden Valley).

If you’ve been following me you know I belong to a woman’s hiking group and we still have quite a lot of Utah hikes we haven’t done. Here are FOUR Hikes that made my list to do this Summer: Wind Cave, {HERE} Donut Falls,{HERE} Fifth Water Hot Springs {HERE}and Cecret Lake.{HERE}

Serving Watermelon Pool side. Hat {HERE} Sunglasses dupes {HERE} Suit {HERE} Earrings {HERE}

Watermelon and Fruits of Summer is a pure pleasure and everyone loves good food and food Events. Hitting the Salt Lake City and Park City Farmers Market are on my list. Here in Utah several towns host a (Fruit Day) North Ogden has Cherry Days {info HERE}, Brigham City has Peach Days, Bear Lake has Raspberry Days, Melon Day is in Green River {More info on all 3 HERE} and Strawberry Days in Pleasant grove. {HERE}

Another great drive and has Fab Summer fruit is Utah’s Famous Fruit highway! {Here} This is always a must do!

Pool time at several Las Vegas pools kicked off my Summer! Moorea Beach club & Delano Beach Club @Mandalay Bay,

Pool time is a big Summer time pleasure and isn’t Summer without laying poolside or playing at a waterpark, am I right? Here are a few pool days that made my list: Grand America pool day, I’ve heard the cocktails are amazing and the food poolside is just as impressive as the hotel. {HERE} Cowabunga Bay Water Park {HERE} We haven’t been to a water Park in years and it always brought joy to my boys. I thought it would be fun to re-experience those playful childhood days with our boys… even though their young adults it’s always fun to be a kid!

Summer Trend Scarves and Shades! Top {HERE} Sunnies similar {HERE} Scarf {HERE}

Random things to do that make Summer fun that made my List, Bowling, It’s always fun to have something to do on a hot Summer day! A Drive in Movie (Every year I say I want to go and we never make it!) It’s going to happen this year… and I am not going to fall asleep! Last time I went to the drive in was with my Childhood friend Selena… We were in college and we BOTH fell asleep! We woke up to a dark empty parking lot at 1am! LOL!! Miniature golf because seriously who doesn’t love a good game of Miniature golf? It brings back memories of young Summer night dates! Summer Outdoor concerts we have tickets to Heart so far… but I know we’ll add more:) as the Summer plays out and it’s one of my favorite ways to enjoy an evening. Warm nights, listening to music, enjoying friends and a good beer! Some great outdoor concert venues {HERE} {HERE} {HERE} {HERE} Some are even FREE! The Rodeo one of my favorite days of the year. We love to attend the Tough Enough To Wear Pink night for breast cancer survivors! It’s a fun tradition we share with family and friends! It wouldn’t be Summer without attending this event! I cry everytime they sing the national anthem with the fly over. {HERE} This rodeo is ranked as one of the top five large outdoor rodeos in the PRCA. A weekend in Deer Valley is beautiful in the Summer. It has stunning hikes, beautiful pools, great restaurants, cooler air and great shopping perfect for a weekend getaway! A day at LAGOON {HERE} Utah’s amusement park nothing says Summer like an amusement park and we haven’t been as a family in years, so this year it’s on the list!

Purchasing the Get Out Pass if you live in Utah, Colorado, Washington and Idaho is so worth it for $149.99 with over $3,000 worth of yearly admissions per pass Save $35 with code Darcy35 My family will be enjoying several activities this Summer and Fall including Cowabunga Bay & Lagoon!

Bruschetta & Toast Recipe on Next week’s Blog post!

Summer Food: If you haven’t figured it out by now… My family are foodies! Summer means fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, BBQ’s, Summer cocktails, late night S’Mores by the fire, picnics on the boat and many Summer get togethers! My bucket list is to share more family recipes with you here on the blog. I’ve been sharing on my instastories and it has been very popular and very requested. I’ll start with my fresh Bruschetta made with Summers beautiful ripe tomatoes NEXT week….So stay tuned!

Summer also means for long days and a little more free time, which allows for us to explore new restaurants, read books and enjoy all the beautiful fresh bouquets from our yards. I look forward to this time of the year and soak in all the beauty Summer brings!

Summer Sunsets are the best on the lake! Paddle Boarding and boating are two places you’ll find me every Summer!

My Last Summer bucket list is to be able to make it to the BEACH! I need my toes in the Sand and the smell of salty air, it’s my inner peace and it’s calling my name! I hope your Summer brings you so much joy and you check off everything on your BUCKET LIST!

OX, D’Arcy

There’s nothing like the smell of the ocean and sand in your toes! California Lifeguard tower!

Utah Hikes, You’ll Love & Girl Time Makes It Even Better!

May 21, 2019

The start of Gibbs loop, Waterfall Canyon and Bison.

Waterfall Canyon

View from Waterfall Canyon

Waterfall Canyon

You’re off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.” Dr.Seuss
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Hiking with the girls…Last year I started hiking once a week with my girlfriends, getting in some exercise, girl time and exploring where we live. We’ve gotten lost (kind of🙈), we’ve gone on 2 hour hikes that turned into 7😬, we’ve seen beautiful sights, breathtaking views, heard calming sounds and shrieks🐍, had sore muscles and scrapes, but the laughter, memories and bonding with these ladies has been my most favorite♥️. It’s a day I look forward to every week no matter the weather (yesterday I was wearing 5 layers!) Not joking!😜 Sometimes we pack a picnic🥙🍷and other times we go out to lunch at a local restaurant after our hike. It’s a time for us to chat, share what’s going on in our lives and support each other no matter what we’re going through. It’s been one of the best things I have done for myself in a long time. I enjoy all of these ladies company and really cherish the time out in nature exploring where we live. (I do have to say my backpack keeps growing with essentials I learn I need 1 hike at a time!!) I’ve talked a lot lately on my instagram on the importance of getting out and exploring where you live. This is a great way to do that. If you don’t have mountains get out and enjoy trails and pathways. My goal is to check off more hiking trails this Spring, Summer and Fall! I’ve been making my list, in Utah we have more trails then you can count and I want to eventually do ALL of them! View ALL Utah hikes Here
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Here’s Some of our favorite hikes we’ve taken at this point:

Waterfall Canyon 3 miles Here

Wolf Creek Canyon 7 miles (Powder Mountain)

Ogden Overlook 6 miles

Indian Trail 4 miles

Green Pond 5.4 miles

Icebox Canyon 6 miles

Paper Airplane @Powder Mt 4 miles

Gibbs Loop 3 1/2 miles More or a trail

Bonneville Shore line 10 miles (this one you do about 1 1/2 miles to connect to Water fall Canyon hike)

Birdsong Trail 2 miles Here

Ogden River pathway Here

A great FREE app that tracks your fitness and miles: Map My Fitness by Under Armour by Under Armour inc.

Another great source is Utah.com Hiking & Utah.com

So grab a group of friends and ask them to ask some friends and get out and explore where you live. You’ll love the camaraderie you build♥️ while also doing my challenge #getoutandexploreyour state! OX, D’Arcy

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Note✔️ Watch my instastories for videos & New hike info, also most of our hikes are saved in my highlights for more information, views and maybe some bloopers too😂😂

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TIP:Being part of a group pushes you to go when your not feeling it…Also gives you encouragement to finish! Let’s not forget safety in numbers!

Things I have found I like to have for hiking…. Camel bag {here} Hiking shoes {here} Hiking shorts {here} My favorite socks {here} Sun screen {here} pocket knife {here} Taser {here} First aid kit {here} Rattle Snake kit {here} Rx bars {here} Nuts {here}

How to Packing light for a quick trip and look chic! 8 tips you’ll use!

April 29, 2019

Packed and ready to go! Insta Style Book {Here} Heart Sunnies {Here}

Baggallini rolling tote and back pack! Outfit 1 { leggings, denim jacket, white sweater, converse, back pack, hair tie, carry on}

organizing & packing prep

Outfit 2 {Leopard dress, denim jacket, wedge sandal, jewelry}

Outfit 3 {Leopard dress, denim jacket, wedge sandal, jewelry} same as above with added jacket.

Outfit 4 {Leopard dress, white sweater, leggings, backpack, jewelry and converse }

Outfit5 {denim jacket, white sweater, white jeans, sunglasses, jewelry, carry on}

Outfit 6 {white jeans, bird top, wedges, jewelry}

Outfit 7 {white jeans, bird top, wedges, jewelry, carry on) Just added jacket.

organizing & packing prep

Hello Beautifuls!

Last week I introduced you to Baggallini luggage & bag company, I promised you some easy packing tips and 6-7 outfit looks with just a few pieces of clothing. Packing for a two day trip with my @baggallini rolling tote and back pack help make traveling easy and light. Here are 8 tips I hope you find useful.

Packing Tip #1: Find luggage that is easy to use, lightweight and stylish! Not only are these bags stylish, they are so functional. The tote is overflowing with compartments for a laptop, documents, clothing, cosmetics. I love everything can have a place with 3 zippered compartments! The matching Metro backpack lets you be hands free has multiple pockets & comes with a RFID wristlet which helps keep your information safe! ✈️

I love the black on black Cheetah print and the piece are so lightweight! 🧳 You know I love me some animal print.

I had a quick meeting✈️ last week and I stated I’d share my packing tips for creating easy outfits out of just a few pieces to make packing light! I don’t know about you but I love the ease of 1 carry on bag! I want to look put together and chic without the hassle of multiple luggage. Here’s 7 more of my favorite tips & the clothing pieces I used to create 7 looks with ease…

Packing Tip #2: I like to travel wearing a jacket that can be versatile, this give you more room in your bag! Packing tip #3: Pack items that can mix and match allowing you to pack less but create new looks! In the bag…Pj’s, toiletries, undergarments, laptop, tan wedges, white jeans, button up top, shirt dress, jewelry….all going with the pieces I am wearing…I can create 6-7 looks with these pieces!

Clothing Pieces: To create the 7 looks above.Denim Jacket {here} White Jeans {here} Leggings {here} Similar {here} White Sweater {here} Similar {here} Bird Top sold out Another Option{here} Leopard Dress {here} Similar {here} Another Option {here} Wedges Similar {here} Another option {here} Converse {here} Another Option {here} Pj’s similar {here}

Packing Tip #4: Use a divider toiletry bag {here} and purchase the travel size bottles of everything you regular use. Packing Tip #5: I love shoes and could pack a different pair for every outfit! Try to build your outfits out of pieces that work with just a couple types of shoes. This keeps your bags lighter and really does help to keep things simple. (In the Winter I try to wear my boots on plane and pack the lighter pair.) Packing Tip #6: Pack a tide stick & dryer sheet to keep your clothing smelling fresh and remove a spot. Packing Tip #7: I like to use little snack baggies to pack my necklaces in and keep tangle free. Packing Tip #8 Pack a variety of jewelry, some statement earrings, hoops, along with several rings, necklaces & bracelet piece’s that work together to give your outfits different looks. Jewelry is small and yet makes a big impact on finishing an outfit.

Shop my Travel and clothing favorites {here} I have created great mood boards with my favorite products you’ll love. I hope all my tips and outfit inspirations helped you for your next trip! Ox, D’Arcy

This post was collaborating with baggallini & may contain affiliate links and all opinions are my own.

Judy’s Chocolate Kahlua Cake

April 24, 2019

Ingredients you’ll need for this delicious & easy to make cake!

Judy’s handwritten and scrapbooked recipe, something I will always treasure.

Grease & Flour the Pan

When all the batter is in the pan tap the pan 3 times to even out.

Serve with Judy’s favorite Moose Tracks ice cream or my favorite Vanilla Bean ice cream.

RECIPE: Judy’s Chocolate Kahlua Cake

1 Duncan Hines Devil’s food cake mix

1 Small instant vanilla pudding mix

1 Pt. Sour cream

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup Kahlua

2 Eggs

12 oz bag Semi sweet Chocolate Chips

Place mix in bowl & whisk in the pudding mix. Add all other ingredients one at a time except chocolate chips. Mix with electric mixer. Add chips to the mix before spooning into the bundt pan that has been sprayed with pam and then coat with flour. Bake at 350 for 50 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool on rack for 20 min. Then invert pan on rack so cake will slide out. Cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar. I also like to drizzle with chocolate syrup. Judy serves with Moose Tracks ice Cream, I like Vanilla Bean.

I wanted to share this recipe with you in memory of my dear friend Judy. It was a cake she brought to every event and party. Back in my scrapbooking days (if any of you from those days are following along you will remember this cake and Judy well) This cake is so decadent, rich and fit for a chocolate lover. So very Judy! You would think it took forever to make and had a million ingredients! She found out our oldest who didn’t like cake loved this cake, and she started making it for his birthday every year! One year she surprised me with the recipe! Not something she gave out freely:) It’s a recipe I will truly cherish along with her cranberry crush (I’ll share another time). I will be caring on her tradition by bringing it to parties and events. Judy was one of the classiest, talented, full of fun ladies I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I feel very blessed to have shared many scrapbooking, shopping, birthdays and holidays with this beautiful person. Judy passed away last week and I will truly miss her. We shared a lot of the same loves and had even more in common. She was a mom of boys too, and yet so girly like I am. She loved a beautiful home, decorated every holiday perfectly and loved to entertain to the fullest. She treated her friends like family and made everyone feel special. Judy just might own more pairs of shoes then me…. well maybe not!:) We sure did have fun shopping for them together and we might have several of the same pairs, we even wore the same size! She lived her life to the fullest and was one tough cookie, the last few years she gave a good fight while still looking chic! To live until your 80 is amazing to do it with her class, chicness, strength and love is a gift to all those who knew her!

I will miss you Judy Lewis until we meet again my sweet friend. OX, D’Arcy

I know she would have pure pleasure knowing her cake will be enjoyed by many, so please make it, enjoy it and share a piece of Judy with your family. OX

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