lifestyle Archives - Page 18 of 27

Where to Stay and Dine in Park City!

Park City, Utah A beautiful mountain community located in Utahs Summit county. Where you can enjoy Outdoor Recreation from Skiing, hiking, biking and paddleboarding, Shopping on Historic Main Street, The outlets and shops at Kimble junction, While also experiencing arts & culture with seasonal events and multiple art shops and Silly Sunday’s, Many Restaurants makes Park City a destination for the foodie. For more details, visit Park City Chamber.

Park City is a great destination for your next girl’s trip! If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I adore Park City, and my hubby and I escape for a little staycation often. Visit our Summer Trip HERE for more info. But Park City is not only great for couples & Family getaways. It’s perfect for a girl’s trip.

Thanks to Yotel PAd, Visit Park City, for helping me organize a great Girl’s getaway for my girls, The Chic Chat Chic gang. We had an amazing trip, from amazing accommodations provided by Yotel Pad More info HERE and My Last Visit to Yotel Pad HERE, To amazing dining (more info Below), The Best Massage by Alpen & Hyde (more about that HERE), Shopping Historic Main street, beautiful walks (park city has several walking paths and Hikes)

Park City is also home to one of many Olympic venues. We are attending one of the Ski jumping and aerials practicing secessions at the Olympic Park. What a fun experience.

Although Park City was our destination, We had to share a couple of fun Utah destinations with our out-of-state friends. The Utah State Capital and Lunch at Hall Pass in the Gateway. As well as a fun shopping and dining destination, Station park, Who hosted us for shopping at Evereve and Twigs Bistro, provided an amazing dining experience.

Yotel Pad Park City

: Stay and Play

: Great lounge area to socialize or relax

: Private work spaces

: Free Skee Ball, pool and board game room

: Spacious and classic designed bathrooms

: In room kitchens with coffee

: safe no contact check in

: beautiful views

: Outdoor firepits perfect to take in the views and enjoy the outdoors.

: So many Beautiful outdoor lounging spaces to enjoy.

: Spanx Perfect pant Flared

: Gaming Room & Conference Room

Utah State Captial

Hall Pass at the Gateway

Hall Pass: Utah’s First & Only Food Hall. Located at the Gateway in downtown Salt Lake City. Over 11,000 square feet of stylish communal dining & chef-driven fare. 8 restaurants and 2 bars

HallPass allows guests to experience these new-to-Utah tastes in an environment filled with a stylish and eclectic mix of art, music, food, drinks, and fun. The restaurant concepts include SkinnyFATS, Waffadopolis, Beer Zombies Draft Room & Beer Garden, Blaze of Thunder (Nashville hot chicken), Raining Ramen, CodSpeed (fresh fish fast), Hibachican (rotating concepts & guest chefs), Colossal Lobster, Guac Pusher (fresh guacamole made table-side), and a true password-protected speakeasy. In addition, live music and DJs will entertain diners on weekends.

Harvest & Honey

: Charcuterie Board

: Harvest & Honey a local Small business that delivers to your door. Home or Hotel

: Creating yummy Bites

Harvest and Honey CELEBRATE THE MOMENT, delivering Charcuterie – From Box to Board to your door. A small business that delivers locally in Utah to your Home or Hotel, it’s a great service you’ll enjoy. Makes a great gift as well. Seriously who doesn’t love cheese?

Makes for a great light meal or snack. Available in multiple sizes to serve two to 20! We really enjoyed this board on our first night as a dinner. We changed into Pj’s, grabbed a drink, and sat down to this beautiful and yummy treat. So easy to dine and chat. We had a great time creating tasty combos. Thank you, Harvest and Honey!

Evereve & Twigs at Station Park

: Twigs Bistro

: Drunk’in Donuts

: Cobb Salad

: Fish Tacos

Station Park is a beautiful Shopping and dining experience in Farmington, Ut. I have been lucky to have been working with them for over a year. It’s been a pure pleasure as it’s one of my family’s favorite destinations for shopping and dining. Twigs Bistro is one of my family’s favorite restaurants ( I share them often in my stories). Their food is so good, and they have an awesome weekend brunch. I knew I wanted to share with my Girlfriends. Trust me. They loved it! You can’t go wrong with any of their dishes. I love the Chicken cobbs salad, their truffle fries, and gorgonzola cheese sauce is to die for, and you can’t leave without having the Drunkin doughnuts.

Twigs is a family-owned restaurant (which you know how much I love supporting small), but they do have 5 other locations in other states. so make sure to check out their website for other locations.

Draft’s Burgers and Brews

Our View on the walk up to Draft’s, on the Westgate property right above Yotel Pad Park City.

Visit Drafts Burger Bar, where they serve a large selection of beers that perfectly pair with gourmet burgers, delicious wings, and delectable sides surrounded by the spectacular views.

Best of State® Award-winning Drafts is an elegant yet comfortable gastropub featuring more than 50 beers worldwide, including 20 beers readily on tap. Drafts also serve hand-crafted burgers, delicious wings, and delectable sides with spectacular slope-side views of the Park City Resort. In addition, Drafts features an assortment of innovative handspun milkshakes.

: Appetizer

: over the Top shakes

: Burgers and fries or a salad?

Ghidotti’s

Homestyle Italian, blending old world roman with a lively Mediterranean vibe. Unlike any restaurant you have visited in the past, Ghidotti seamlessly weaves the architecture, ambiance, food, and service together into a fantastic dining experience for you to enjoy. So whether it is a romantic evening out, a large family gathering, a casual meal in the lounge, or even our popular meals-to-go, we have you covered.

The Dining experience was amazing, From the staff, the ambiance, to the food. We seriously enjoyed everything from the appetizers ( We choose to sample a pizza), house-made Foccacia bread, handmade pasta dishes, filet mignon, and let’s not forget about the amazing Desserts. The Gelato was amazing. A wonderful experience we were so grateful for the opportunity to experience. Thank you, Visit Park City

: Ghiddottis

: Beautiful setting

: Amazing Dining

: We needed to try all of the Desserts

Pizza Margarita as a starter or a meal! So yummy!

Chip Cookies are my favorite cookie company in Utah. Station Park generously provided cookies for each of us in our Welcome Baskets. Seriously so good. A must-try when in Utah.

Thank you for stopping by, and I hope I inspired you to head to Yotel Pad, Park City, for your next getaway! Make sure to check out the Chit Chat Chic girl’s Blogs for their take on our trip. Links below.

Make sure to check out my Chit Chat Chic girls below:

Cindy= LuLuloves7

Lisa’s= Coast2coast

Michelle= Poised Petite

Cammi=Cammie’s Happy Place

MY 5 Favorite Things for August! Using, Wearing, Eating.

Sharing my TOP 5 Favorite Things each month seems to be a favorite of yours. Therefore, I love to share them with you. This can be anything from food, product, activity, and maybe something I am wearing to death. In today’s case, it’s all of the above. I hope you enjoy what I am loving this August!

Revive Smoothies= Delicious & healthy smoothies already created for you to enjoy. I’ll you have to do add your favorite milk and blend. (I use coconut milk) I am loving my magic bullet, so handy and blend and drink in the same container. This has really helped me stay on my health journey. Shop HERE Use Code rsf55darcyvandenberg for 55% off your first box

2. Charlotte Tillbury eyebrow kit! I love how easy it is to create brows that look good and are not hard to create. I don’t want to spend much time on my brows, and I am not great at drawing them. This kit makes you look like a pro. I adore this set.

Shop the post below:

MY 5 Favorite Things for August! Using, Wearing, Eating.

3. A Large Fresh Green Salad, with Farm Fresh locally grown tomatoes. Nothing better than locally grown tomatoes. Cucumbers, green onion, Chicken ( I use roasted chicken store), Blue cheese crumbles with Pepper and Italian dressing. ( If I have an Avocado, I add that too)

4. Jumping for joy over this jumpsuit! Talk about easy to wear, easy to style, and perfect for travel! I have been living in it lately. Hands down one of my Favorite Things! It has a lot of fabric, so size down, Ties at the neck, and has a lower back. I am in size small. For fall, you could style with a blazer or leather jacket. Going on a Tropical Vacation? This would be darling over a swimsuit.

Shop the post:

5. The view on my morning walk. Isn’t it beautiful? I have been making my walks a priority, and I love the view along the way. Want to see more? Follow me on Instagram HERE and watch my stories. I often share parts of my walks with you.

Today, the Chic Chat Chic Girls are sharing Fashion or Favorites over on their blogs! I know you’ll love what they share over one of their blogs, and it would mean so much to me if you go check them out.

Cindy= LuLuloves7

Michelle= Poised Petite

Cammi=Cammie’s Happy Place

Thank you for taking the time to stop by. I hope you enjoyed the quick read. Tell me below one of your favorite things right now!

You might also enjoy:

7 Fall Transition Looks from Evereve

Drug Store Make-Up Finds for Midlife

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.

Weekend Getaway to Park City, Utah

: Yotel Pad

: Another Sitting Area

: The Lobby

: The Stunning View

: Hotel Bathrooms

: Hotel Room living room

: Hotel Bedroom

: Workspace rooms

: A spot in the Lobby

: Outdoor Patio

: The View out of our Room

: Gaming Room & Conference Room

NEED A Fresh Start to The Week?

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

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

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

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

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

Hotel Specials this summer:

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

Hearth & Hill Restaurant

: Cheers

: My honey enjoying ALL the food!

: Heart & Hill

: Menu

: Shrimp

: Garlic Parm Fries

: Truffle Mac & Cheese with Bacon

: The Refuel salad with Chicken

: Halibut

: Heart & Hill entry

: Date weekend

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You might also enjoy:

How to pack light for a trip

The Ultimate Summer Bucket List

Oktoberfest at Snowbird, Utah

*This post was a collaboration with Yotel Pad and Visit Park City

4th Of July BBQ Side Dish Recipes

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

Dutch Potato Salad

5 lbs mixed sm potatoes

4 hard-boiled eggs chopped

1 onion white chopped

1 cup green onions chopped

15 oz Mayo

1/2 cup mustard

1 Tablespoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

It feeds a large crowd

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

Caprice Tortellini pasta salad

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

Caprice Tortellini salad

12oz bag Barilla tortellini

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

1/2 of one large onion chopped

2 -1/4oz package Organic fresh basil chopped

1/2 of 1 Costco fresh Mozzarella cubed

1 tablespoon garlic minced

1/4 to 1/3 cup olive oil

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional garlic salt

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

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

Baked Beans

6 16.5 oz baked beans ( I use Bush)

1/2 pound cooked bacon chopped

1 sm onion chopped

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 large tablespoon Mustard

1 tablespoon kitchen bouquet browning seasoning

2 tsp garlic salt

2 tablespoons chopped onion season

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

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

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

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

3 Tablespoons Cider Vinegar

3 Tablespoons Good olive oil

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup Julienned basil leaves

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

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

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

You might also enjoy:

4th of July Berry Sparkler cocktail

Greek salad (a great meal or Side)

4th of July Decor, outfits, and recipes

4th of July Charcuterie Board

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!

Recipe for Caprice Tortellini Pasta with Pesto Chicken

Recipe for Caprice Tortellini Pasta with Pesto Chicken:

Caprice Tortellini pasta salad served as a side with grilled chicken

Caprice Tortellini salad

12oz bag Barilla tortellini

10.5 oz mixed medley tomatoes cut into fours

1/2 of one large onion chopped

2 -1/4oz package

Organic basil chopped

1/2 of 1 Costco fresh Mozzarella cubed

1 tablespoon garlic

1/4 to 1/3 cup olive oil

Wet

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional garlic salt

Top with balsamic glaze

(I use Trader Joe’s)

I shared a full how-to video Here

Cook pasta follow directions on the box. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients above in a large bowl. When pasta is done, add pasta and stir. Serve warm or cold. You Could easily make the pasta the day before. Serve as a side dish or as a main course. I love to serve with my Pesto grilled chicken below.

Grilled Pesto Chicken:

🍽

-Chicken breast

-fresh Pesto ( homemade or Jar

– extra garlic

Marinate chicken in the pesto & garlic and grill.

Slice and serve with Pasta.

Caprice Tortellini pasta salad

“A strong family has well-worn seats at the dinner table. “

Sunday’s family dinner “ In the Kitchen with D’Arcy” is A popular Sunday series over my Instagram. I started sharing more recipes here on the blog as you; My following has been really enjoying. Thankful you like and create my recipes; I am adding more of my family’s favorite meals here on the blog for you to enjoy. It makes me happy you are trying them out and sharing some of my family’s favorite meals with your family.

I have always loved being in the kitchen and entertaining. As a small child, I would cook full meals and set the table pretty for my family. This continued as I grew and had a family of my own. I love good food, great ingredients, and not slaving in the kitchen for too long, but creating a meal, my family would love.

Need a fast and yummy dinner? I hope you’ll try my Caprice a tortellini with Pesto Chicken! It’s a crowd-pleaser and perfect for Hot Summer Night. You can serve cold or warm, so it’s perfect for a potluck as well. It is a great meal to create under 30-minutes.🍽

Thank you for stopping by, and I appreciate your support. Have a great week.

You might also enjoy:

No-Cook Dinner

Easy Homemade Pico De Gallo and Guacamole

Build your own Pizza Bar

2 Summer Cocktails perfect for 4th of July

2 Summer Cocktails perfect for 4th of July

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

4th of July Berry Sparkler Cocktail

You’ll Need:

Vodka ( We like Grey Goose)

Berry Sparkling Water (I used Waterloo Summer Berry) HERE

Seattle Cider ( I used Berry Rose)

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

Ice

Strawberries and Blue Berries

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

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

Watermelon Mojito

You’ll Need:

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

Rum ( your favorite)

Mojito Mix

Lime Sparkling water ( We like La Croix )

Mint

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

lime

Ice

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

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

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

You might also enjoy:

Pom Cocktail

Perfect Moscow Mule

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!

10 Summer Favorites to Kick off Summer

10 Summer Favorites to Kick off Summer🌴☀️🌊

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cindy= LuLuloves7

Lisa’s= Coast2coast

Michelle= Poised Petite

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

Personal Bridal Shower Gifts

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

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

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

Shop to Post :

A Bridal Shower is a Time to Spoil the bride.

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

Shop the post:

Shop to Post:

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

What to Wear to A Bridal Shower

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

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How to know How much to Spend on the Bridal Gift

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

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

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

Cindy= LuLuloves7

Cammi= Cammie’s Happy Place

Lisa’s= Coast2coast

Michelle= Poised Petite

Father’s Day Gift Guide: Ideas He’ll Love!

June marks the beginning of summer to most and Father’s Day in a few short weeks. This year {June 20th!} I like to get an early start on those gifts for him. Men {at least in my case} can be tricky to shop for when they give no requests, but focusing gifts around their needs, hobbies, and daily moments is always a well-loved option. A few ideas to consider:

Above I showcased some of the items I know my hubby would love. Veldskoen shoes, a Handcock Gourmet Lobster dinner from Gift Tree. (they have several types of meals and food baskets ship direct.) Most men I know love food and make for a thoughtful gift.

Clothing always makes for a great gift, as I’ve learned most men don’t like to shop, let alone buy clothes.

A beautiful and Handmade throw by Thula Tula. So very soft, easy to care for, and is a gift that gives back. Sustainably handcrafted with love in South Africa. I choose the Xhosa blanket above, textiles inspired by African culture. It can be used as a blanket, throw, or wrap. I personally love it’s a mini work of art. The men in my life love a soft throw for sitting on the deck on a summer evening or while watching tv. Save 15% off with code darcy15 HERE.

McCrea’s caramels are always a hit, and their gift boxes are beautiful. Here are some of our favorite flavors. Single Malt Scotch and Black Lava Sea Salt caramel. (Both included in the Father’s Day gift box!)

You can focus on dad’s Hobby’s, career, things he loves, or sports he enjoys. My hubby is a contractor and a ski coach, which means dry, chapped hands, always in need of tools, and loves Ski items. This opens a lot of doors for thoughtful gifts. From practical items like hand balms, travel mug, or water jug to ski socks and cool readers

Or searching for a thoughtful gift, A cool coffee table book on Ski resorts, or something bigger like a hotel stay and lift ticket to a resort he doesn’t have a pass for. (or even a massage because he abuses his body!) You get the idea:) Does your dad love gadgets? What about Grilling? Below you’ll find some other fun options most men would love.

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I had the opportunity to work with Veldskoen Shoes for our boys, and they loved them so much they thought Dad needed a pair.

@veldskoenshoesusa handcrafted with locally sourced, premium materials with stay-dry technical leather that repels water and super easy to clean. So comfortable they melt to your feet. Handcrafted by Artists in South Africa. save 15% off with code darcy15 ❤️

What’s so fun is the shoe comes with different color soles and laces. H got grey, Hamps got black, and they picked orange for dad!

Father’s Day Gift guide made easy below:

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My week over on Instagram focuses on Father’s Day, Gift Giving guides, how to celebrate, and some fun ideas around dad. I hope you are tuning in over there, as I think you’ll enjoy what I am sharing. I even have a fun DIY. HERE

Hoping I helped you shop for the men in your life and inspired you to get an early start to spoil those deserving hubbies, daddies, and grandpas. Have a beautiful weekend.

darcyvandenberg