lifestyle Archives - Page 20 of 27

Spinach & Tortellini Soup Recipe

Spinach & Tortellini Soup topped with Parmesan cheese & served with a slice of homemade garlic Bread. So delicious, your Family will love it.

Tortellini soup

1 14.5 oz can crushed tomatoes

1 14.5 oz can tomato sauce

1 15.5oz can butter beans rinsed

2 cans water (rinse out tomato cans)

1 14.5oz can chicken broth

1 16oz bag chopped spinach

1 8oz bag cheese tortellini (save until about 15 min before serving)

1 tablespoon garlic herb seasoning

1 Tablespoon dried chopped onion

1 teaspoon of salt & pepper

1/2 cup chopped onion

Parmesan cheese for topping

Add all ingredients to a soup stock pan and simmer on med-low until boiling (except Tortellini and Parmesan)…. turn to low add tortellini let simmer 5 -10 min or until Tortellini is cooked. Dish up and top with Parmesan Cheese.

Serve with a loaf of garlic bread or crusty Bread

I created this soup a couple of years ago with items I had in my pantry, trying to create a yummy fast dinner. It’s been a quick go-to meal ever since. My Family loves Pasta and soups which make for a great combo. This soup makes a great comfort meal and is a great way to add some nutrients. It makes a big pot and is great for leftovers as well. I serve it with my Cheaters Homemade garlic bread! Recipe below.

Cheaters Homemade Garlic Bread! This Bread is so dang good I have to Make two loaves for this Family of 7!

Cheaters Homemade Garlic Bread

1 Loaf Rhodes Frozen Bread

1 cube butter

1 tablespoon of minced garlic

1 tablespoon Garlic Seasoning

1/2 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning

NOTE: This Bread is not for someone on a diet 🙂

First, Place the frozen loaf on a cooking sheet lined with a parchment paper, cover with a linen dishtowel.

(or cheesecloth) let rise. (follow directions on bag) Bread rising usually takes ALL day. I’ll get this ready at about 9:00 am to make for dinner around 6:00 pm. When risen bake at 350 until golden brown. (follow the direction on packaging.) While Bread is baking melt cube of butter in the microwave, then add garlic and seasoning and mix. When Bread is out of the oven, brush on a heavy coating of the Butter mixture. Let cool for about 10-15 minutes slice (Bread will still be warm and will sink, it’s ok), then coat each slice with more of the butter mixture. Serve hot and almost gooey

This Bread is a family favorite, and when my Family sees it on the counter in the morning, they literally jump for joy. They’ll eat two full loaves and if I would make three that would get eaten too. It’s so rich, soaked in butter and garlic it’s heavenly! I serve this Bread with soups, Pasta, and even salads. If you watch my instastories and I hope you do, you’ve seen me make it several times while stay at home was in place. ( heck probably one of the reasons I’ve gained 10 pounds!) 😛 How did it get its name? Well…Cheaters because well, your cheating and not making the loaf from scratch! Nobody’s got time for that! Insert Giggle! Hince, I named it My cheater’s homemade garlic bread.

I hope you enjoyed this week’s blog post, and I would love for you to leave a comment below if you tried this recipe or are going to try it. Have a beautiful rest of your week! OX, D’Arcy

The 10 Positive Things in the Storm a Brightside Challenge: Quarantine 2020

A little front porch shot, wearing a cute tee saying, “Straight out of quarantine”! Outfit Details Here

The 10 Positive Things in the Storm, a Brightside Challenge.

The hidden blessings in the storm of STAYING at HOME. This week I got together with some of my midlife blogger friends to help share some of the Brightersides of staying home. Each of us is sharing our thoughts on what we felt was a positive or the Brightside of staying home while being Quarantined. While some of our states are slowly starting to open back up, each state is doing it at a different rate and following a slightly different path to opening back up. Something unknown to all of us is how long we will be keeping our distance, not gathering in a large group, having events, the uncertainty of starting school in the fall, or having sporting events. Through all of this uncertainty, we all have experienced a “BRIGHTSIDE.” Here are a few of mine and make sure to check out my girlfriend’s blogs listed below to read their thoughts and “BRIGHTSIDE’S.”

#1. More family time, Although we have always had nightly dinners, (it’s always been important for me to have my family sit down around the dinner table, share a meal and catch up on the day.” in this time it seems even more important, even though we’re all home 24/7 I think it helps me feel more secure.

#2. Time to organize, I have had projects on my lists I’ve wanted to get done for a long time. Clean out our home storage and food storage area, tackle my gift-wrapping room, clean out, and donated items in multiple closets. Add shelves and make some areas more functional, Just to name a few. This blessing of time has helped me to accomplish my list. Check Check Check!

#3. To do projects… I haven’t made time to do it. This included a few of the items above but also some craft projects, some fix-it projects (like jewelry that was broken) Sew on some buttons, finish my Jewelry wall, etc. (My hubby had a honey-do list that got completed too.)

#4. Share more of my recipes on the blog as this was always something people asked for from my instastories. I never had the time to actually write down the recipe as I was cooking. With “Stay at home”…I could plan out meals earlier and make the time to write down what I did through the process. Helping me to have a collection of our family’s favorite meals written down for me to be able to share. (more recipes coming soon!) Hope you tried a couple of these HERE HERE HERE

#5. Self-care and testing products, one of the reasons I started Dear-Darcy was to be able to share how I like products, what they did, and how they worked. Doing the work to help save you time and help you to not waste money on products that’s weren’t worth it. As you know, I love self-care Sunday, but having more free time allowed me to test out more and give you more reviews. I hope you checked out yesterday’s on Instagram. HERE

#6. Putting the time and effort into my business, blogging consistently, researching, and making connections. Having the time has helped me to see I can succeed in making a career out of sharing what I love and what works in “making life Chic at any age!” I have always loved chatting with clients in the shops about tips and tricks that help you in beauty, entertainment, our health, and ways to wear Fashion… I was always shocked that people would come to me with How to or what works? Then I realize If I share what works for me, it might work for you… this is how I started this adventure in blogging and social media….. I even sold our stores to move into blogging full time… then life happens, and I didn’t devote enough time to what I wanted… To have a full-time career in blogging and social media. This gift of time… has helped me to evaluate, set goals, refocus…. put all my efforts into this business, which is paying off. I have NOW learned in this time where we don’t know what’s going to happen next, and we aren’t sure of the future. That if you push yourself, even in an uncertain time, You can still achieve GOALS!

#7. Take the time to write handwritten notes. It does mean more than a text. Happy Mail is something everyone could use.

#8. Supporting Small … As a former small business owner, I’ve always known how important it is to our communities to support local and small businesses. They are the heart of this country and what gives to our communities. Having my platform has been a blessing to help promote so many small businesses at this time.

#9. That it’s OK to relax and have a full day of binge-watching Netflix. To read or to just lay in bed! Everyone needs a day of doing nothing and that it’s ok! I am normally on the go go go and use every minute I am awake to achieve something. Work, kids, home, cooking, decorating, planning, etc. It’s OK to chill! Moving forward, I believe I will be more relaxed because: REALLY what’s important? YOU are important, your state of mind is important, and the health of your family is important. A rest day is good for you, your health, and your family.

#10. That I love my husband’s company, and I really can be around him 24/7! Quarantined with him and my boys work for me. OXOX … NOW can we please go out for DINNER!!!

One of my favorite quotes ….”When you focus on the good, the good gets better.”

Some of my talented Blogger friends, sharing their thoughts and Brightsides

Melanie Silk @ Mels 2nd act.com

Heidi Suydam @ Simply Our Society

Nancy Weiss @ A Two drink minimum

Michele Bellisari @ Soooboca.com

Rosemary Davis @ Distinctly Southern Style

Michele Linton @ hot Fash and Sass.com

Merry Lynch @ Braving Midlife

Gwen Gottilieb @ Gwen lives Well

I hope some of my Brightside were also some of yours! Have a beautiful weekend. OX, D’Arcy

Mother’s Day Gift Giving Guide

Call your Mom… That’s what she really wants.

Mother’s Day is this Sunday, which means it’s prime time to shop online for a gift and still time for it to arrive on time. Shopping for my mom is honestly one of my favorite things to do because even though it can be a little tricky (doesn’t it seem like moms already have everything?!), I love being able to have a day to celebrate her, give her a thoughtful gift and thank her for everything she’s done for her family. She’s seriously the best –I love you, Mom!!

I also have to call out a few of my gift ideas below because although they’re all great options, I do have a few that are indeed my favorite. I asked for these earrings by Kendra Scott to go with the ring I purchase at Valentine’s Day. Also, this mask is perfect for any mama needing a moment of self-care and seriously beautiful skin! This Candle is one I had been wanting. My hubby surprised me with one a week ago or so as a just because gift… Seriously so good, I can’t stop burning.

I hope you find one of my favorite things for your mom and maybe grab something for yourself. I know you’ll both be happy. Happy early Mother’s Day to all the mamas out there!! You’re all fantastic and deserve the love!

1. Uncommon James Candle= Nashville citrus is one amazing scent and burns over 300 hours. Shop HERE

2. Earrings= Uncommon James earrings, I love a hoop, and this is a fun take on a hoop. Shop HERE

3. Kimono= What mom wouldn’t love this kimono to finish off an outfit or to wear over a swimsuit. Shop HERE

4. Lollia Perfum set= A great way to experience the variety of Lollia’s beautiful scents. Shop HERE

5. Fresh flower Bouquet= What mom wouldn’t love a sweet, beautiful Bouquet. Shop HERE

6. Love bracelet= A perfect way to show mom how much you love her. Shop HERE

7. Fun sipper cup= If your mom is like me, she can’t resist a cute travel cup or sitting poolside. Shop HERE

8. Co2 Lift face mask= A medical Spa facial without the downtime, seriously the best results. Shop HERE

9. Capri Blue candle= Volcano scent has been a best seller for years. Number one when I had my boutiques. Shop HERE

1. InvisiCrepe Body balm= This balm seriously gives excellent results for crepe skin. Shop HERE

2. Kendra Scott earrings= A classic Kendra Scott earring that she’ll wear all Summer long. Shop HERE

3. Lounge set= Tiedye is all the rage, and this lounge set won’t disappoint. Shop HERE

4. Peepers Glasses=The best reading glasses that your mom can’t live without. Shop HERE

5. City Beauty Matte Lip= You know this is my favorite lip stain, and it will be your mom’s too. Shop HERE

6. Organizing Book = With Stay at Home, Moms have been organizing like crazy, and she’ll love this Book! Shop HERE

7. Summer Bag=, A bag mom, will use all Summer long and affordable. Shop HERE

8. Nuface= A beauty tool every woman should own. It helps fine lines and tones skin. Shop HERE

9. Slippers= Cozy and chic, these cute slippers are a must for moms. Shop HERE

Ben’s Heavenly Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Ben’s Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo! “This is so good it’s dangerous:)” say’s my mom. Thank goodness it’s so filling you can’t eat a full bowl…. Unless you’re a Vandenberg boy! 🙂

Bens Alfredo

For a serving of 4

1 cube of real Butter

1 heaping tablespoon garlic

1 Pint Heavy whipping cream

1 cup Asiago shredded cheese

1 cup shredded Romano

1/2 cup Parmesan

Salt & pepper to taste

Melt butter in sauté pan when melted, add garlic, then cream, bring to a slow boil then start to add 1 cup of cheese at a time, first Asiago, the Romano lastly Parmesan cheese, and it gets to thick you can add a little more cream. Salt ad pepper to taste.

1 box Fettuccine noodles cooked per box direction

Dish up and serve with Asparagus or a salad and garlic bread. My garlic bread recipe is coming to the blog soon, it is on my Instagram in the highlights.

From our home to yours, Ben’s Heavenly Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo, You’ve been asking for it, and it’s finally made it to the blog. Rich, and creamy Alfredo, made with the best ingredients. Real Butter, heavy whipping cream, and tasty cheeses. Ben Started making this dish for me when we started dating. He learned how to make it from a friend, his family-owned, an Italian restaurant in Del Mar California that was known for making the Best fettuccine. Ben then started playing with the recipe and found this combination is the winner. This dish is decadent, rich, and oh so good. It’s a BIG request at our home, and if we have family in town, they request it as well.

With Quarantine in place, I know you have all been cooking way more than you usually do, I know I have. Hopefully, this will be a fun new recipe for you to try and maybe a little something different that can become a family favorite at your home. Quarantine has been the perfect time to share some of my favorite recipes with you, and I still have a couple more of your request to post. I promise I’ll get them up in the coming weeks even though it looks like we’re going to be getting relief from our kitchens as we start to see part of the country opening up if you’re like me you’ll still like to cook for your family just not as much. I sure am looking forward to a break.

Please let me know if you plan on trying this recipe below or if you do make this recipe, please come back and let me know how your family liked it.

Love this recipe? Try our oldest sons Bucca de Beppo’s copy of Spicy rigatoni Here.

Mother’s Day is less than two week’s away, and I’ve been sharing gift idea’s over at my LIKE TO KNOW IT, Here

Stay tuned for a Mother’s Day post next week. Have a beautiful day! OX, D’Arcy

3 Easy Soup recipes and 1 Hearty Comfort Recipe

3 Easy Soups and 1 Hearty Comfort Recipe

Our Family favorites. You guys asked on Instagram for me to share these Soup recipes with you. I love sharing things that our family enjoys, and that brings us comfort. Thank you for being a part of my following and caring for me to share a part of our family favorites soup recipes.

Food is just some of the things that are helping our family get through these emotional times. With STAY AT HOME in place cooking, I am sure that every meal has been a consistent thing in our home and yours. So I can help by sharing a few of my personnel recipes that my family enjoys and brings some comfort. Mealtime has always been important to our family and now more than ever. So hoping you want our favorite go-to soups, let me know below if you try one of the soup recipes. Even better, these are easy Crockpot soups, with items you probably have on hand to make a delicious dinner your family will love.

Easy to make Hearty Vegetable soup! I love you can use any veggies you have on hand with this soup.

Easy veggie soup Recipe
One box of chicken broth
One can of tomato sauce
1 cup of water
2 Lg potatoes
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped carrots
Two chopped tomatoes
1/2 cup corn
1/2 cup peas
One tablespoon seasoning salt
Two teaspoon onion powder
Two teaspoons salt & pepper
One tablespoon real butter
One tablespoon chicken garlic Bouillon

Place all in a crockpot on low Stir occasionally. I prepare in the morning, and it’s ready for dinner when we get home. Serve with warm rolls or a grilled sandwich.

(You can use whatever veggies you have on hand.) Green beans, broccoli, spinach, asparagus, etc. Make it a Minestrone by adding a kidney bean and a small noodle.

Homemade Cheesy Potato Soup! One of My boy’s favorite soups.

Homemade Cheesy Potato Soup! One of My boy’s favorite soups. I served with Homemade rolls or Rhodes rolls.

Cheesy Potato soup Recipe

Three cans of chicken broth

One can milk ( I use chicken broth can) I use a little more if it looks like it needs a little more liquid

Five large potatoes chopped

One can of cheese soup

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 1/2 cup shredded cheese

1 1/2 cup chopped carrots

1 cup of chopped onions

1 cup of chopped celery

1/2 cup green onion (can add more as garnish)

One tablespoon Pepper (or to your taste), my family likes heat!

One tablespoon no-salt seasoning salt,

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons of dried chopped onion

1 Tablespoon minced garlic

1/2 of Wondra quick-mixing flour (save until you emulsified)

Throw all in a crockpot on High for 3-4 hours, then emulsify with a mixer, emulsifier, or meat chopper! ( I keep it pretty chunky, so I use the pampered chef meat chopper)

Add flour (important to use Wondra). It thickens without clumping! Then turn on low and let simmer another hour or until dinner time.

Garnish with more cheese and green onion, some like a dollop of sour cream! Salt and pepper again to taste:) Ps: It’s so good the next day, you’ll need to add a touch more milk to thin it out before heating up.

Homemade Cheesy Potato Soup!

Easy to make Chicken pot pie. Comfort in a bowl so easy to make

You’ll put this yummy soup on your go-to list.

Easy chicken pot pie

2 14.5oz chicken broth

2 cups shredded Chicken

12oz peas & carrots (frozen)

1cup of chopped onions

1 cup of chopped celery

2 cup milk

1 Tablespoon onion salt

1 1/2 tablespoon salt seasoning

Salt & pepper

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup flour (for thickening)

Salt & pepper to taste

1/2 cube of butter

Two cans of buttermilk can biscuits

Optional one pie crust shell

Throw all in a crockpot on High for 3-4 hours or longer (except the biscuits & flour). Stir every so often. After an hour or so, whisk in flour to thicken (if you need more flour, add). You want it to have a gravy-like texture. Place mixture in a casserole dish (buttered or sprayed) or pie crust shell. Top with the biscuits placed tightly together. Cook in the oven at 350 until biscuits are golden brown. Depending on the size of your casserole dish, you could have enough for two dishes. (one for a neighbor)

Tip: I like to double my recipe and make four and freeze the extra pies. When I make double batches, I make traditional pies with pie crust bottoms and tops; a great recipe HERE or a quick cheat is buying a pre-made one.

Tip; When making freeze, let completely cool, wrap well in foil, and then place in freezer bags, marked and dated. When cooking, take out defrost cover top in foil cook at 350 for 35-45 min and uncover for about 10 min or until crust is golden.

Add in and Alternative: You Can add 3-4 potatoes chopped. I often do this, and the boys love it!

I have also used pie crust and puffed pastry topping for variation, depending on how much time I have! The above recipe is excellent if you want to let it simmer all day and need to have a yummy fast meal when arriving home.

The pie crust and puff pastry topping make for a delicious alternative!

Homemade Chicken noodle soup. Hearty and full of flavor, this easy crockpot soup is always a home run.

Easy One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

2 14.5oz chicken broth

2 cups shredded Chicken

12oz peas & carrots (frozen)

1 cup finely chopped onion

1 cup finely chopped celery

2 cups of water

1 Tablespoon onion salt

1 1/2tablespoon salted seasoning

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 chicken bouillon cube

Salt & pepper to taste

1 tablespoon dill

2 handfuls noodles I like Country pasta (large bag at Costco)

I place all in my crockpot except for the noodles. And let simmer on low all day about 30 min before serving. I’ll add the noodles. This soup is a rustic recipe I created years ago, and my family loves it! I’ve even substituted out some of the veggies for others I happen to have on hand. The Dill is the secret ingredient to this soup and truly makes it!

I hope you enjoy some of my family’s favorite go-to dishes. Would you please leave a comment below and let me know which one you’re trying?

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 😜💪🏻
.
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

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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.

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