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20 Favorite Things Right Now While Staying Home

Working from home…Pj’s sold out similar Here

20 Favorite Things Right NOW🖤

Hello Pretty Ladies,

I hope you are doing well and staying safe. It’s been hard to wrap my head around all that is going on and feeling all kinds of emotions that very day by day, as I am sure you are feeling the same way. I have been sharing daily on Instagram Stories tips that help us get through, ways to stay busy and productive, things that can bring joy or laughter and daily prayers. Local businesses as well as my favorite small business to help support who needs us in these times. I hope you have been watching and getting some relief or at least a good laugh once in a while.

Today I thought I’d share with you 20 of my favorite things RIGHT now…As you have loved this post in the past, I hope you enjoy this one today. (I have linked the items or similar items for easy shopping if shop-able)

20 Things I am loving RIGHT now🖤

#1. Book =Born to Shine

A beautiful book was written by Ashley Lemieux to help Women SHINE despite the darkness, to press forward one day at a time. Purchase HERE

#2. Netflix show= All American

Based on a true story… High School Football player from Crenshaw given the chance to be seen transfers to Beverly Hills High and his journey! The whole family will love this show!

#3. Cooking= I am loving the time to cook and creating dishes my family loves. Sharing our 3 favorite soup recipes with you on Wednesday.

#4. City Beauty Restoring Hand Treatment = With all this hand washing and Utah’s dry air, this is a skin saver! Restoring Hand treatment helps reveal younger-looking hands, targeting the tell-tale signs of aging- dryness, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles! City Beauty purchase HERE

#5. Candles = You know I adore candles and now more then ever I am burning them at home. Candles not only smell great but add a feeling of warmth and homeyness. My favorite HERE and HERE

#6. Ready Festive =Home decor subscription box. I received the Easter box full of fun goodies to help bring our home done cheer in these much needed times. They have a subscription for each Holiday and Seasons. Handpicked for your style and needs. It’s like having a personal shopper for your home♥️ darcyRF10 receive 10% off your subscription Purchase HERE

#7. Butcher Box = has been a lifesaver in these #stayhome conditions. I don’t have to worry about having enough Healthy meat on hand to cook for my family. My family says this is some of the BEST meat they have ever eaten. Each custom made box gets delivered to our door. Packed fresh frozen some of the BEST quality meat you can purchase at a very affordable fee. Purchase HERE

#8.Sunshine = Spring is hard in Utah. We have more grey days than sunshine and a lot of rainy or snowy days. When we have sunny days it’s so delightful and really important to go soak up some rays.

#9. Walks with my hubby= With all this gift of time, it’s been really nice to spend time with my hubby and enjoying long walks.

#10. Organizing = You pretty ladies know I love things organized and tidy. I have been using this time to organize some things I’ve wanted to do but really haven’t wanted to spend the little time I had to do it. Now I have the time…. I’ve gotten most of my projects done….I do have two more left. I’ve loved this book BEAUTIFULLY ORGANIZED order it here. It’s a beautiful book full of great ideas and easy to follow guides and fab tips. Purchase HERE

#11. Good Nights sleep =thanks to Olly SLEEP gummies shop HERE.

During these scary and uncertain times I know it’s hard for most of us to sleep. These have given me a great night’s sleep every night.

#12. Minky blankets♥️ You know I adore my Minky blankets but I am very grateful for them now. Cozy up and read a book or watch a movie.

#13. R.ddle roll-on perfume scent muse. It’s such a fresh scent and so nice to have something new to wear that makes me feel pretty. Sold at my girlfriends boutique Rowan Purchase HERE

#14. Amazon Prime Video =I adore Miss Fisher 1920’s fashionista that is a smart, stylish and determined detective. Plus the list movies are amazing!

#15. Healthy Family all at H🏡me = Feeling so blessed to be at home with my family. We’re all healthy and not alone in these times.

#16. A full pantry= Thankful that my mom taught us to keep a full pantry and to be prepared.

#17. Yoga stretches =I have really enjoyed the extra time to be able to fit in doing some yoga stretching. Here are some FREE ones.

#18. Boars Head Everything Bagel Hummus= It’s my FAVORITE snack serve with carrots and cucumbers and even a cracker. So good. I’ve made my own with plain or garlic hummus and added The everything seasoning from Trader Joe’s

#19. Co2 Lift face masks = my skin seriously looks so fabulous after for about 4 days it just glows. It’s better than a spa facial. Medical spas use these! Purchase HERE use code DARCY for 10% off

#20. Dollar Store package of self-sticking hooks= Such a great buy 6 Med hooks or 12 mini hooks for $1 a pack. It’s helped me organize my jewelry, organize cabinets and lets you hang seasonal items without nail holes.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. I hope you enjoyed it and if you happen to use some of my shopping links I thank you for helping my little business. Please be safe and Stay Home. OX, D’Arcy

You might like this EASTER BASKET blog post HERE

Some of my favorite things, Bubble baths, candles, facemasks, and a good book

Co2 Lift a Mask for your Face & V use code DARCYV for 10% off

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

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

Recap of Last Weeks Instagram Talks & Outfits

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a beautiful week! OX, D’Arcy

This post may contain collaborations and affiliate links.

Easiest Bruschetta & Toast Recipe

Bruschetta & Toast Recipe

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

Bruschetta & Toast Recipe:

Bruschetta:

4 large tomatoes chopped

1 onion chopped

2 cloves of garlic crushed

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

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

1 bunch of basil

1 tablespoon of Italian Seasoning

1 tablespoon of olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

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

Garlic Cheese Toast:

8 slices of fresh Sourdough bread sliced

1 cube of butter

3 cloves of crushed garlic

1 tablespoon of Italian Seasoning

1 cup of Mozzarella shredded cheese

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

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

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

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

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

The Ultimate Summer Bucket List

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!

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

The start of Gibbs loop, Waterfall Canyon and Bison.

Waterfall Canyon

View from Waterfall Canyon

Waterfall Canyon

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

Waterfall Canyon 3 miles Here

Wolf Creek Canyon 7 miles (Powder Mountain)

Ogden Overlook 6 miles

Indian Trail 4 miles

Green Pond 5.4 miles

Icebox Canyon 6 miles

Paper Airplane @Powder Mt 4 miles

Gibbs Loop 3 1/2 miles More or a trail

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

Birdsong Trail 2 miles Here

Ogden River pathway Here

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

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

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

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

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

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

8 tips for Packing light for a weekend Getaway

8 tips for Packing Light for a Weekend Getaway!

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

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

organizing & packing prep

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

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

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

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

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

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

organizing & packing prep

Hello Beautiful!

Last week I introduced you to Baggallini luggage & bag company. Promising you some easy packing tips and 6-7 outfit looks with just a few pieces of clothing. I am off for a weekend meeting for two days with my @baggallini rolling tote and backpack to help make traveling easy and light. Here are 8 tips I hope you find useful.

I had a quick meeting✈️ , and I stated I’d share my packing tips for creating easy outfits out of just a few pieces to make packing light! I don’t know about you, but I love the ease of 1 carry-on bag! Wanting to look put together and chic without the hassle of multiple luggage. The above shows 7 outfits & below are some of my favorite tips & the clothing pieces I used to create 7 looks with ease…

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

Shop the post below:

8 tips for Packing light for a weekend Getaway

#1:

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

I love the black-on-black Cheetah print, and the piece is so lightweight! 🧳 You know I love some animal print.

#2:

I like to travel wearing a jacket that can be versatile. This gives you more room in your bag!

#3:

Pack items that can mix and match, for instance, allowing you to pack less but create new looks! So what’s in the bag…Pj’s, toiletries, undergarments, laptop, tan wedges, white jeans, button-up top, shirt dress, jewelry….all going with the pieces I am wearing…As a result, I can create 6-7 looks with these pieces!

#4:

Use a divider toiletry bag {here} and purchase the travel-size bottles of everything you regularly use.

#5:

Because I love shoes and could pack a different pair for every outfit! Try to build your outfits out of pieces that work with just a couple of types of shoes. As a result, this keeps your bags lighter and really does help to keep things simple. (In the Winter, I try to wear my boots on the plane and pack the lighter pair.)

#6:

Pack a tide stick & dryer sheet, for instance, to keep your clothes smelling fresh and remove a spot.

#7:

I like to use little snack baggies to pack my necklaces in and keep tangle-free, for instance.

#8:

Pack a variety of jewelry, for instance, some statement earrings, hoops, along with several rings, necklaces & bracelet pieces that work together to give your outfits different looks. Because jewelry is small it takes up little room and yet makes a big impact on finishing an outfit.

Shop my Travel favorites below:

Hoping I inspired you to create a travel capsule, if you will, and my 8 tips for packing and 7 outfit inspirations helped you for your next trip!

Judy’s Chocolate Kahlua Cake

The story behind Judy’s Chocolate Kahlua Cake, A cherished recipe

I wanted to share this recipe with you in memory of my dear friend Judy. It was a cake she brought to every event and party. Back in my scrapbooking days (if any of you from those days are following along, you will remember this cake and Judy well), This cake is so decadent, rich, and fit for a chocolate lover. So very Judy!

Easier than it tastes recipe: Judy’s Chocolate Kahlua Cake

You would think it took forever to make and had a million ingredients! She found out our oldest, who didn’t like cake loved this cake, and she started making it for his birthday every year! One year she surprised me with the recipe! Not something she gave out freely:) It’s a recipe I will genuinely cherish along with her cranberry crush (I’ll share another time).

Keeping Judy’s memory alive

I will care on her tradition by bringing them to parties and events. Judy was one of the classiest, most talented, full of fun ladies I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I feel blessed to have shared many scrapbooking, shopping, birthdays, and holidays with this beautiful person. Judy passed away last week and I will truly miss her.

Things Judy and I had in common

We shared many of the same loves and even more in common. Judy was a mom of boys too, and yet so girly like I am. She loved a beautiful home, decorated every holiday perfectly, and loved to entertain to the fullest. She treated her friends like family and made everyone feel special. Judy just might own more pairs of shoes than me…. well, maybe not!:)

We sure did have fun shopping for them together and we might have several of the same pairs. We even wore the same size! She lived her life to the fullest and was one tough cookie. The last few years, she fought her health, while still looking chic! To live until your 80 is fantastic to do it her class, chicness, strength, and love are a gift to all those who knew her!

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

chocolate cake

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

Best chocolate cake ever

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

Grease & Flour the Pan

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

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

RECIPE:

Judy’s Chocolate Kahlua Cake

1 Duncan Hines Devil’s food cake mix

One small instant vanilla pudding mix

1 Pt. Sour cream

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup Kahlua

2 Eggs

12 oz bag of Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips

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

In her memory

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

Thank you for stopping by to read ” Judy’s Chocolate Kahlua Cake” Does your family love chocolate like mine? 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,

You might also Like the following:

Easy Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

Mixed Chocolate cookies recipe

My picks from Amazon Fashion!

Some of my Favorite Amazon Fashion picks! Tried and true at a great value. These make for great Holiday outfits and a great gift as well.

Hello Beautiful’s!

I’ve reported on some of the Amazon fashion before {here} and I am telling you there is some great deals and some really good quality pieces. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality and really happy with the prices. You can even buy Jcrew on here now! Say what?

I wanted to scour the fashion department and see what I could dig up for you! Some of these items you have to grab quick because it’s a fab deal and lower quantity. Some pieces are great for Holiday outfits and even great for gifts. Mostly I choose pieces you can wear everyday throughout the Holidays and Winter! I see myself wearing the buffalo plaid button up with leggings on a snowy day wrapping gifts!:)

Henley top at a steal! perfect to wear on a casual day or layer under your favorite sweater or jacket. $1.99 Yes… you read that correct..$1.99 size up! At this price you can grab a couple!
V-neck ruffle sweater – One of my favorite sweaters to wear with jeans or with a pretty skirt for the Holiday’s. $49.00 and true to size.
Soft Heart Shape Balls Hand Knit V-Neck Sweater Pullover-Hand knit and so easy to wear. Pair with jeans or dresses for a easy-going also elegant look. Such beautiful quality and a great classic piece to add to your wardrobe. True to size $75
Women’s Turn Down Collar Asymmetric Hem Plaids Wrap Coat– Perfect for the cooler weather and still looking Chic. I love the lines and great for adding color to simple jeans and tee. True to size and a great price $44.99
Heart elbow patches sweater– a Perfect gift and so fun to wear. I get so many compliments on mine. $22.99-30
At the time I went to post this top SOLD out in All 3 colors sorry!
Women’s Long Sleeve Bow Tie Ruffle Collar Lace Chiffon Blouse– What a deal at $18.99 and perfect for your Holiday outfits or for the office. I would even wear it with jeans and heals. Size up
Plaid & check button up top– This top is great to layer with legging and jeans, perfect for a casual day and a steal at $4.99 true to size or size up to wear larger and cozier with leggings! Makes a great gift for the person on your list that likes leggings or a cabin look!
Star knit sweater – Chicwish Women’s Comfy Casual Long Sleeve Shredded Stars Print Black and White Knit Top Pullover Sweater $43.00 Have you tried any fashion from amazon? How about your Holiday shopping are you just getting started or finished? Me? We’ll I have a light year this year. Our boys want 1 larger item and we’re traveling for the Holiday’s this year so my list really isn’t very large. This year we wanted to do things with our family verses purchasing a bunch of gifts for each other. I might miss wrapping the piles and piles of gifts I normally have surrounding the trees! I’ll keep you posted:) on that! Do you love wrapping? I think the gift of a beautiful package is just as important as whats inside….but thats just me.. I love to wrap! Make sure to follow my instagram, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite ways to wrap over there and in my instastories. Happy Shopping beautiful’s! OX, D’Arcy

Ps: Stay tuned for My November favorites, December Bucket list and My Holiday entertaining, decorating and recipes all coming this month! What are you most excited for?

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!

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