My Annual Favorite Things Twelve Days of Christmas Giveaway

Hello Pretty Ladies,

Happy December first! I hope you had a fantastic Thanksgiving. We had a nice day. November is such a blur, and I know December will fly by! I heard today that there are only four Sundays until Christmas, and my stomach did flip-flops. I don’t get anxiety, but that made me feel that way a bit. Do you ever get those feelings? Wishing things would slow down just a bit.

Today, I am excited to share my annual Favorite Things Twelve Days of Christmas Giveaway, which I host on Instagram. I collaborate with 12 brands I love and often share their products with you. Thank you for being so supportive here on the blog, for following along on social media, linking and commenting, for those who shop my links, and for your support throughout the year.

I am hosting the Gifting on Instagram, as I’ve found that works best. I want to let those who read my blog and maybe don’t use Instagram as much head off there and enter, as I didn’t want you to miss out!

A Few Giveaway Details:

Twelve days of giveaways this year: Over $3400 in Gifting Plus a Grand Prize on DAY 13. I am so excited to be hosting my Annual “Favorite Things” Holiday Gifting as a thank you for your support! Each Day for 12 days, I’ll be giving away a gift featured from a brand I adore. Below is This Year’s Favorite Things. I am giving away fabulous gifts from the following 12 brands this year.

Twelve days of giveaway

Day 1. Quilted Koala—$300 gift card to choose what bags or totes you would like🛍️Quilted Koala is a bag and accessory line based in New York City. Our line is completely customizable, so you can mix and match to create the perfect bag. We’ve been featured in O, Oprah Magazine, People, Shape, and Good Morning America.

Day 2. T3 -New Air360 in color Satin Blush. Value $299 This 4-piece kit-Meet air styling’s newest breakthrough. Designed with high-performance heat and first-of-their-kind ceramic attachments, Aire 360 styles bouncy blowouts and lasting curls with zero heat damage.*

Day 3. Define Age Skincare—neck skincare system. Value $156 Neck Cream & Masque –DefenAge’s Smooth & Sculpt Neck Set is the ultimate duo for restoring the youthful appearance of your neck and décolletage. It is also a clean beauty.

Have you entered yet?

Day 4. Spanx– Air Essentials set-wide leg pants and half Zip in classic Black. Value $228. SPANX is a brand for women, by women. Spanx obsesses over comfort, delivers results, and ensures you look as good as you feel. We think forward and give back. We believe women can do anything. Together, they think we will make the world a better place.

Day 5. Grand Lash– Eye Lash Vibes Gift Set 5 piece Value $69 Envy-worthy lashes begin here. This limited edition set includes everything to make your lashes “tye dye” for – GrandeLASH-MD for longer looking natural lashes, plus GrandeFANATIC curling mascara, GrandeMASCARA conditioning mascara, GrandeLASH-SEPARATOR for clump-free results & Grande VANISH bi-phase makeup remover to take it all off without lash damage.

Day 6. Frankie4– $250 gift card for your choice of Shoes.FRANKIE4 was created to move with you, helping to capture every moment—all Day, any day. With this purpose, FRANKIE4 is designed by women, for women—holding to our podiatrist-designed history, our proud Australian heritage, and award-winning, revolutionary engineering.

There’s still more good stuff.

Day 7. Thrive Causemetics 6-Piece Glam Color Set—$166 Value. Thrive is a brand that gives back to incredible causes with every purchase.

Day 8. Social Threads—Risen Jeans have the feel and fit of premium denim. One pair of Venice Flare in a dark wash costs $69-79. One of my favorite online clothing boutiques, it carries some of my favorite brands, like Zsupply, Free People, THML, Dolce Vita, and Sam Edelman, and has the BEST selection of Risen jeans! Risen Jeans fit amazing and feel like premium denim. Have a great stretch and flatter every figure. Valued at over $69

Day 9. City Beauty– Lip Duo– Day & Night Lip plumping Duo value $62. The Day & Night Lip Plumping Duo restores lips’ smoother, fuller, and more youthful look. With soothing support, this combination ensures your lips feel soft and plump without causing dryness.*

Still, three more days to Win

Day 10. Peach skin– Mink Robe in white value $300. Envelop yourself with our incredibly soft and luxurious fabric anytime throughout the Day. Whether working, lounging, or even running errands, our new glamorous faux mink robe is the perfect garment to maximize comfort on all occasions.

Day 11. Epicutis Skincare—Holiday Box Set, a complete skincare system valued at $500. This set is the perfect way to start or complete your Simple System—just three steps, twice daily, for healthier-looking skin. Healthy skin is beautiful skin.
The Holiday Box Set includes our Simple System – Oil Cleanser, Lipid Serum, and Hyvia Crème –

Day 12. Julie Vos—Cannes Demi Cuff and Cannes Cuff, valued at $640. Julie Vos is known for its stunning statement jewelry and Bold arm candy bracelet stacks. It is generous, giving one of my followers two of its best-selling bracelet cuffs.

-Cannes Cuff- Sparkling rose-cut endcaps accented with pear shape gemstones on a luxuriously gilded cuff in the color Iridescent Clear Crystal valued at $355 -Cannes Demi Cuff- This sumptuous cuff features gemstone endcaps and two more pear-shaped gemstones set in a luxuriously gilded shank. In the color Iridescent Clear, valued at $285

Grand Prize …Day 13. Chicos—$500 Gift Card to choose clothing or accessories.

How to Enter: Details below for entering on Instagram

1- Follow Me On Instagram @darcyvandenberg (Main account)

2- Follow Today Gift Brand

2-Like and comment on this post (words, not emojis)

3- Like and comment on all last week’s posts to date (comment with words) 11/25-12/1

That’s it.

Extra EEntry’s

-Tag a friend (each tag is an entry)

– Save December posts (each save is an entry)

– Share this post your stories (extra entry)

– Sign- up for my Newsletter (extra entry)

This Gifting is not affiliated with Instagram or my blog, has no cash value, and does not exchange. Winners will be chosen by randomized drawing at midnight each Day and announced the next Day. Daily winners will need to send me their addresses after announcing the winner.

Good luck, Pretty Ladies. I appreciate your support in following along, commenting, liking, DMing, and shopping for my links. I genuinely appreciate you.

Follow my Amazon and Liketoknowit storefronts.

Need more inspiration? You can follow my Amazon Storefront HERE and shop for everything I share in my Liketoknowit shop.

Have a beautiful day, Pretty ladies, and remember your smile is your BEST accessory.

Thank you for stopping by.

Thank you for stopping by and reading “My Annual Favorite Things Twelve Days of Christmas Giveaway. “If you haven’t signed up for my weekly Newsletter, you can do so here.

“Helping women look and feel good at any age!”

You might also enjoy the following:

Best of Cyber Dealswrapped up

2024 Gift Guide Wrapped up

This Post may contain an affiliate link. All opinions are my own. I only promote brands that I genuinely love and believe in! Thank you for the support!

Pearls & Prosecco Bridal Shower

Bridal shower

Pearls & Prosecco Bridal Shower

Hello Pretty ladies,

What an honor to throw my future daughter in LOVE a bridal shower in June.

In honor of the wedding week approaching.. 8/24/24, I wanted to share all the details of this beautiful day celebrating are all the details of this unique shower, What I created, The DIYs, Tips for building a Beautiful event, Ways to save money without sacrificing style, The menu, How to prep, Picking a theme, and Where to shop.

I’ve saved highlights on Instagram (the circles in my bio) of more details, prepping, flower arranging, close-ups of the DIY, etc., and live moments.

It brings me joy to entertain and create events, and it was an honor to be creative for such a special occasion. I enjoy doing this and showing my love through food and entertainment. I hope that shows in all the details.

Today, I am recapping a little bit of the shower and sharing some entertaining tips. I hope you enjoy this Post.

Are you planning a bridal shower or wedding?

I have some great money-saving tips.

Key ideas & details that take your party from drab to fab …

Tables setting

Table settings set the whole tone and theme of the party. After you’ve settled on the party’s theme, this should be your next focus: picking the linens, the table place settings, flatware, and the stemware. Round or rectangular tables and Chair style. This will help you make the choices for the following steps: The flowers, the decor, the menu, your invitations, and the tables help set the tone of your party.

Round tables/ white wooden chairs

White linens

Gold and white dishes and Gold flatware

Lots and lots of baby’s breath

White flowers/ crystal vases/upon gold chargers

White candles with crystal and gold candlesticks

Pearl strand and loose accents

Diamond Napkin Rings

Gold Champagne buckets on every table

White and gold place cards

White dual-sided frames with engagement photos

Dinner Menu

Food is served on all-white serving platters and bowls. The same color serving pieces give the buffet table a polished and professional look. Menus printed for tables and the buffet

Starters

Passed Crudites with Hummus cups

Main course

-Smoked Chicken Pasta Salad

-Fresh Berry and candy walnut fresh green salad with vinaigrette

– Melon and Berries with homemade Coconut whipped cream

-Crescent Rolls & Butter with Flaky salt

Dessert

Assortment of cookies, candies, and treats

Dessert table

Dessert table: Dessert tables are a fun way to add drama to a party; whatever the theme, you can find candies, treats, and fun display pieces to match your party. I went with an all-white theme for a Pearls & Prosecco Bridal Shower. White desserts and candies were served on all-white serving pieces and stands.

Handmade candies and chocolate treats dipped in pearls. I made these a couple of days before and refrigerated them. I did the strawberries the night before. Getting creative and making a few handmade treats will save you money and create an impact on your dessert table. If you need inspiration, look on Pinterest for ideas that fit your theme. I often make candies and treats. I create them because they are simple to do with store-bought items you dip in chocolate and roll in sprinkles, such as pearls.

-Pretzel sticks

-Strawberries

-Rice Krispy treat hearts

-Cherries

-Oreos

– Vanilla wafers

Bakery Items

I wanted to add a focal point dessert, if you will, and thought specialty sugar cookies would make a pretty impact. And who doesn’t love a good sugar cookie? I ordered from one of our favorite local bakeries, Parson’s, in Bountiful. I ordered white sugar cookies with white icing decorated to look like roses, heart sugar cookies dipped half in white chocolate and the other in a white chocolate drizzle.

Tip: When doing a dessert bar, you do not have to have every item, one per person per item. Not everyone will have dessert, and they rarely take one of everything. If it is a small item, they might have two or three; if it’s a more oversized Item like a full-size cookie, brownie, or cupcake, they’ll have one and maybe a candy. For instance, I order 24 specialty cookies from the bakery with 40 guests. With all the other desserts to choose from, it was the perfect amount. (please remember if you only have one dessert choice, make sure to order 1 for each person attending)

Candies

White chocolate Reeses peanut butter cups

Butter mints in solid white

White cotton candy gummy bears

Vanilla Taffy

: Mimosa Bar

: Bar cart display/Champagne wall

: Water & Ice Tea

Processo Bar

All champagne flutes rimed white frosting pearls…I created four signature prosecco flutes.

-Clear rock candy= Sparkle Time

-White cotton candy= Fly High

– Fresh Berry = Berry Pellegrino Mocktail

It’s all about the details.

Details don’t have to cost much; they require creativity and maybe a little DIY. Below, I am sharing some tips, things you can collect to help make your entertaining easier, and places to shop.

Tips:

-Look through what you have around the house that fits your theme. Maybe you have something that could work, but it needs to be spray-painted.

– Champagne and wine bottles – for vases and candle holders

– Collect serving pieces in white or crystal; this makes creating a beautiful buffet, charcuterie board, or dessert bar easier.

Shop for out-of-season items or check out sale sections for things that could be used multiple times.

Items you will always use for parties, dinners, and events

Candles and candlesticks

Vases

Platters, cake stands (not just for cakes), great risers, perfect for other desserts and great for appetizers

Frames- for signage photos, and great for party theme art

Linens and napkins

Chargers

Details that make a difference

Bubble machine $20 a fun detail & impact for entry, especially for pearls and Prosecco theme.. (cute for wedding Bride & groom exit)

Ribbon

Lighting

Invites & Signage

place cards

food signage

linen napkins and napkin rings

Music-Play list that goes with your theme.

Shopping resources:

Etsy

Amazon

Homegoods

Target

Dollar store

Walmart

Micheals

Zurchers Party store

Rentals

Photo wall backdrop Idea:

A great way to save money is to create your Photowall; I used the items below to make one for this event.

I have a white ruffle shower curtain with gold sequin fabric. Years ago, I purchased a photo backdrop stand and got my money’s worth out of it. I’ve used it for Birthday parties, events, school dances, etc. I own this one HERE.

White, clear & pearl balloons & Gold confetti Balloons to create a balloon feature (I purchased an electric balloon pump) are affordable, and you can use them repeatedly. Purchase it HERE

Strings of pearls mixed in with the balloons.

: Pearl earrings in Champagne bottles

: The tags to match the invites

: Assembly

Party Favors

The Party favors were a pair of Pearl earrings in mini champagne bottles. I purchased the pearl earrings in bulk, hand-punched the earring cards with a scallop paper punch and heavy card stock, and pierced the holes to place the earrings on the card. I added metallic grass to look like champagne placed in bottles and tied with the tag.

Flowers

Tip: You can save a ton of money if you create your flower arrangements or get help from a friend who can. Another huge money saver is purchasing flowers from Trader Joe’s or Costco. They have great flowers at excellent prices. If you live near a flower mart, that is another beautiful option.

What I used:

All white flowers, Hydrendyas, roses, camimile

Lots of Baby’s breath

I planned this spring when I planted all the pots for our decks, porches, and entryways and potted them with all-white flowers to match the bridal shower theme. Thinking ahead and filling all of our potted plants to match really help

Entertaining

I genuinely love it… the planning, preparation, creating… DIY, shopping, Etc. But it’s a massive amount of work and many long days and nights. Prepping ahead of time makes a huge difference. The more you can do and set up before the event day, the better and easier it will be for you. I have a great list of things you can do before the event and more tips HERE.

Quotes I love

“People will forget what you said. They will forget what you did. But they will never forget how you made them feel.”

Maya Angelou

“Quality is never an accident. It is always the result of an intelligent effort.”

“Hospitality is simply an opportunity to show love and care.”

Live life stylishly and look good at any age.

Thank you for stopping by.

💕Remember, Wearing a smile is your most important accessory!

Have a beautiful rest of the week, and thank you for stopping by and reading.

“Pearls & Prosecco Bridal Shower” If you haven’t signed up for my weekly newsletter, you can do that HERE.

This Post may contain an affiliate link. All opinions are my own. I only promote brands that I genuinely love and believe in! Thank you for the support!

You might also enjoy the following:

Easy Berry Lemon Tart Recipe

Halloween Decor and Party Ideas

Styling Event & Girl’s Night at Evereve

Hello Pretty Ladies,

I hope your first week in February went well. Mine was busy getting work done, helping at school, and getting everything ready to head out of town for Ben’s birthday. We’re headed on a ski trip to Sun Valley. We’re both looking forward to a bit of downtime and a little alone time, as it has been a while. We both decided that we could use a tropical vacation with this year’s winter in Utah! But, Our annual Sun Valley trip has been planned for months. So off to more snow, we go.

Styling Event & Girl’s Night

I am excited to host a Styling Event & Girl’s Night at Evereve Station Park in Farmington, Ut. We’re celebrating Galentine’s Day. I couldn’t be more thrilled to be throwing my first-ever event at Evereve and the first Big event since 2019. I’ll be there to help style outfits; We’ll have bites and mocktails from Twigs bistro, Cookies from Chip cookies, Swag bags for all attendees as well as, a 15% off discount off Evereve purchases. In addition, we will, be doing giveaway’s and you will also be able to create your own floral bouquet provided by Harmons.

I can’t wait to share with you all of my Spring favorites from Evereve’s new arrivals, if you’re headed on a warm-weather vacation, you’ll love some of these new arrivals. And let me tell you if you love Spring colors? You’re going to love the Spring collection.

Galentine’s day is a day to celebrate women’s friendships, I couldn’t think of a better way to spread that love than sharing what I love to do, and that is to build friendships and help women look and feel stylish at any age. Read more about Galentine’s day Here.

Invitation Styling Event

Please accept this as my personal invitation to come and celebrate Galentine’s day with Evereve and me, as we would love to meet you. Hope to see you February 8th from 5;30-830 pm.

Thank you for stopping by. ”Have you shopped at Evereve before?” I’d love for you to tell me in the comments. You can also find me on Instagram, Pinterest, Liketoknowit, Amazon shops, and Facebook.

Have a beautiful day, pretty ladies,

Did you know I have a shop on Amazon and live reviews with shoppable collections?

Follow me HERE

You might also Like the followgirl’sWhat to do and to wear on a girl’s trip

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!

Way to Mix Business with Friendship…MV Village Opening

Way to Mix Business with Friendship…MV Village opening

Hello Pretty Ladies,

I worked with Station Park in Farmington, Ut, a couple of weeks ago. .on the Opening of one of their sister properties Mountain View Village in Riverton, Utah. What made this even more exciting is Dawn with Party til Dawn, a long-time social media friend who works with one of their sister properties Totem Lake in Washington. She was flying in so we could work together on covering the Grand Opening of Mountain View and a little bit of Station Park.

Talk about the perfect opportunity to Mix Business with Friendship…Dawn and I met on Instagram and became fast friends. We have a lot in common; our styles are very similar, we’re both midlifers, love our families, think a lot alike, and work for some of the same brands. We also both have working relationships with the Center Cal group. Not to mention texting each other daily. But, meeting each other in person was just so exciting. We felt like we’d known each other forever.

A sneak peeks at our stay at Station Park in Farmington, Ut.

We had the opportunity to stay at the Hyatt Place, conveniently located on Station Parks property. Stay on the property makes for easy shopping & dining. This property is 30-45 minutes north of Mountain View Village. Below is a peek at a few places we highlighted during our stay and the property’s charm.

: Night lights

: Dawn At the fountains

: Evening Charm

Twigs Bistro

Want a delicious meal with a wide variety on the Menu and 36 signature martinis? Then, Twig Bistro is the place. Twig’s Menu here

Evereve Clothing

One of Dawn and I’s favorite clothing shops, and excited there will be one Opening at MountainView Village.

: Evereve Try-on

: Dawn

: Myself

SHOP the Looks below:

Nordstrom Rack

Dressing room Try -on, we shared in our Instagram stories and created reels.

Ulta Beauty

: Tula

: T3 Hair tools

: Kendra Hair products

Shop some of My favorite Ulta Beauty Below:

MountainView Village, Riverton Ut.

The Grand opening of Mountain View Village, Utah’s latest outdoor shopping center in Riverton, Utah. Beautiful water features and landscaping are just a few of the things that makes this outdoor shopping center special. Along with a fantastic selection of restaurants and popular retail shops, you’ll find a mix of big box stores, small specialty shops, and entertainment.

Grand opening festivities

Grand Opening of Sephora

If you ever have the chance to attend a grand opening of a Sephora, it is worth it as they have all the hard-to-find and out-of-stock merchandise IN STOCK! All the Dior, Fenty, Charlotte Tilbury, and YSL were fully stocked!

: Charlotte Tilbury

: Dawn & Dior

: Me & Charlotte Tilbury

Shop my Sephora picks below;

Aubergne Kitchen

Aubergine Kitchen was founded in 2014 by a first-generation American family committed to improving people’s health and energy through better eating in a convenient, accessible, and sustainable way. MENU HERE

Athleta

We did another store try-on, shared in our Instagram stories and on Instagram.

Shop my picks below:

We had so much fun together and ate, drank, and shopped at many more stores, but I didn’t want to overwhelm you with more details and photos, so hopefully, Dawn will be filling you in on some of the several I left out.

Please stop by my friend Dawn’s Blog Party til Dawn and see what she has to share about our Business and friendship!

Thank you for taking the time to stop by and read my blog post. “Way to Mix Business with Friendship…MV Village Opening” I would love for you to comment on what shops you like to shop at below. You can also find me on Instagram, Pinterest, Liketoknowit, Amazon shops, and Facebook.

You might also Like:

6 Things I Buy Every Year At The Nordstrom Sale

Amazon Short set

Good Things segment- Spring Fashion Fixes for Midlife

TV Good Things Segment – 7 Looks from Cabana Life From the pool to Brunch

Good Things Segment- Soma has all you need to pack for a weekend getaway

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!

11 Free Date Ideas

Hello Pretty Ladies,

I thought it would be fun to share some fun free date night ideas with you that my hubby and I love to do with each other, along with a couple of reasons why it’s important to date your spouse.

The importance of Taking Time to Date your spouse:

Taking the time to date your spouse is essential to stay connected, share your thoughts, and catch up on your week. Life gets busy with family duties, work, and life. It’s really easy to disconnect and eventually grow apart.

Why You Should Date your Spouse:

Ben and I make a point to have a weekly date night. Time for just him and I, no kids, no work, no duties. It’s our time that we can enjoy each other and talk about what is going on in our lives. Spending time together keeps us emotionally connected, which helps with staying physically connected.

Here are a few great articles on the importance of Dating your Spouse:

Importance of Friendship and Fun| 10 Reasons to date your Spouse| 5 Reasons it’s important to date your spouse

11 Free Date Ideas:

1. Bike ride– Taking a bike ride around the block is fine, but Searching out a fun bike path you maybe haven’t done makes it more special. Pack some snacks and stop for a little break to chat and Catch up.

2. Walk– I love a good walk. Research a fun walking path, pack a light meal and incorporate a picnic.

3. Picnic– Pack a picnic and head to the Park or scenic area, take in the view, and have a meal.

4. Pool or spa – if you have one or have a community pool-make a charcuterie board and cocktails and enjoy some time together poolside.

5. Go for a drive– One of my husband’s favorite things is to take a Sunday drive. Depending on the time of the year, we’ll hop in the convertible, play some tunes and check out some new scenery.

6. Cook -a new recipe together

7. Coffee and chat– make coffees (tea), sit on the porch or deck, and catch up.

8. Home Spa day– hubbies can have home facials too. Pull out your Beauty products and give each other facials.

9. Hike– pack a picnic and go for a hike. It’s easy to find ones in your area. Google is your friend. In Utah, we like these four, depending on the level we’re feeling that day. 1. Water Fall canyon 2. Skyline trail 3. Ogden River Parkway trail 4. Wind Cave Trail

10. Concert– You say concerts aren’t free? Yes, a lot of areas have free concerts. It just takes a little google search. Live in Utah? Snowbasin has Blue, Brews & BBQ, and Music in the mountains at Powder Mnt. , Silly Sundays Park City, and Canyons village Summer concerts,

11. Movie night– pop some popcorn, grab a drink get comfy, and watch a movie you’ll enjoy.

Think of where you live. Are you close to the beach, a lake, wildflower fields, scenic roads, and rivers? All of these beautiful surroundings make for a great free date spot.

Thank you for taking the time to stop by and read my blog post. “11 Free Date Ideas” I would love to comment below. You can also find me on Instagram, Pinterest, Liketoknowit, Amazon shops, and Facebook.

Orange Glazed Walnut Salad with Chicken

Orange Glazed Walnut Salad with Chicken!

Sunday, “In the kitchen with D’Arcy “brings you my Orange Glazed Walnut salad with chicken. With Honey orange Balsamic dressing! Serve alone or with soup and rolls. Perfect for Winter… super easy to whip up!

Recipe: Serves 6

-1 bag of 50/50 salad

-1 bag of Iceberg salad

-4 Grilled Chicken breast chopped

– 1 15oz Can mandarin oranges drained (save the juice for dressing)

– 1 Cup dried Cranberries (great for color)

– 1 1/2 cup Feta or Blue cheese crumbles ( I love the Blue cheese)

-1 6.5oz bag of Emerald Glazed Walnuts

-1 cup Brianna’s creamy Balsamic dressing

1 Tablespoon Honey

-1/2 teaspoon salt & pepper

Salad

Open the bagged salads and give them a good chop, toss them together and plate on six plates, layer or sprinkle the mandarin oranges, chopped chicken, nuts, cranberries, and cheese….

Salad dressing =mix Brianna’s balsamic with 1/2 cup of mandarin juice, 1 Tablespoon Honey and add salt and pepper. Stir

I serve the dressing on the side❤️

I served this salad last night with my Cheesy potato soup, Recipe HERE, Garlic knots, and Buttered & Sugar Speciality cookies. A local Eden, Ut. Baker. As for drinks, I made a homemade Winter Sangria and a Mimosa Bar, along with a bar cart full of make-your-own cocktail choices.

: Homemade Sangri and Mimosa Bar

: Mimosa Bar

: Butter and Sugar Co. Cookies

: Party favors

: Side Bar

: Favorite Things Gift Exchange

Table setting = Kept it, Winter Simple, with a placemat, wood layer, soup bowl, napkin, place card, copper cup, and party favor.

Centerpiece = layered ticking runner, boho runner, Sugar Pinecones, Christmas balls, greenery, and white candles.

Girlfriend time is so important, and how fun to get together for the Holidays with a favorite things party! The girls all brought a gift of a couple of their favorite things they’ve loved this year for a gift exchange. We draw numbers, and then you have the option to take a gift or open a gift… It’s so fun to see what the ladies loved this year! I brought A Beanie, Colleen Rothchild Hand cream, and a Jade face roller.

Shop My Gifts Below:

The Best thing about a girlfriend’s night is the time together and getting to chat and catch up. One of the reasons I keep the party small is 6-8 ladies, just the amount that can sit at my dining room table and enjoy a meal and each other. As I have gotten older, I have realized I love smaller, more intimate parties than the Big ones I used to throw! Don’t get me wrong, A Big party has its place, just not as often. DO you like to entertain? Big or small?

Thank you for stopping by “Read my Recipe” I would love to know if you use it in the comments below. You can also find me on Instagram, Pinterest, Liketoknowit, Amazon shops, and Facebook.

Have a beautiful day, pretty ladies,

Christmas Chit Chat and a Couple Recipes

Christmas Chit Chat and a Couple Recipes!

My favorite time of the year is finally here- Though admittedly, I’ve been decorating for the holidays since the beginning of November. (Annual Holiday Home Tour is Saturday on Instagram) Don’t worry, and I’ll be adding Decor ideas and this year’s Holiday Decor look HERE on the blog Sunday!

Our Chit Chat Chic Girls had a fun chat yesterday about some random holiday items, and we thought that would make for a great blog post. Quick & easy to read with some fun get to know us Holiday items. Do you do a red lip or red nails? A cookie swap? Have a favorite dish you take on repeat? Are you ready for the Holiday, or have you finished Christmas shopping? Do you host a party? Typical questions you ask your girlfriends, and that’s what we all are, right? Girlfriends… So join us in sharing our conversation. All of us answered the questions on TODAY’S blog post…I hope you enjoy the conversation! (make sure to check out Cindy, Lisa, Michelle’s blogs today.)

Let’s get to the Christmas Chic Chat…

1. Do I do a Red Lip? I have tried it, and I look like a hooker!! But I have friends, and my sister sport a red lip and looks fab. So, one Red that did work for me is by Tom Ford that I can pull off with my big lips that look good, and I wear it only this time of the year and in February.

2. Do I wear Red or Holiday Nails? I sure do love a good Red with Blue undertones, not orange. However, I love Holiday Nails as well. In November, I started sporting Red Nails, and I just had a Holiday manicure done on Monday!

3. Are you done with your Shopping? Yes, Yes… I am!

4. Do you Host a Holiday Party? I host a small girlfriend’s party year every year. A sit-down dinner, yummy drinks, and everyone bring a “Favorite thing” gift for an exchange. Personally, I like the smaller group to be able to chat, spend time catching up with each other.

I threw a BIG Holiday cocktail party every year, and it just got too Big. It was fun, but we’ve moved past those times in our lives and love things scaled-down and spending quality time with those we love on a smaller scale. Hence the tiny Girlfriend Party was born.

I also Host Christmas Eve, Christmas Morning, and Christmas Dinner! It brings me great joy, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. If you do not have anyone to spend it with, you are welcome at our home, As a full house at Christmas is a blessing.

5. What’s your Favorite “go-to” Christmas Holiday Appetizer? I have made this crescent roll dill cream cheese Appetizer for years, and it comes highly requested! Recipe HERE

6. Have you ever hosted a cookie swap? I have not. But I have Hosted a gingerbread house decorating party several times, and it’s an enjoyable party to have.

7. Favorite Christmas cookie? I love Shortbread my recipe HERE, and I adore German Rasberry thumbprint cookies made by Vera (my mom’s friend and client). These are massive labor of love, and she would make us 3-4 cookies each every year until we moved to Utah. ( My mom has the recipe, and I will get it for you)

Some of my favorite Baking items:

8. Have you purchased a New Piece of clothing you are excited about this season? Really? Who are we talking too:) I am in love with this Sequined Duster, I purchased it in the Fall for the Holiday season, and it is back in stock! It is perfect for dressing up any outfit and great for NYE.

The BEST Sales of 2021 Black Friday, Cyber Monday!

Sequin duster perfect for the Holiday’s

More Christmas Chit Chat:

Cindy= LuLuloves7

Lisa’s= Coast2coast

Michelle= Poised Petite

Thank you for taking the time to stop by and read my “Christmas Chit Chat” I would love you to leave some of your answers below. You can also find me on Instagram, Pinterest, Liketoknowit, Amazon shops, and Facebook.

Have a beautiful day, pretty ladies,

No Cook Dinner, Perfect for Summer! Charcuterie Board

No-Cook Dinner, Perfect for Summer! Charcuterie Board

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

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

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

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

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

-Everything crackers & cracked pepper Triscuit

-Strawberry & Jalapeño crisps

-Wheat thins

-Organic Garlic Naan crackers

-Caramelized onion cheddar cheese

-Beacon Fell Cheese (traditional Lancashire cheese)

-Unexpected cheddar cheese

-Old Amsterdam cheese

-Asiago cheese with Rosemary and olive oil

-Peppered Salami

-The marinated olive duo

-Velvet Bees Honey butter

-Cornichons

-Cucumber

~Mini peppers

—Honey crisp apple

~Strawberries

butter
-baguette
Hummus
-cream cheese
Olive oil

-Dill goat cheese

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

SHOP THE POST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Ultimate Summer Bucket List

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Random things to do that make Summer fun that made my List, Bowling; it’s always fun to have something to do on a hot Summer day! A Drive-in Movie (Every year, I say I want to go, and we never make it!) It’s going to happen this year… and I am not going to fall asleep! The last time I went to the drive-in was with my Childhood friend Selena… We were in college, and we BOTH fell asleep! We woke up to a dark empty parking lot at 1 am! LOL!! Miniature golf because, seriously, who doesn’t love a good game of Miniature golf?

It brings back memories of young Summer night dates! Summer Outdoor concerts we have tickets to Heart so far… but I know we’ll add more:) as the Summer plays out, and it’s one of my favorite ways to enjoy an evening. Warm nights, listening to music, enjoying friends and a good beer! Some great outdoor concert venues {HERE} {HERE} {HERE} {HERE} Some are even FREE!

The Rodeo one of my favorite days of the year. We love to attend the Tough Enough To Wear Pink night for breast cancer survivors! It’s a fun tradition we share with family and friends! It wouldn’t be Summer without attending this event! I cry every time they sing the national anthem with the fly-over. {HERE} This rodeo is ranked as one of the top five large outdoor rodeos in the PRCA.

A weekend in Deer Valley is beautiful in the Summer. It has stunning hikes, beautiful pools, great restaurants, cooler air, and great shopping, perfect for a weekend getaway!

A day at LAGOON {HERE} Utah’s amusement park nothing says Summer like an amusement park, and we haven’t been as a family in years, so this year it’s on the list!

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

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

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

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

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

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

OX, D’Arcy

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

Giving back….How YOU can plan a Homeless giving bag night!

giving back, homeless bags, community, service project

Giving back… Service project-Homeless giving bags. Goal for 2017 was 300 bags! We went over goal 310!

giving back, homeless bags, community, service project back, homeless bags, community, service project

Setting up the product for a successful assembly night

Items included in each of the bags.

This Years bags …Hope Community health service donated these fabulous back packs

In years past we use the xxlg zip lock bags (I’ve purchase at Target)

Community that come together for a good cause

I thought I would share with you one of my favorite nights of the year….. Our Annual Service project for the Homeless “giving bags” I started organizing this event 3 years ago with the idea if a family could make 5 to 10 bags a family “what could a community come together and do?” “Well it Takes A Village”

Is a true statement! My first year I set a goal of 100 bags and made a list of items I felt would be helpful to people in need, created a Facebook event with my idea and the list of items and a start date for collecting items and a Assembly date . Letting them know I would provide Refreshments and treated it like a Holiday party!

Here is A sample of what I sent out on a Facebook event for this Year with a goal of 300 bags!

It’s our 3rd annual Homeless Giving bag service project assembling Night… We did 220 bags last year and I would love to do 300 this year!

For those of you that helped, donated and assembled … We deliver a large portion to the streets of salt lake and Ogden & then families take 5/6 bags and Handed out to Homeless in need ALL year! It was a great way to give back and help people in need on the Street!

Donations can be dropped off at my home…. NEED BY NOVEMBER 27th…..Here’s or list of Items were looking for….(Any amount is perfect you don’t have to get all 300 of an item) Please just comment what your getting and how many so we can keep track of what’s needed❤️ Assembly night will be December 3rd ( A Donation of time is wonderful too for assembly night!)

Xxlg zip bag 300 (Vandenberg’s provide)

Waters. 300

Granola bars 600

Fruit snacks 600

Cup of noodle 300

Vit c 300

Tooth brushes 300

Tooth paste 300

Beanies 300

Socks 300

Gloves 300

Hand sanitizer 300

Cheese crackers 600

Mints roll 300

Hand warms 300

Comb 300

Soap 300

Any donation’s is wonderful to make this “give back” event wonderful!

As the items start arriving I keep track and keep adjusting our needs on the event page. As we get to the last week of donation deadline I put out a need on a regular Facebook post and other social media….. I feel blessed people always come through. People really do want to help and do care to help a good cause. We’re lucky to live in a great community of wonderful people who want to give back.

We started a family tradition with handing out our giving bags….We have a couple of other families go with us to Salt lake. We enjoy dinner at Cheesecake Factory, See the lights at Temple square and hand out bags with our families at a couple of shelters. It’s always an emotional night 1. there is so many in need you feel heartbroken 2. It really helps you count your blessings 3. It warms your heart to see peoples face when you give them a bag 4. Your children (any age) really love being apart of something so special.

Family photo from 2016 viewing the lights in Salt lake city

You too can start a” Giving bag” service project start small 50 bags and ask your family, friends, neighbors and community members! You’ll be shocked how fast your bag items add up!

I am happy to answer any question you may have, just leave a comment below. OX, D’Arcy