October Favorites

October Favorites!

I am a little late to the game on posting October Favorites! But better late than never right? October was a crazy month and It’s one of my favorite months too! (maybe because it’s my birthday month?) Anyway posting a monthly round up of my favorite things from that month featuring anything I loved, from fashion to podcast I am listening to. On Instagram it has been a popular posts of mine so I thought I would share a more detailed favorites from the month here on the blog! This will be a NEW monthly post (hopefully closer to the end of the month)! This will feature any random things I loved through out the month including products I used up! October brought us all the Fall feels with cooler temperatures and pumpkin spice starting to make its way into everything! So here is what made its way into my heart, home and body this last October!

October Favorite: Fall Fashion

One of my favorite things is dressing for fall! I love the layers and finding fun pieces. This jacket I found last year at Nordstrom rack and am linking a (similar one DEAL Here and Here) pants and sweater are linked in photo below.

all black outfit, fall outfit, fall vibes, photos,

Fall leaves are gorgeous this time of the year and perfect for stunning photos! Loving all the Fall vibes. Outfit details: Sweater {here} {similar here} black jeans {similar here} Another October Favorite: over the knee boots {similar here and Here}

On my Instagram I shared this post with my feelings on aging, read it here. October is my birthday month and I always enjoy the beauty of Fall and the feelings you get from the cooler temperatures and color change. Outfit details: Duster {similar here and here}, distressed jeans {similar here and here}, tee shirt {here}, and another one I love {here}, plus a killer deal {here}. Let’s not forget these supper cute booties {here}, October favorite for Sure! My leopard cardigan made the cut as well for a October favorite {here}, and this Sweatshirt {here}, plus these pj’s {here}.

October Favorite Books

One of the books I read Wildchild is my months fav! I couldn’t put it down! Here are a couple more books I read: Good, Better, Best by Sue McCarthy, Audacious by Beth Moore and The Participation Game by Norty Cohen. I love to read and I love a real book to hold, not a fan of my kindle except for travel. How about you? I normally don’t get 4 books done in 1 month either but being a teacher you read when the kids do! I enjoyed each book and was excited to learn business techniques, more about faith and a book for the joy of reading and taking you somewhere different with a story line you could relate too. What are you reading? On my nightstand right now is Joanna Gaines book (I have had since she released it! Maybe a year or two?) In my school bag is The Career Code.

A book about the photographer, model and magazine world. Was such a fun read I couldn’t put it down!
A quote from the book Wildchild that I loved and couldn’t have said better! ” Style makes you different, fashion makes you the same!”

October Favorite Products

I used up, well maybe my hubby helped a little! Wink wink! Loreal Revitalift Intensive Overnight Mask: wear in the evening after cleaning face. really moisturizes but feels really thick. Glo Hydra Radiance Moisturizer: daily moisturizer that makes your skin really glow, almost dewy, I would purchase again. Hyaluronic Acid Anti Aging Serum: Use after your toner & helps even skin tone and tighten skin, I think my skin looked clearer (not that I have any kind of acne) just fresh looking. Revision Skincare Retinol Complete: use this at night only and after serum, I used around my eyes and smile lines. I feel like it helped reduce the lines. I think it’s a smart product to use in your late 30’s to 60’s. If you have been following you know how important skin care is to me and that I am always trying new products out to see what works and what doesn’t. I try to share my results with you over on Instastories and every so often I’ll do a beauty routine or round up over here on the blog. Please let me know on what social platform you want me to post results?

New here? I am 47 and nobody ever guesses my age:) some of that I can thank my mom… The other is because of my skin care routine. I do a face mask twice a week (used to be once a week until I learned 4-5 months ago you should do two a week! I use a cleanser, everyday and a scrub maybe 3 times a week, I do use a toner, then a serum, retinol is new to my routine and only at night and I finish with a moisturizer. At least one night a week I sleep with vaseline all over my face because Utah is so dry! I am sharing this with you so you can understand my routine and know I try a product out for the whole month sometimes two before I share it. I want you to know I support products I love and I am not always sponsored by the product. What’s your favorite product? Will you be trying one of my October favorites? Please let me know below!

October brings the most beautiful sunrises. This photo was on my morning drive alongside the lake.

October Favorite Podcasts

I am listening to and can’t get enough… I don’t even listen to music in the car anymore!

Favorites List:

The Influencer Pod: Cast if your an influencer or in any kind or marketing its a must!
Joel Osteen: Christian.
Style Collective: Great if you’re self employed.
Wit & Wisdom: Also great if you’re self employed.
Pop Fashion: You guessed it Fashion based.

My October Favorite Random Things

This month I adored this lipstick (here), my favorite blanket to snuggle up with (here), and my favorite seasonal mug (here), both I used to snuggle up and watch Hocus Pocus at least 25 times during the month of October! My favorite NEW TV shows: God Friended Me and A Million Little Things!

And now the really good stuff! Fall means comfort food, homemade soups, mac and cheese, chicken pot pie and yummy pastas! Here’s my easy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe (here) and I will continue to share our families favorite dishes with you since its some of my most engaged posts. Below is my oldest son Hudson’s easy Spicy Rigatoni Recipe! Your gonna love it, and it’s so very easy!

My Sons Easy Spicy Rigatoni Recipe:
For a quick and easy throw together meal that feels like you slaved in the kitchen. You’ll love this Spicy Rigatoni Recipe. Our family loves Buca di Beppos Spicy Chicken Rigatoni. One day Hudson my oldest decided he was going to recreate it, in a fast college student way! He did and it is really yummy.

You’ll Need:

1 box rigatoni Our Favorite HERE

1 16 oz jar of your Favorite Marinara sauce (we like garlic and basil) It’s WHOLE30 HERE

1 16 oz jar of your favorite Alfredo sauce but your only using about 10 oz (we like this one HERE)

1 half pint heavy whipping cream using 1/2 off the container (we like this one HERE)

1 small bag of frozen peas

2 tablespoons of fresh minced garlic

1 tablespoon of crushed red pepper HERE

salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup parmesan cheese to top off HERE

Optional Add Ins: 3 Grilled chicken breast cut thin and pan fried or grilled.

In a large pan bring to boil water for pasta and follow direction on box. In a medium sauce pan pour in jar of Marinara sauce, add about 10-12 oz of the Alfredo sauce and 1/2 the container of the cream let simmer and add in all the seasonings. Don’t add peas to sauce until very end (about 1 min to sauce) right before you drain pasta and are ready to dish up, you want the peas to be warm but still have a little crunch. Plate pasta, cover in sauce and top with parmesan! So good and dinner in less then 20 minutes! Serve with a salad and garlic bread!

My favorite pasta serving bowl (HERE) and the best strainer (HERE)

Did you do anything from my Fall bucket list HERE?

I hope you had a beautiful October and enjoyed my list of my favorite October things! I also hope you try a couple of them maybe this November. I can’t believe it’s already the 2nd week in November and I have some exciting things planned for the blog. I love November and the reminder of all the things we should be grateful for. I will be sharing my gratitude list, easy way’s to give back and some fun shopping guides for the up coming Holiday season. I will also post shopping guides for my Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday picks along with Holiday outfits, a couple of our favorite Holiday recipes and of course my Thanksgiving table scape and peeks at some Holiday decor! So stay tuned as I have exciting things to share! Have a beautiful week! 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!

12 Beauty Items I Used Up This Summer!

12 beauty Items I couldn't get enough of

Products I fell in love with and couldn’t get enough of this Summer!

1) Briogeo, Rosarco Milk Conditioning Spray, 2) Burt’s Bee’s, Herbal Insect Repellent, 3) Bloom, Hydrating Almond Scrub.

4) Nelsonj, Hair Mask, 5) Johnson’s Baby Oil.

6) Sklar Isle Candle, 7) L’oreal Revitalift For Eyes, 8) Hydrocortisone Cream.

9} Smith’s Rosebud Salve! I can’t live without this product! It’s not only for lips, you can use for cuticles, skin, blemishes and even diaper rash (I am way past that stage)!

10) Chanel Lipstick, Boy #54 11) YSL lipstick, Rouge Volupte 12) Mac, Mehr A46

Hello Beautiful’s,

Knowing you lovely ladies love tips and want to know about great products that I truly use, I thought I would share the products I couldn’t get enough of this Summer! I used so much, that truly these products shown are all empty, used up and I need replacements! First off I want you to know this post isn’t sponsored in any way! These are products that I can say I love and will continue to use! Who doesn’t want to know about helpful products that really work to fix a problem? So lets get to the problem fixers!

1)Briogeo Rosarco Milk Conditioning Spray

This leave in conditioning spray is lightweight that contains a nourishing blend of rosehips, argan, coconut oils, and Vitamin E to combat dryness, restore shine, heat protect, strengthen hair from root to tip. Use on damp hair, I loved that it helped with my tangles.

2) Burt’s Bee’s Herbal Insect Repellent

Living in the mountains, the bugs come out in full force on Summer nights! We love to sleep with our windows & doors open and entertain outdoors, so this product is a must! I love that it’s all natural and doesn’t have a horrible scent!

3) Bloom Hydrating Almond Scrub

The dead sea minerals in bloom products energizes, hydrate and nourish your skin inside and out. A rare blend of dead sea mineral salt and ground almond shells, this product gently exfoliates the dead layers and removes impurities for smooth radiant skin. So important for the Summers usual dry & tan skin! I love the glow of my skin after using!

4) Nelsonj Hair Mask

Oh.. The smell of this product is amazing, they need to make it into a candle! So dang good! This hair mask is so important for Summer hair, it helps with tangles, controls frizz, prevents hair color from fading, seals split ends, and protects from chlorine & salt water. It also helps restore silkiness & shine, while enhances natural body. So you can see why this is a must have product for Summer!

5) Johnson’s Baby Oil

Not just for Babies! I’ve been using baby oil since I was a teenager. I love this product and its smell. I use it in shower after I have towel dried off. This helps keep the moisture in and keeps your skin baby soft! It states it locks in 10 times the moisture, I think it might be true!

6) Sklar Isle Candle

Ok, so not really a beauty product! It’s a home product but it feels like a beauty product to me! Candles are always sold in the beauty department, so this made my list! As you can see from the picture it’s almost gone. I have one in my bedroom and my bathroom, the smell is so light and almost powdery smelling! I adore it for Summer, don’t get me wrong it’s perfect for year round, I just switch to Fall scents come September! I was so excited they came out with a perfume, I grabbed the roll on!

7) L’oreal Revitalift For Eyes

They say you should start with an eye cream in your 20’s… Well I was late to that game, but I’ve been pretty dang good about it in my 40’s (giggle)! I love this easy to apply applicator and that you can use anytime of day. You only need a small amount and it absorbs fast, perfect to use right before your morning make up routine! I noticed it plumps up those tiny fines lines perfectly!

8) Hydrocortisone cream

This year I had a issue with a heat rash, sometimes on my chest or my back! I have never had an issue with this before and I am hoping I won’t keep having this issue as I age and when I go in the sun. I love the sun and Summer, I am very good about sun screen and always have been since I was a early teenager. I try really hard to keep my face out of the sun, but boy do I love to be tan! Anyway, I had this issue with this rash a couple times this Summer and the Hydrocortisone helped clear it up! Took those bumps out right away!

9) Smith’s Rosebud Salve

I can’t live without this product! It’s not only for lips, you can use for cuticles, Skin, blemishes and even diaper rash (I am way past that stage)! Utah is so dry and this product is a skin saver! This makes a great gift too! A must have in every beauty drawer and nightstand!

10) Chanel Lipstick, Boy #54 11) YSL Lipstick, Rouge Volupte & 12) Mac, Mehr A46

These are my 3 favorite lip colors year round and look great with every skin tone. I love that it looks great with sun kissed skin as well as my winter pale skin. I do like a brown pinkish lip and these fit that bill! If you haven’t ever treated yourself to a Chanel or YSL lipstick, you really should! I can’t tell you how smooth and buttery they are! YSL is probably the silkiest lipstick I have ever put on my lips! This particular Mac lipstick stays on forever, like a lip stain. It doesn’t state it but I have several Mac lipsticks and this is the only color that does it, but it stays on almost all day! I replace these 3 colors all the time, but this summer I went through all three tubes at the same time, I used a lot of lip this hot summer! Yes, I have more on order as I type this!

I hope you enjoyed reading what I used up this Summer and had some suggestions you might not have heard about! I really am happy to share my beauty treatments with you and happy to answer any questions you might have, just drop a comment below or send me an email! 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 your support, I greatly appreciate it!

Nordstrom Beauty Buy’s…Item’s I always stock up on!

Hello Beautiful’s,

I wanted to share a few of my favorite things, I always stock up on at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale! If you noticed, I don’t really push the sale or do a ton of featuring! I really do believe it gets a ton of coverage and you see the same top picks from everyone. I like to share with you thing’s I really love or think makes for great wardrobe building. (Did a couple of stories here) I did share a large post on Nordstrom’s SALE items, not from the Anniversary sale Here… These where items I either already owned or felt they were a great deal. Even better… you didn’t have to be a card holder!

As for the Beauty product part of the SALE, I always look forward to these items being on the sale and at great price’s you just can’t beat! You really need to stock up on! #1 I love the Kiehl’s lotion, it hydrates your skin so well & makes your skin silky soft. This large bottle last a really long time. #2 If you know me, you know I am obsessed with Drybar and their products, so when I can get on a sale, Yippee….I am stocking up! #3 I am a big fan of the Nude lips and I love Mac. Every Anniversary sale they do some kind of lip kit and I always grab at least one. #4 Evian water spray is a MUST for Summer, I love how it helps to keep your face refreshed and on these hot Summer day’s it’s great to spritz all over, for a great quick cool down! (if you watch my instastories you’ll see, I included this in my July must haves, I’ve been using!) #5 Best smelling deodorant you’ll ever use! I love how it goes on, how it feels, works amazing and I never feel sweaty! Did I mention how good it smells? These are 5 of my most favorite items, I use all the time, year after year and never get tired of. Thank you for taking the time to stop by and read, if you happen to use my shopping links, I really appreciate you!

#1 Jumbo Creme de Corps Bottle with Pump

Kiehl’s Creme de Corp

Price Sale:$52.00 Free Shipping Original Price After Sale:$75.00

GIFT WITH PURCHASE Details

Anniversary Sale

#2. Here, There, Everywhere Set

DRYBAR

Price $52.00 Free Shipping

($75 Value)

Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusive

What it is: A four-piece hair care set featuring Drybar favorites in full and travel sizes.

#3. MAC Nude Lip Trio

MAC COSMETICS

Price $36.50 Free Shipping

($54.50 Value)

GIFT WITH PURCHASE Details

Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusive

What it is: A trio of neutral lip colors for the perfect pout.What it does: The Lipstick is formulated to shade, define and showcase the lips.

#4. Facial Water Spray Set

EVIAN

Price $18.00 Free Shipping

($33 Value)

Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusive

What it is: A facial spray imported from a unique underground water source at the base of the French Alps to hydrate, blend and revive all skin types.

#5.Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant Trio

DONNA KARAN NEW YORK

Price $65.00 Free Shipping

($81 Value)

Anniversary Sale Beauty Exclusive

What it is : A deodorant set featuring an advanced formula that controls wetness and perspiration while keeping you feeling dry and smelling fresh all day.

My Smile Journey With Smile Direct Club

Smile Direct impression kit. From the impression,Smile Direct generates 3d model of your teeth to begin building your smile.

Smile Direct Aligner molding kit.

Smile Direct at home kit!
Invisible aligner kit with 5 months of aligners.

Invisible Aligner tray’s and holder.

I couldn’t be happier to start my smile journey with Smile Direct Club. I never wore braces and was always lucky to have naturally straight teeth. As I have aged my two top teeth have turned in a touch and my one bottom tooth has moved back. Most people wouldn’t notice, but it’s been bugging me for the last couple years and I really didn’t want to do the whole braces thing at 46! I looked into other invisible liner companies and it was so expensive, I decided to hold off. Then to my delight, Smile Direct contacted me and said I’d be a great candidate for their invisible aligners and would I want to work with them! YES….Yes please! So you could see why, I couldn’t be happier!

I started the processes about 2 1/2 months ago, without the hassle of appointments and metal braces, my impression kit arrived in the mail. It was so easy to take the impressions and send the molds back to Smile Direct in the pre-paid box. A couple weeks later my invisible aligner box set arrived. I say “box set” because it came with everything you need for 5 months to have a straighter smile, all in 1 box! This kit is so easy, everything is labeled, organized and they even send you a reminder email on the day you need to changed your aligner. You change your aligner’s monthly and wear a new one on week 1 & 2 then week 3 & 4 you wear the same one, until you start a new month.

I am already noticing a big difference two and half months in. My top teeth have become not as angled and my bottom tooth has really moved forward. I can’t wait to share with you my end results, in about 3 months.

Just a little note: I haven’t experienced any pain in this process, yet my teeth feel a little strange, sometimes and I have been told this is normal.

Do you need a little help with you teeth and want to have a confident smile? Smile Direct is affordable and even more affordable if you use my code.

https://smiledirectclub.com/DARCYSMILES for 50% off your own at-home kit or a free scan in a SmileShop markets! (we have one in Sugar House Utah!)

I hope you have a beautiful weekend! Ox, D’Arcy

This post was a collaboration with Smile Direct and may contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own. I only promote brands that I truly love and believe in! Thank you for you support.

Let’s talk 40’s….Woman in our 40’s..Ready? It’s getting real!

Outfit details: Off the shoulder top on sale here, embroidered Jeans, Sandals sold out similar here, trench coat Similar here, sunglasses here, handbag sold out similar here

Ok, let’s get real…. You know I am 46 and age hasn’t really never mattered to me. My best friend Danielle is 10 days older then I am (yes..I enjoy saying that! hehe) We have enjoyed many of our Birthday’s together…. Sweet 16, our right to vote 18, Our mom’s taking us to gamble at 21 and with each one she was a little terrified of whats was to come. She really didn’t want to turn 25 (no real reason why?) Our 30th birthday I think was her hardest (my mom said that was her hardest too) I never had a thought of our age at any year and would just giggle at her and told her “we never look our age.. it’s all good” Did you have a birthday you dreaded? Then comes then one most people dread 40…Do you know our 40th Birthday she didn’t even flinch or say one comment about turning 40…Could it have been, we finally really get comfortable about who we are at 40?

I have enjoyed every age, each has it’s plus and minus. I remember my mom saying back when I was a teenager ” I loved being a teenager but you couldn’t pay me to go back!” At that time I thought why? you loved it, it’s such a fun time and carefree…. ( it’s different being a teenager now!) Now, as I am raising young adults, I get what she was saying. I also had great teenage years and I would not go back either. I have truly embraced every age and all the lessons and joy! BUT… and there is a BIG BUT…40’s has some of the Biggest changes…some good, some challenging and some funny if you can laugh at yourself!

After 40, some funny things that happen to you that doesn’t always get talked about. Some things are kind of funny ( like the arm reach out with the menu, that we teased our parents about!) My eye’s just started having issues this year. After 46 years of 20/20 vision my mom said “D’Arcy Michelle are you wearing readers?” yup, yup I am! Cute ones here🙂 for $6.99

At 40 I noticed I was gaining weight (I was lucky and never really had a weight issue, yes everyone always wants to lose 5-10 lbs in the Summer!) but really never anything more then that. At 40 I really was struggling and my Ob Gyn Dr. said I was fine and all my blood work was fine…but I didn’t feel fine? It wasn’t until I turned 43 that I knew I wasn’t fine and searched out a solution to help me! It was having my Hormones done by a hormone specialist, let me tell you it was life changing! ( I have talked more about this in prior post Here) our hormones change at different times for each individual but most of us notice a difference in our weight, hair, skin and tiredness starting at 40. Once my hormones were regulated I felt like my old self. Hormone changes is something more woman need to share with each other and know it’s ok to talk about! It’s 2018 we can share what’s going on with our bodies at any age!

After 40 our hair thins out, yet we get more on our FACE! What…. Nobody tell’s you you’ll need these…Unless you have a make-up artist sister! “Please someone, when I can’t see any more.. pluck the hair out of my mole!” This has become a joke with a few of my girlfriends!

Skin changes not just the tightness of our skin, or the creepiness but the dryness! In the last year my skin is so dry and I can’t seem to get enough moisturizer on my face & neck. (some night’s all slather on Vaseline!) For other’s it can be the on set of adult acne, REALLY? Didn’t we already go through that as teenagers? Here is a product my girlfriends with this issue are loving! I found these couple product’s really do help with dryness Here and Here. Also drinking a ton of water helps and I have been adding this to mine, but you do really have to have a morning and night beauty routine. No more going to bed with out washing your face. I love this product to remove make up!

Our kids are older ( depending on when you had them) Which gives us freedom and our lives back with our hubby’s…. But sadly there is no more Santa clause or egg hunts! This was our first year Santa didn’t come and our first Easter without having an egg hunt. Heartbreaking “No more little’s” Don’t get me wrong as sad as that sounds… I loved those day’s and will cherish the memories…but getting to actually lay on a lounger and drink a cocktail next to my husband by the pool is quite relaxing, not having to be in the water all day and hear “mommy look at me, watch me!” and turn into a wrinkled prune:) We’ll miss those day’s without “Littles” for the brief time before our children start to have children and we get to play with those darling grand babies….it could be a short window of time for some, so take joy in that time you get to have a little time for yourself and your spouse. See 40’s isn’t that bad!

40’s can bring your periods back like when you were a teenager!! Lucky they have a procedure called an ablation. Which makes it so you won’t ever have another period without effecting your hormones. I have had several girlfriends go this route and love it! “Couldn’t do that as a teenager!”

Sleeping changes in our 40’s and a lot of it has to do with our hormones…. Progesterone help’s us sleep and we started losing it in our 30’s…. If you have issues have them check that, before reaching for sleeping aids! (once my hormones were regulated…I started sleeping like a teenager again!)

Sex…Yes I said it! Sex can be the best you’ve ever had! See 40’s has some plus’s! I won’t go into detail…but this I am guessing has a big part to do with being comfortable in your own skin…you know who you are at 40….I am sure you can take where I am going with this from here:) wink!

Life over 40….I personally feel you know who you are in your 40’s and you can be in “your own skin” Nobody to impress, your career is on it’s way, your family is established, hopefully your marriage is strong and you’ve established your true friends and support system and if your really lucky your parents are still around and healthy to enjoy them too. Let’s face it as we age they do too.

Life will always have up’s and downs, twist and turns but really age is just a number…embrace it & laugh as you go….Just make sure to look Chic at every age:) WINK:) OX, D’Arcy

Are you experiencing something you didn’t know you would or think we should talk about? Comment below let’s help each other out:)

All opinions are my own, I am not a Doctor so please seek advice from a physician. I only promote brands that I truly love and believe in and this may contain affiliate links. Thank you for taking the time to read and for your support.

Spring Beauty round up & A Fresh floral outfit

Spring jacket similar here, and an affordable one here Summer dress similar here, and a floral one I love Here White wedge sandals similar here and must have bag here and another one I think you would love here!

Cult Gaia Bamboo hand bag & old Juicy ring similar one here

Hello Beautiful’s,

Today I want to share with you some of my favorite products and some new favorite’s I have found for Spring. I am having Spring fever with all this rain and grey skies in Utah, I thought I would also share my latest “ready for Spring outfit” a fresh floral look I wore over the weekend and had tons of compliments on my jacket (that is over 20 years old!) It looks new because I really do only wear it a couple times every spring…It just screams SPRING with it’s bright colors and helps cure the blues! The colors make me happy and the large flowers reminds me of the 70’s which takes me back to my childhood! I really think you should buy clothing that speaks to you and if it brings back a memory even better! Now to my Spring beauty round up….I know you will love these products like I do and I hope if you grab a couple you’ll come back here and comment your thoughts.

The perfect mask to make your skin glow! Bare minerals face mask

The product that gives your skin a little shimmer, while giving you moisture your skin needs! BodyGlow by Kopari Beauty

You know I love anything coconut and this product is perfect for a light weight oil that helps give you moisture with out being sticky. BodyOil By Kopari

A Perfect product to help you Contour like a pro….Bare minerals bronzer & highlighter

We all need a great bronzer for Summer and this one you can use all over! Buxom Bronzer

I am a sucker for a good lip gloss & it’s a plus if it has a plumper! I love all the colors and that it’s not sticky! Buxom lip gloss

I love a great nude palette, it’s perfect for that “no make up” look Buxom eyeshadow pallet

All hair types need a great hair oil to keep our hair in tip top shape, special after the dry WINTER…. kerastase-elixir-ultime-original-oil-huile-sublime-hair-oil

kerastase resistance ciment therimque hair serum

Strengthening leave-in treatment for weak, over-processed and damaged hair.

Shopping some of my personal Favorite products perfect for Spring! (really any season) I linked all the products above but I am linking the shopping sites below as well. So many great products sometimes it’s hard to choose. Happy Shopping!

Buxom Cosmetics, Kerastase, Kopari, BareMinerals

Musely Collagen & Multivitamin powder

Hello Beautiful by Musely is a collagen & multivitamin powder that you can add to coffee or your water bottle. That is suppose to increase skins firmness by 23%. We start loosing our collagen in our 20’s and because great skin doesn’t just happen with what you slather on top- it comes from within… I plan on using for 40 days and will report back to you. As I post this I noticed their having a SALE $26 instead of $35… Grab a box or 2

Are you guy’s getting Spring fever or Spring cleaning? I started Spring cleaning over the weekend as well as organizing to get ready to sell our home to down size (I shared some of my organizing in my instagram stories view in highlights) This is the longest we have lived in a house (12 years) in our 25 years together and we decided now is the time to sell and build our dream smaller house (I already started sketching) …. Just in time for Spring cleaning! Oh…the stuff I have collected over the last 12 years not to mention having owned 3 clothing stores….My props and seasonal items are out of control! So needless to say I have been working like crazy cleaning out, donating, organizing and down scaling (I’ll make sure to do a post on the whole house and every room before I de -personalize it)….I know some of you are saying “didn’t you just build your DREAM kitchen?” Yes..Yes I did and it took me years…and the counter tops go in a few day’s and I will share with you the finished product! It really is beautiful and I will miss not being able to enjoy it….sometimes that’s just the way live goes. Great things are always worth the wait!

As they say Spring is a fresh start….BOY are we getting them…. exciting things happening…..Our oldest is graduating college, I am starting a new career and we’re selling our home! Good things happen in 3’s:) I did have to keep telling my self this a couple of months ago when bad thing’s happened in 3’s & happing in our life… Every time I turned around something big was breaking…I would remind myself “good things are happening, good things are happening!” Stay positive in the mist of a storm! It’s hard to do a lot of the time, I just kept putting my faith in God and knowing he was putting us on the right path. Boy..Sometimes his timing just takes sooo long:) So as I sit here rambling on, know what ever is happening in your live good or bad there’s always a fresh path or a “Spring” start no matter the season.

May you have a wonderful Monday and go buy yourself a Spring treat you deserve it! OX, D’Arcy

All opinions are my own. I only promote brands that I truly love and believe in. Thank you for your support.

This post may contain affiliate links.

Nail art, Manicures and mugs!

Hello Beautiful’s

Today I thought I would share some of my nail art, manicures and some of my mug collection with you. If you have been following me for awhile on social media you know I love having cute nails and that I have an obsession with white, black and gold mugs. I hope you enjoy this quick little post and get some inspiration for your next manicure. (make sure to pin some idea’s to your Pinterest boards)

I have been collecting my manicure pictures for the last couple years with the idea of bringing you this post. It just so happened that several of my cute mugs I’ve been collecting also made it in. Seriously I can’t pass up cute mugs (my hubby joke’s we don’t need any more mugs! Although he’s the one that is always breaking my favorite ones!! (my Chanel mug…Missing)

My nail art over the years has been a mixture of Acrylic, Gel and nail polish. I have had 2 manicurist since moving to Utah 12 years ago. My First manicurist Sheridan I had for 10 years until she had to go and have babies! (cry) She did acrylic and hand painted the nail art. She is so talented and most of these photo’s is her work. I love how thin and natural she made the acrylic and I could throw any idea at her and she could paint it. My Manicurist now is Tiffany, she does gel nails and keeps my nails and toes looking clean, polished and natural looking with on trend colors. She really is about color and your natural shape nail and doesn’t do much nail art. Both of their style’s I love and am happy to have been able to have found manicurist that can give me the looks I want while keeping my nails healthy & stylish.

Do you love having cute nails? Are you a nail art girl or a simple polish look girl? Do you like natural shape, square or pointy and is your style short, long or pointy? Gel, Dip, Acrylic or polish? I would love for you to comment your nail style! Tell me…comment below:)

Happy Good Friday….Go treat yourself to a manicure or pedicure! Wishing you a wonderful Easter weekend. Ox, D’Arcy

It’s almost Spring break I rounded up a couple of my favorite shops that are having BIG SALE’s so grab yourself some cute items to pack…. Need a cute bathing suit CUPSHE, Darling dresses, bags and shoes SHOPBOP, shorts, skirts and dresses BCBG and my favorite tee shirts and tee shirt dresses Splendid, Happy shopping!

I thought since I brought up… I show you a quick little peek at some of my mug collection.

Microneedling Transform your skin!

Before my First Micro-needling, no makeup

1st micro-needling procedure. They suggest a series of 3

After 1st micro-needling procedure. pink like a sun burn and a little peeling.

Day after 1st Micro needling. pinkness gone and no peeling. my skin was glowing!

2nd series micro-needling procedure

3rd series micro-needling procedure before

3rd series micro-needling procedure after, We went deeper then the 2 times before! My face looked very red and felt like a sun burn. Also a little peeling.

3rd in the series micro-needling procedure Day after! Redness gone, no peeling and my black dot in my brown spot gone. Brown spot smaller!

Finished series of 3 micro-needling, 1 week later, no filter taken in sun light. My skin is clearer, my brown spot is smaller and black spot gone out of the center! My skin is dryer then normal but I learned this will go away in a couple more weeks. I think over all my skin looks clearer and less blotchy.

Skin texture after the 3 part series was finished! No filter

I had the opportunity to work with Lashed in South Ogden to experience the new trend in facials Microneedling. Not to be confused with the Vampire facial which is similar but different because after the procedure with microneedling they apply a serum and after the vampire facial they apply your own blood that has had the plasma spun. A vampire facial has to been down by a doctor and microneedling needs to be done by a certified processional. I really enjoyed working with Lashed to learn more about the process.

Microneedling is a type of facial it is not plastic surgery. You ask then what is Microneedling? Micro needling treatment uses a hand held needle pen to create controlled depth micro-injuries to the skin. This stimulates the skin’s natural repair process to produce collagen and elastin. Microneedling can transform your skin by increasing collagen, reducing wrinkles, shrinking pore size, decreases acne scars, even skin tone and improve overall skin texture.

You can treat and improve many conditions with the microneedling such as

-Mild to moderate acne scaring

-fine lines and wrinkles

-loose & lax skin

-skin tone and texture

-Pore size

-Sun damage skin

-Superficial pigmentation

-Hypo-pigmentation

-Surgical scars

-Stretch mark

-Hair loss

Depending on what your goals are and what problem you’re trying to fix depends on how many treatments you’ll need. A single procedure will make a nice change but a series of 3-6 treatments is ideal for optimal results. within 2 weeks you will start to see change that will continue for 3 months. Some treatments like hair loss or stretch marks take the 6 treatments and a little while longer to see the results. With very little down time 12-24 hours, your skin will love you!

Does it hurt? You have a numbing cream applied for about 20 minutes prior to the procedure and I have to say I was nervous but it really didn’t hurt at all. The noise of the machine sounds like going to the dentist so if that noise bothers you, you might want ear plugs but otherwise its pretty quick and feels like a microdermabrasion facial. (a little sandy)

What did I notice… I noticed my brown spot with a black center faded a little after each process and by the 3rd was noticeably smaller and lighter. My skin got even dryer and lines appeared on my cheeks which I learned this happens to some people and is apart of the process of rebuilding collagen. I was told it will go away and my skin will be tighterin a couple of months! My skin glowed for a couple days after the procedure which I loved. Overall my skin has a clearer complexion, smaller lines around eyes and lips (I am a straw user).

Would I recommend and would I do again? I would recommend this to anyone looking to improve skin. I will do this procedure again not every 6 weeks but I would do it to replace a professional facial which I do every couple of months. So to maintain I would do it a couple times a year, thinking quarterly.

How many times is recommended for a series? First time a series of 3 unless using for hair loss or stretch marks then its 4 to 6. Series is done 5-6 weeks apart from each other.

Recommended Maintenance can be done every 6-9 weeks.

Price? $150 per each session but you can purchase a 3 pack for $400 so its a savings of $50

For more information check out Lashed website!

I hope you enjoyed this information and that you may have glowing skin at any age! OX, D’Arcy

This post was a collaboration with Lashed. All opinions are my own. I only promote brands that I truly love and believe in! Thank you for the support.

Note: I am not a doctor and this is all my personal opinion.

Top 10 Favorite Beauty & lifestyle products from 2017

14 day Teatox, a Daytime Detox, and a bedtime cleanse for weight loss.

Skinny Pop sea salt popcorn in its own movie microwave box

Md complete Anti aging, Retinol Vitamin C and 3 Day Booster pack

Creek Baby, Coconut body cream

Cyantific skin care line, 3 piece skin care system

Boh Tea, A Gold blend of rich golden Cameron Highlands smooth flavor tea.

Good Virtues co. Hair products, Happy & Heavenly Clarifying shampoo, Helpful & Delightful Clarifying conditioner

Arawak Face powder, Handcrafted & Organic translucent powder

Fancy Feet foot petals

All natural Whitening Toothpaste perfect for everyday use

Hello Beautiful’s!

My Top 10 Favorite Beauty & lifestyle products from 2017.

I thought you would love a round up of some of my favorite products I was lucky to try, review or sample from 2017. I have been lucky to work with a lot of companies and brands that I have loved and some not so much over the last year. Please know I always give my honest review and truly share my thoughts and results. I really enjoyed a ton of products in 2017 and here’s my top 10 Favorite products that I am still using in 2018.

All of these products really helped my skin, my feet and a little help controlling my weight. With one little self indulgent… Tea, as a tea lover I found a brand that has me trying different teas and I am so enjoying it.

BooTea = A 14 day Tea cleanse= This cleanse is great for a Holiday detox or a jump start for a new diet. I did this last year after Christmas and it helped get me back on my regular eating habits after the indulgences from the Holiday’s. I will be starting it again this year in the Next week. It’s simple, drink a cup every morning and 1 night tea every other night for 14 day’s. You’ll be less bloated and your cravings from the Holiday’s will be lessened. I know mine sure did….I even lost about 5 lbs. Here’s to a jump start!
SkinnyPop
“Skinny Pop believes in snacking without compromise. That means using the fewest, cleanest and simplest ingredients possible to bring you the best tasting popcorn. Whole grain popcorn, natural sunflower oil and the perfect amount of salt combine together to give you a delicious snack that you can feel great about eating everyday @ 39 calories per cup” – That’s the Skinny! I like the Sea Salt pop corn and it really is a great snack that helps keep me full. If it’s a little to simple for you, you can sprinkle it with season salt. Seasonings a great alternative to using butter or oil.
Md Complete
- Simple 3-day regimen designed to replicate the benefits of professional peels
- Helps to even skin tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, smooth rough texture, and brighten complexion.
- If you’ve been following me for a while, then you’ll know I love face masks. I do one every Sunday! It’s important to take care of your skin at every age. As we age our skin needs different products and has different concerns it’s important to find products that work for your skin and it’s ok to try out different products or try a new mask weekly.
- Retinol Vitamin C Concentrate
  - Unlike other serums this product is pure concentrate — it’s not diluted with water (which is often the first ingredient in other products).
  - Provides dermatologist levels of Retinol, as much as 5-10 times higher than other products.
  - Ideally suited for derma rolling, with naturally derived essential acids, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C.
  - I have been reading when we age our Skin really needs Vitamin C and to help with winkles Retinol in your skin regimen is very important so a combination of both in 1 bottle made great sense. I have noticed a difference in my skin since I’ve been using, the glow and the texture is improving specially on my neck.

4. Coconut Body cream . Creek Baby Coconut Body Crème is 100% Pure Organic Coconut Oil has no smell, which is great for moisturizing and then you can use your favorite fragrance. Tip: I use the coconut oil in the shower after I dry off and that helps keep me moisturized in the dry Winter. I do use it year round for soft skin.

5. Cyantific Skin care line- Each product not only helps to protect the skin from damage, but also hydrates to dramatically minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and leaves skin looking clearer, more radiant, helping to preserve beauty at every age. I used this line All summer and I loved what it did for my skin. I knew my mom would love it too. I gave this to my mom for her birthday in October and she loves it.

Something I have learned in my years is that its great to find skin care lines that you love and get great results with. Remember to change seasonally, I personally change brands and products with the season. It’s good not to use the same products for years. Step out of your comfort zone and try something new.

6. BOH Tea– It’s no secret I prefer tea over coffee. Having the chance to try a couple variety’s of BOH tea’s made me switch from good old Lipton and Tazo tea to the rich bold flavor of Boh’s cameron gold blend.

7. Good Virtues– Clarifying Shampoo and Conditioner….I am a big Dry shampoo user and I was told it’s important to find a good Clarifying shampoo. It helps your scalp and hair from using hair products and dry shampoo. I have loved the smell and how it cleans my hair. This product is good to use 1-2 times a week.

8. Arawak Face powder– I have always used translucent powder and this organic powder works perfectly over your favorite foundation or without. Has a great natural powder blends with almost any skin tone and is a powerful acne treatment. Better than mineral makeup!

9. Fancy Feet– Give your favorite pair of shoes a comfortable makeover from the inside out. These cushions ease pressure on the ball of your foot and prevent your feet from sliding all over the place. Give your feet a “fancy” they’ll love you!

10. Whitening toothpaste– Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste lightens teeth without peroxide while preventing cavities and plaque formation. This gentle, vanilla mint formula freshens breath and provides a clean, just-brushed feeling that lasts all day. I have tried all kinds of whitening stripes, tablets, toothpastes and trays. All make your teeth super sensitive and cost a fortune. I’ve been using for 6 months now and keeps my teeth white with no sensitivity. My whole family uses this toothpaste and has lightened my husbands teeth 1 full shade. It’s safe to use pregnant, everyday and for kids. BUY IT NOW Here $20.00

I hope you enjoyed my recap of my favorite 10 products of 2017! Ox, D’Arcy

This is All my personal thoughts, feelings and personal opinion.

How to do Holiday make up like a Pro

How to Do Holiday Make-Up Like a Pro….

I am so happy to have a Guest Feature, Hollywood Make up Artist (and my Sister) Tiana Holiday

Tiana Holiday
www.tianaraeartistry.com

Holiday looks by Tiana Holiday

Make up artist at work

The excitement for the Holidays can put your makeup routine on the back burner or least zap your energy when it comes to getting ready for that dreaded company Christmas party or neighbors fancy block party. But with some festive and easy ideas you will be ready to show off your Good ‘Ole Saint Nick Ho Ho Ho vibes.

This festive season pairs great with a perfect red lip. My favorite cult go to for the Holidays is M.A.C Cosmetic’s very first retro matte lipstick that is still a worldwide favorite, Ruby Woo. A True red lip that will stay all night especially if you make sure not to skip the lipliner. Using a lipliner will make your lipstick look neat, not sloppy, and it will help keep it where we want it to stay. The easiest way to achieve this is by lining the whole lip line with Cherry Lipliner from M.A.C Cosmetics than fill in the whole lip with the pencil. This is an easy way to make your lips a little fuller by going just a tad over the natural lip line. Lip liners are also a great way to make the lip even on both sides, makeup is great for optical illusions. Any true red lipstick and lip liner combo can work, I just like to use my tried and tested favs.

To add more spice to this bold lip you can add a red, gold or silver glitter on top, just pat the glitter into the freshly applied lipstick, than blot a little with a kleenex. Just dab a small amount at first and remember that glitter is the gift that keeps on giving. If the glitter gets on your skin, you can use some scotch tape to remove the little unwanted glitter flecks. For an even bolder lip use a darker lipliner such as burgundy, dark purple or black. but only outline the natural lip line than apply the lipstick and finally use a lip brush to blend the lipliner into the red lipstick. We call this an ombre lip and please have fun with different combos of colors. Makeup is suppose to be fun and to show off your confidence. Rock that bold lip at your Holiday Party!

When I do a red lip on myself or my clients, I like to finish the look off with pretty skin and to get that try Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, a little contour try Hoola Bronzer by Benefit or Sculpt Contour Powder by M.A.C Cosmetics, a pretty highlight try Hourglass highlights or Wet & Wild Highlights at your nearest drugstore, a peachy tone blush like Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso sold at Drugstores, a well groomed brow try using Anastasia Brow Powder Duo, a black eyeliner on top try Blacktrack or Boot Black Liquid eyeliner both by M.A.C Cosmetics or bottom eyeliner try Revlon Colorstay pencil in black and complete with a pretty set of lashes I love M.A.C Cosmetics lashes in #48, #36 and #35 or try House of Lashes.

If a bold lip is not in the cards for you or you want to put more focus on your eyes, than go for a dark emerald green smokey eye. I love this look all over the lid and blended up into the crease. I use a soft brown matte eyeshadow to blend it out, than add a touch of a light shimmery eyeshadow just under the brow bone and inner corner of eye. I use a black eyeliner on lower lash line and than blend that out with the dark green eyeshadow. Add lashes to increase the dramatic effect or lots of mascara. A fun way to draw attention to the eye is to embrace metallic in your eyeshadow. This isn’t as messy as using glitter. Bronze, gold, and silver are a great option for a metallic eye.

Adding volume to your Holiday cheer this season with a ruby red lip, glitter, smokey sexy eyes and a lush lash will put you in a jolly mood. You want to stand out for having an ultra-chic look not a messy over the top one. When you focus on one feature on your face and keep the others polished, you will have winning Holiday look.

Written by, Tiana Holiday

Holiday look with Red lip

Holiday look

Holiday look bold lip

Holiday look ,smoky eye nude lip

I hope you enjoyed my little guest feature and learned some helpful tips for the Holiday’s, OX D’Arcy

Please make sure to go check out Tiana’s instagram Tianaraeartistry and follow her for amazing tips and Beauty products you must have! To Book an Appointment or Private Class Check out her website www.tianaraeartistry.com

Tiana is happy to answer questions or share her favorite must have product, just leave a comment on her instagram post!