40 Ways to take a break in the New Year!

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

9 Dry Shampoos Tried and Tested!

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!

Spring Beauty Must Haves!

Liquid Collagen Lip by Algenist: Alguronic Acid + Collagen. You can wear alone or under lip balm, lipstick or lip gloss. Gives your lips a plump while healing! Heals cracked lips! {HERE}

Volition Beauty products : 1: Apple Cider Vinegar resurfacing peel pad {HERE} 2: Oceanene Youth Boost Gel {HERE} 3: Detoxifying Silt Gelee Mask {HERE} 4: Snow Mushroom Water Serum {HERE} 5: Not shown Polish Scrub {HERE}

The Better Skin Co.: Amaze Balm, Ultra rich therapy creme. Nourish your skin!

The Better Skin Co: Amaze Balm, ultra-rich therapy creme. Nourish your skin!

Hello Beautiful,

Spring is in the air, and I am so happy! It’s been such a long Winter. Spring is the perfect time to add some beauty products to your routine since the weather is changing, your products need a minor adjustment—items you need for your Spring beauty routine that help and work with what you already use. You know I try out all the products before I share them with you. These are my tried and authentic beauty products, and I have wanted to give you them at various prices. These products have made a difference in my skin, helped me look my best, and helped me maintain my beauty—these beauty products you’ll love and are easy to use in your everyday routine. Trust me, your friends will take notice of your skin!

Here are a couple of tips I’ve learned over the years. I share them often, but I love to give you a little reminder.

Try to do two different face masks a week. It does help your skin. I like to mix it up and do a moisturizing one and then maybe a brightening or tightening, etc. I have been using this one {HERE} {HERE} AND {HERE}. Also, it’s important to exfoliate the face and body once a week. This helps clear off dead skin and helps your spray tans this time of year. I love this one {HERE} {HERE}, some of my favorite beauty products listed on my shopping boards {HERE}.

Other Spring products I love not shown in photos:

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your skincare routine, and the Infraredi LED Light Therapy Mask is a powerful tool for that. It uses red and blue light wavelengths to combat acne, fine lines, and dark spots, giving your skin a radiant, youthful glow.

New Fragrance: Derek Lam drunk on you {HERE} Bobbi Brown Beaches {HERE} Fresh Lemon sugar {HERE} You need a fresh new scent for the warmer months, and these smell clean and fresh!

Perfekt: 10 Skin Perfection +: This is my favorite foundation. It’s 10 products in one and has the perfect coverage! I wear Color Ambient, which has 30 SPF, Firm, cover, prime, protects, correct, smooth, hydrates, long wear, and boosts collagen! {HERE}

Honest Beauty: Makeup Remover Wipes: With a blend of grape seed and olive oil to soften and nourish. Removes all your makeup and smells clean and fresh {HERE}.

Self Tanner: I love and use a couple of different self-tanners; I like these because they’re easy to use and don’t streak, plus they give you a nice glow without a lot of work. {HERE} {HERE} {HERE} This one is a browning lotion and one of my ALL-time NEED products {HERE}.

Hair Mask: This is a must for the season change, especially if you live where it’s dry like I do. I use it a couple of times a month ( I should probably be using it once a week!) my go-to: {HERE} {HERE} {HERE}.

Detox Water: Water is so essential for your skin and your weight! I do drink a lot of water, but I love a good detox, and these are some of my all-time favorite ways to add more water to your diet without adding calories. Perfect for detoxing and getting your skin and body ready for warmer months! Detox Water recipes {HERE} Detox water bottle {HERE} detox water {HERE} detox Oxygen water {HERE}.

Tinted Moisturizer: A must-have for the warmer months, a tinted moisturizer. This helps give your skin a hint of coverage with enough moisture to keep your skin looking dewy in the hot temperatures. These are a few of my favorites in different price points {HERE} {HERE} {HERE} {HERE}.

Tightening Cream: Who doesn’t want the look of tighter-looking skin? Am I right? Here are a few that can help give you the appearance of tighter-looking skin {HERE} {HERE} {HERE}.

I hope my Spring Beauty product list helps you find products you’ll love and enjoy using this season to help you look your best! Thank you for using my links as I do receive a tiny commission at no cost to you. This allows me do what I love to bring you honest, tangible tips and advice. Thank you, beautiful! OX, D’Arcy

Way’s to Wear a Scarf

I love wearing a little bandana as a necklace. It’s cute tied up on the neck as well! Bandana: sold out {similar Here}

A full scarf tied up into your top knot gives your top knot some extra pop. Scarf & scrunchie combo: Free People {Here} & {similar here}

Adding a scarf to a pony tail give a vintage vibe but also dresses up a plan outfit. Free People: {here} similar {here} fun hair accessories: {here}

A few of my favorite scarves i’ve been collecting! I’ve picked up at Free people, Target and Amazon. Shop: {Here} {Here} {Here}

Ribbon as a belt but could also be a scarf in its place and tied with a bow. This add softness to your denim and also gives a pop of texture and femininity. Jean: {Here}

Adding a scarf to your belt loop. Here I removed the scrunchie from the scarf and tied it to one belt loop! Free People scarf: {Here} Jeans: {here}

Add a scarf to your purse handle for a fun pop of pattern and added softness. Bag: SOLD OUT Similar {Here} Scarf: {Here} Earrings similar: {Here}

Adding a scarf to a pony tail can add color and dress up your pony. Free People: {here} Similar: {here}

Add a Hair scarf to your high pony tail doesn’t have to be for high school girls! You can wear this look at any age. My favorite hair accessories: {here}

Hello Beautifuls,

If you’ve been following along on my Instagram, you know I’ve been obsessed with scarves lately and even shared a video on ways to wear {Here}. I love that it is a big trend for Spring and happy to share ways you can add this fun little trend into your wardrobe. It’s a trend that every age can wear and incorporate into your wardrobe with out breaking the bank. I don’t know about you but I used to wear scarves and ribbons in my hair back in high school and yes that little thing called a scrunchie! I love it’s back but with a little extra something added.. a scarf! It makes for adding to your hairdos easy. If you don’t want to wear in your hair you can just take the scarf off. I love getting multiple uses out of something. Don’t you?

These scarves also make for great gifts. I give to all my February & March friends for their birthday’s with a pair of statement earrings and a lipstick! They loved! You can even hang one of a bottle of wine like my cute girlfriend did as a gift!

I hope some of my ways to wear this seasons scarf trend inspire you to try it out! If so tag me on social media, @darcyvandenberg I’d love to share how you’re wearing it with my following!

Have a happy weekend! OX, D’Arcy

Shop All my fun shopping boards full of my favorite things:{Here}

THIS POST IS ALL MY OWN IDEA’S AND MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS!

Relaxing and Taking Care of Your Skin During The Busy Season With Saranghae

take time to relax with a bubblebath and skin care

The last 45 days I have had the pleasure to work with (which means I love you in Korean!) I love that, and I love they think aging is something to be happy about – aging should be celebrated! I have also said this many times. I shared how I felt about aging in an older blog post here. Every age has something to celebrate and yet we don’t have to look our age and this is why I love their skincare line. It’s make a huge difference in the way my skin has been looking! My friends & family has really noticed a difference and have been asking me what I was doing. Well, is my secret! I have enjoyed my weekly bubble baths and face mask. It’s really important to take care of yourself especially during the hustle and stress of the Holiday season! Take some time for yourself, draw a bubble bath, and put on a face mask! That 20-40 mins will change your attitude and help your face.

Aging and its signs are a natural part of life, it’s inevitable but we don’t have to look our age. mission is to make people around the world feel beautiful, confident, and proud to be in their skin. Using their Complete 5 Step Routine gives your skin everything it needs to age healthily and beautifully. It would make a great gift fo the woman in your life too!

take time to relax with a bubblebath and skin care

I want to share some of the questions asked me before and after I started their program:

How do you feel about aging?

I love the lessons we learn from year to year as we grow older. I also love all the memories we create. Obviously I don’t like looking older! Who does? I feel blessed to have good genes as nobody guesses my age nor my moms! Let’s face it, it’s not all about genes, you have to eat right, drink lots of water and take care of your skin. I have been lucky to not have had to fight acne in my teens or adult years so thats been a plus!

How is using the Routine made you feel about your self confidence & how important it is to take time for yourself?

I have loved how my skin is looking and how it doesn’t feel so dry. I really am seeing a difference in my cheeks, not as crepey! As for taking time for yourself, I am a firm believer in taking a bubble bath, having a cup of tea and doing a face mask twice a week. Maybe read a good book while doing both!

Share any improvements you have seen in your skin & how that makes you feel with us?

I shared a little of this above, but also my skin is softer, smoother and the smile lines smaller.

Humor! Any fun stories surrounding aging?

Well, my girlfriends and I have had some pretty funny stories about aging and things that change as we age and the differences we’ve seen specially after 40! Like dry skin, facial hair, falling skin, etc. We don’t take it too serious and try to encourage each other and share things that are working to improve our needs. has been the products I’ve been sharing with them a lot lately! One of the benefits of maturity is you build wonderful friendships and with good friends you can be honest about your faults and be more open.

Can you share a message of how aging should be celebrated, shouldn’t be taken too seriously, makes you feel confident and comfortable with aging & better in your skin?

As you age you start to feel beautiful in your own skin! In your 20’s your neglecting your skin and trying to find yourself, in your 30’s your busy raising kids, balancing a career and trying to find the right anti aging miracle cream, in your 40’s you find the things that matter most and you stop to celebrate! In my 40’s to be honest is when I’ve paid most attention to my skin, what it needs and ways to improve it! I have loved my skin in the last 45 days and excited to have found something that makes people ask what am I doing? Midlife doesn’t have to show in your skin! take time to relax with a bubblebath and skin care

5 STEP PRODUCTS

=Nourishing & Moisturizing Oil & Foam Cleanser

= Deep Radiance Essence + Serum

=Firm & Lift Cellular Regeneration Cream

= Elemental Essence Mask

= Focus Renewal Eye Cream

45 days to fall in love with your skin or your money back!

My Top Picks for Black Friday, Shop Small Saturday and Cyber Monday

Hello Beautiful’s,

I Hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful and that your ready for the start of the Holiday season! I wanted to share with you some of my favorite deals, codes and links for some of my favorite shopping sites for Black Friday, Shop Small business Saturday and cyber Monday! These deals are Hot and on valid for a short time so grab them quick! (Some of these companies I make a small commission when you shop my link and others I don’t I just wanted to share the deal! So thank you for your support!)

Kut from the Kloth =Today 30% off with code KUTBF and heres an extra $20.00 to use as well KUTCASH4397 * plus you get a FREE light up lip gloss with $100.00 purchase. I bought a pair of Diana grey cords total $29 yippie! SHOP Here
Victoria Emerson= My favorite wraps on SALE for 1 hour $12.99 Shop happy hour….After that it’s Buy one get one free… Using code PREVIEW I picked up a couple for girlfriend gifts and you should too! SHOP Here
The Bagtique= VIP 25% off everything code VIPBFW Storewide and no exclusions! The place to shop for fun bags, accessories and fun pen sets. I got this great silver bag perfect for the Holidays. I also grabbed some earrings & pen sets for a couple of gifts. SHOP here
Shopbop= up to 25%off full price items and up to 75% off sale items and 15% off orders of $200 20% off orders of $500 and 25% off orders $800 with Code MORE18. I bought this cute sweater and some great gifts head over for a great collection of clothing, bags, shoes and accessories. SHOP here
Buxom=25% off the total site code AFFBF18 ! Great gifts and fun stocking stuffers! Really who doesn’t love make up and fun packaging! SHOP here
Nordstrom= They have a SCORE up to 60% off ending Monday! I love Nordstrom and found a ton of great gifts for my boys and hubby plus a couple little things for my up coming trip! SHOP here
BareMinerals =The Stars Align: 20% Off $100+ Use code: SHINE. Valid 11/19-11/24 at . BLACK FRIDAY EXCLUSIVE: Solar Spectrum 10-piece full-size face collection for only $49. A $183 value. While supplies last. Valid 11/22-11/23 . 1 DAY ONLY PRECIOUS METALS: Cream Metal Eyeshadow trio for only $25. A $51 value. While supplies last. Valid 11/24 CYBER MONDAY EXCLUSIVE: Enjoy 25% off your purchase plus Free Standard Shipping on every order with promo code CYBER2018. Plus Receive a full-size bronzer & highlighter palette ($34 value) with $75 purchase. Valid 11/25-11/26 Full-size BRILLIANT FUTURE Age Defense & Renew Serum ($55 value) is on us when you spend $75. Valid 11/27-11/28 FREE SHIPPING SITEWIDE For a limited time, enjoy Free Standard Shipping with code HOLIDAYSHIP. Valid 11/27-12/16 SHOP here bareMinerals.com.
Hunter boots= 30% off entire site. Who doesn’t want a cute new pair of boots for Christmas? I do! SHOP Here
Dolce Vita= 30% off entire site Code BLKFRI30. Well because you know how much I love shoes! Go grab your self a pair. SHOP here Shop Small Saturday being a former small business owner I know how important this is and I can’t wait to get out and shop some of my favorite small businesses! Here is some of my favorite small businesses and if your not local most of them have a website. These are not sponsored in any way just some great little shop I frequent. Emie James 30% off your favorite item Home decor & flowers, Simply Eden Soap Free gifts and different levels of shopping soaps and gifts, Rowan Boutique 25% off online purchase clothing boutique, James Ascher Clothing boutique Buy 1 reg priced item Get 2 items @30% off, The Treasure Basket 10% off All Christmas. Please get out and shop Small Tomorrow, these business owners work really hard and love what they do and without brick and mortar shops our communities would not be as strong. They giveback and support community events and charities. Without supporting them they cannot do the things that make the special. Cyber Monday Most of the deals above are going through Monday but I’ll check back in with more updates and list some other specials as they pop up! So stay tuned. I hope you enjoy some of my Favorite sales grab some great deals and check out some of my favorite Small boutiques! Also I am trying to decide how I want to decorate our home for the Holiday’s so head over to my instastory and Vote…. Red & black or Winter wonderland gold & silver! OX,D’Arcy

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?) So 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. It has been a popular post of mine, so I thought I would share a more clear favorite 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 throughout 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. I saw this jacket last year at Nordstrom rack and am linking a (similar one DEAL Here and Here) pants and sweater in the 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. Please 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 super cute booties {here}, October favorite for Sure! My leopard cardigan cut as well for an October favorite {here}, and this Sweatshirt {here}, plus these pj’s {here}.

October Favorite Books

One of the books I read, Wildchild, is my month’s 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 an actual book to hold, not a fan of my kindle except for travel. How about you? I usually don’t get four 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 storyline you could relate to. What are you reading? Joanna Gaines’s book is on my nightstand right now (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: it 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 cleansing the face. It moisturizes but feels thick. Glo Hydra Radiance Moisturizer: a daily moisturizer that makes your skin 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 acne), just fresh-looking. Revision Skincare Retinol Complete: I use this at night only, and after serum, I use it around my eyes and smile lines. I feel like it helped reduce the lines. It’s a brilliant product to use in your late 30’s to 60’s.

If you have been following, you know how important skincare 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. Would you mind letting 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 skincare routine. I’ll do a face mask twice a week (it used to be once a week until I learned 4-5 months ago you should do two a week! I use a cleanser every day and a scrub maybe three times a week. Then I’ll 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, sleeping with vaseline all over my face because Utah is so dry!

I am sharing this with you to understand my routine and know I try a product out for the whole month, sometimes two, before sharing it. I also want you to know I support products I love, which does not always sponsor me. 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 you are an influencer or in any marketing, it’s 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). I used to snuggle up and watch Hocus Pocus at least 25 times during October! My favorite NEW TV shows: God Friended A Million Little Things and Me!

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

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 Beppo’s Spicy Chicken Rigatoni. One day Hudson, my oldest, decided he would recreate it in a fast college student way! So he did, and it is 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 of 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 directions on the box. In a medium saucepan, pour in a 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 the sauce until the very end (about 1 min to the 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 than 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 the list of my favorite October things! Let me know if you try a couple of them, maybe this November. Seriously, I can’t believe it’s already the 2nd week of November, and I have some exciting things planned for the blog.

The month of November is a great reminder of all the things we should be grateful for. So in November, I will be sharing my gratitude list, easy way’s to give back, and some fun shopping guides for the upcoming Holiday season. Also, Sharing 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 tablescape and peeks at some Holiday decor! So stay tuned as I have exciting things to share! Have a beautiful week!

THIS POST may contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own. I only promote brands that I genuinely 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.