lifestyle Archives - Page 25 of 26

Bar Cart Friday….Vaction Ready & A Sparkly Coconut Lime Cocoktail

Happy Friday Beautiful’s! A great time to share with you My Bar Cart = “Vacation Ready” and one of my Favorite Cocktail’s, Sparkly Coconut lime cocktail! A Super easy Cocktail recipe perfect for Summer entertaining!

I love a fun Bar cart Styling, Just the perfect little space to “play” with pretty things! Here I did a Summer theme, Pineapples, sunhat and sunglasses make this festive for a warm sunny day! Perfect to enjoy a cocktail….. Here’s one of my creations you’ll enjoy on any Sunny day!

Sparkly Coconut lime

You’ll need :

1 glass, Ice, Bai bubbles in coconut lime, coconut water or Pellegrino, Malibu Rum or Vodka, 1 lime:

Fill glass with Ice, 1 shot of Vodka or Rum, Equal parts 1/2 Bai ,1/2 Coconut water or Pellegrino twist of lime and stir garnish with lime

With this basic drink you can get creative and add Watermelon, or any Berry fruit and it taste delish! Enjoy Your Friday! OX, D’Arcy

Junior League Gala….(Decorator Chair)

My outfit and accessories

A couple of pictures of mt hubby and I…

Junior league Member’s that could attend…We have 80 member’s

The center pieces for 30 Tables

The entry into the venue ….Is in the details, You should have seen the face of the venue manager as I was pouring sand! (I promise we cleaned it All up!) The glow of the lanterns walking up and the detail of sand just set the tone.

A little facebook message from our President, after the Gala! I was excited she loved how it turned out!

Another Junior League Gala in the Books…If you just starting reading or following me, I have been in the Junior League of Ogden for 3 years and the last 2 I have been Decorating Chair for the Gala. The Gala is our biggest fundraiser of the year needless to say it a big event! If you haven’t heard of the Junior League, in a quick response… it’s a wonderful organization across the country that helps empower woman through charitable work in your community. I love being part of such a wonderful organization that really GIVE’s back while building friendships. This year’s theme was LOBSTER UP… (there is a whole story behind it) The President each year picks a theme, which is normally something they feel strong about and sets the tone for the year! This theme set the tone HUGE for this years Gala (a Night in white at the Cape) A Fancy way to have a Nautical Themed GALA!

A big challenge in many way’s… You don’t want it to be decorated to casual (it’s a Gala) The budget is close to 0 and it’s a party for 300. Beach party wasn’t the goal it’s not a Luau or birthday party. So my goal was to feel like a dinner party at a house on the cape, on a summer night. Knowing we asked guest to wear white ( we knew we would get casual white to fancy white attire) I didn’t want it to feel like a casual Beach party. SO sticking with white linens Layered with Natural colored Burlap and fish net. Then accents of gold, natural’s and blue & green sea glass. Helped give it the feel of the Sea without the Bright primary’s of Beach balls. Another challenge was we don’t live near the beach so finding objects to barrow was basically another 0… SO I did a lot of DIY projects! The center pieces were bottles & jars I have been collected for years (knowing I would need one day!) 93 bottles total, 30 of which were wine bottles a fellow member had saved. I will share my DIY project with you at another time… I think they turned out Darling for 30 centerpieces on a major budget!

I have told you guy’s I love to collect item’s ( I am not a hoarder..HAHA) I love to entertain so I have a pretty big collection of items for party’s…. I really didn’t own much for this type of party…But I did have Longaberger Basket’s, Vintage Ice chest, Vintage Ironing board, Adirondack chair’s , Vintage coke crate and bottle’s, succulents, white flower pots, A big Boat book shelf and some outdoor lanterns, fire pit, 2 wooden pallets, Burlap and Burlap table clothes. 30 table frames (TIP: look to see what you could use to help with the theme even if it doesn’t scream the theme!) This really helped fill in a lot of area’s at the venue. Then I only had to purchase some key Item’s to really help tie it ALL together. SEE it does help to collect!

Items I did purchase: At Homegood, TjMax, Michael’s, Amazon, Lowe’s….

Fishnet, shells, sea glass, pebbles, white flowers, anchor, nautical flags, nautical flag banners (4), rope… lots of rope, 2 posters & frames, rope knots, fishing bobs, Lobster pillow and beach towel, 30 big battery Candles and 50 votive candles, Ribbon, Strands of lights, Taffy for Party favors!

Donated or loaned: White linens from Model linens & Large tropical plants J&J nursery …..

Above I showed groupings that I placed through out the Venue to have a pop of THE CAPE everywhere you looked. Have any questions or need tips on planning a party with what you have on hand? Leave a comment I will be happy to help

My love of entertaining and decorating is how I can give my time and give back. This is how I use my talents to help others. Being able to Do something I love helps this charity raise money to give back to the community. We ALL have a talent or a gift that we can use to GIVE BACK…I Hope I inspired you to use your talent’s & time in a way that can help others. OX, D’Arcy

Subscription Box Craze!

Monthly Subscription boxes: March deliveries…

Ipsy= A $10 a month subscription box with Make up/cosmetic sample’s and a cute little Bag…. Check it out Here …. I loved this month’s bag and loved everything in it! Normally I like 1 or 2 things and most of the bags I save for little gifts, along with the samples I don’t want. This Months Bag will make it into my purse or use as a little clutch. This box is more Make up driven normally! check it out Here & GET A FREE MAC LIP Stick .Ipsy Coupon – Free MAC Lipstick Sampler With Your First Month of Ipsy!

BirchBox= $10 a month Cosmetic and make up sample box…This Box gives you more samples and no bag, but honestly they give you popular items I was wanting to try and more skin & hair driven! I personal like getting more Skin and Hair sample’s verses make-up. Check it out here.. BirchBox

Rocksbox $25 a month, this is a BARROW for as long as you want monthly Jewelry box… So basically they send 3 pieces off your WISH list and you wear until your tired of them or if YOU must have forever you purchase them…You send back in a prepaid envelope and then they send you another set! This Box is great if you get bored with your jewelry, want to try out the latest trends or simply don’t buy a lot of jewelry. You can try out without being committed! I have really enjoyed getting this monthly box…and you can FREEZE it, if your needing a break. Try it here For FREE for 1 month www.rocksbox.com referral Code darcybff18 I think you’ll really love it!

Honest co. This was a Free not FREE trial kit for $5.95 shipping to try there product…Then you get auto signed up for a Honest essential bundle for $35.95 a month that comes with 5 FULL sized products. Unless you cancelled in 7 days from time received….The products were travel sized and smelled good, it’s great there’s no harmful chemicals …But really nothing Wowed me..I cancelled! can check it out here Honest.com

BootayBag=$12 a month for two pairs of pretty lace panties. You pick what kind cheeky or thong or mix, your size (and true size) They surprise you with the style and colors! I love pretty panties and I am picky about comfort and fabric! I have loved every pair, great value $5 a pair if you think $1 each for shipping and I love they give $1 to Melanoma foundation if you post a picture. Check it out Here Bootay Bag

Chic StyleBox= $21.99 a month for $30-45 worth of fashion accessories & Beauty & lifestyle treats…This box changes with the season and it’s a fun surprise to see what the theme is. You can keep items you like or give as gifts. I love having Items on hand I can make a great gift up for a quick (oh…It’s your Birthday let’s go to lunch!) I think this box is a great value, shipping is included! check it out Here Chic Stylebox

Boxes I get but not on a Monthly basis are as follows:

Hello Fresh…Meals to prepare shipped right to your door! I get the Family 3 meals every other month or so and is super yummy, healthy and easy to prepare (My boys can do it) Try it Here for 50% off your first month Hello Fresh

Grove Collaborative…This is a Great natural Home cleaning supply company has wonderful products I love and healthy to use for our home! I love the smells! I get this every couple of months just as I am running out of cleaning supplies! Easy 1 less thing I have to remember at the store!! check it out Here Grove

Just Fab….This is a monthly shoe club $39.99 but you can skip whenever you want, so I get maybe 2 times a year! check it out here Just Fab right Now there having 20% 0ff first month!

Fabletics…. A monthly workout outfit from $49-69 for 2-3 pieces in a fun selection just for you! You can also skip any month, so I get about 3-4 outfits a year! Great Quality and fit! Check out here Fabletics

Fun fit Fab...This is a 4 Times a year seasonal Box for $49.99 each and you get $200 worth of product! It is full size product and and assortment of Hot products, Trendy gifts, a touch of fashion or life style really fun surprise box! Check it out here FUNFITFAB get 10% off right Now and its shipping this month!

I guess you could Call me A subscription box Junkie! I love Happy mail, I love to try new things, it’s easy shopping and I alway’s have a gift on hand! It’s a great way to see what’s NEW and what’s on trend without always having to research or head to a ton of stores. Most Subscription boxes are a great value for what your getting. What I really love is Most All of these business where started as a small business and built up! Most have a great cause behind them or wonderful charity! I love supporting companies that give back or are a small Family business. If you haven’t tried a monthly Subscription or a Home delivery you really should it’s quite delightful! OX, D’Arcy

I am in NO way sponsored by any of these companies and these are my personal opinions!

Sun Valley Idaho, Family Ski Trip!

Family getaway!

Just a peak into what’s in My Suitcase for a ski Trip! Black North face jacket here, Ralph Lauren ski pants sold out, Miss ski patrol thermal shirt old, Victoria secrets sports bra here, black leggings here and fun ski sock!

Dollar Mnt. Is my youngest son’s Favorite ski Park in Sun Valley ,While the Big boy’s like to go Ski at Sun Valley, so we go to both. Here we’re skiing Dollar but the Big boy’s skied the main part of the day at Sun Valley then Joined us!

The details in the lodges at both resorts are simple stunning….Here’s a sample of just the smallest detail, a sun in the handles in the bathroom!!!

Just chilling watching my boys in the park! That’s one of the things that’s nice about this resort is you can sit on the patio and see the kids! This was the Day we arrived the boys just wanted to hit the slopes! I knew I had plenty of day’s to do that!

Sunday Morning coffee , Fire and Stuffed croissants! A peaceful morning while the boys all slept!

Saturday was our son’s 14th Birthday! Our Family tradition is to Wake up to treats and presents…and of course I had to bring a touch of birthday celebration with us! We Come to Sun Valley around this time every year and it’s one of his favorite trips!

Taking some Runs with the Birthday boy!

The lodge at Sun Valley Idaho….Sinclair Oil does everything with Class! They own both of the resorts in Sun Valley and Snow Basin in Utah. From Beautiful chandelier’s to cozy sitting area’s to Fabulous food. You could just sit and enjoy the comfort while people watching!

Stunning views from the gondola! Sneaking a run with my cute hubby!

Beautiful pit stop at the historic Round House for a drink and a little break! These are some very long runs we’re pooped! My girlfriend and her daughter joined us on this trip and it was so fun having some girl’s around! (please don’t mind my helmet hair!)

This is a peek at the inside of this cool historic Round House sitting in the middle of the slopes at Sun Valley. Inside and outside 5 star dinning. (also Open at night for dinner while viewing the stars!)

Sun Valley has a ton of Fabulous restaurants and bars! We loved the Cellar so much we ate there twice! Smoky Mountain Pizzeria grill was our son’s Birthday dinner pick! (we go here every year!) Some other Favorite’s are The Pioneer Saloon( No kids allowed), The Sawtooth Club, The Bigwood Bread cafe (this is one of my favorite Breakfast or mid afternoon coffee and sweet treat places) Below I featured Kneadery which is a great county type Breakfast! One of my hubby’s favorite stops is Konitorei in the Village at Sun Valley resort serving European coffee & desserts!

The town is so cute and has a ton of Fun Gift & Clothing shop’s we enjoy browsing and shopping in! Sharon and I spent way to much money! LOL!

Even the Starbucks is eye candy! Every wall is covered in logs and vintage photo’s!

The Kneadery is Open for Breakfast and lunch only! A perfect stop on the way out of town! Everyone enjoyed their breakfast and was full for the 4 hour drive home!

Ok… so I know your asking WHY did you go on a ski vacation…. When you live in a ski town? ….. Well we really don’t live in a REAL ski town! We have 3 cool Ski resorts and a lake, tons of hiking and its strikingly beautiful … But we don’t have a village, a tons of restaurants or a night life and most of ALL the break my hubby needs from RACE course Setting & TEAM coaching…His office is the slopes 6 months out of the year! The different terrain is refreshing and it’s one of our favorite ski towns! (Not to mention our Ski passes work in Sun Valley! How cool is that!!)

I hope you enjoyed a little peek into our family’s getaway and maybe you might want to check out Sun Valley the next time you want to go on a Ski vacation!

Now off to plan a BEACH vacation…it’s been one long Winter! OX, D’Arcy

Easter Basket’s for the Men in your life!

This Tuesday’s Tip is how to Create Fun Easter Basket’s for The MEN in your Life! Creative and Fun items your Men will love! Your Hubby, College age Boy and Teen age Boy will love all these yummy and useful treats! ( Not to mention I have a Giveaway In this post) I’ve created an easy shopping board Here

Want to Win A Jord Gift certificate?

ENTER HERE: https://www.jordwatches.com/g/deardarcy Just for entering you get a $25.00 gift code! The winner will receive a $100 e-gift code to our site! All other entrants will receive a $25 consolation e-gift code at the close of the contest.

A FREE WATCH IS NOT PART OF THE CONTEST! Contest ends at 11:59 CST 4/16/17 and both gift codes expire 06/18/17

Do you have A hard time trying to figure out what to put in your Hubby’s and Boy’s Easter basket’s as they get older? When they were little (the kids) it’s easier to find fun treats to fill up the baskets that’s NOT ALL candy! As they have gotten older it get’s harder…and I found way’s that have made it easier.

I like to go with a theme..In years past I have done Spring break items, bathing suit,towel,sun screen, and a couple of treats they love. I have done sports theme, gaming theme etc. I found a theme helps keep me organized and not to go totally over board! (those baskets are only so big!) This year I decided to go with a small color theme and their FAVORITE snacks! My Boy’s really don’t love candy but they love chocolate and they really like snack foods…Heres for easy shopping…all your needs in one place. HERE

Here’s how I started….I went to Old Navy and picked each Boy out a tee shirt and matching boxers, then I went to Target, world market & TJ Maxx to looked for some gum and little treats that matched their tee’s. ( I didn’t go crazy on the Matching color theme, Although it would be really cute to do All 1 color!) I really wanted to concentrate on getting some of their favorite snacks. As each one likes different snack foods I thought this would be fun and practical! My boy’s will appreciate all their favorite snacks and a couple of new one’s to try!

The Hubby…Do you do a basket for your hubby? It’s been a tradition of mine since we dated! My hubby doesn’t buy much for himself and He loves treats plus he snacks all day long so it was always really easy to buy him his favorite treats and put in a basket! This was my inspiration for my boy’s Basket’s this year! FAVORITE snacks… This year My hubby is getting a extra Treat’s a JORD’S watch Shop All Men’s watch’s =https://www.jordwatches.com/shop/men/#deardarcy To shop my Hubby’s watch= https://www.jordwatches.com/series/frankie/dark-sandalwood-and-emerald/#deardarcy

Some of the Fun snack’s my Boys and Hubby enjoy:

Starbucks drinks and Gift card, Kind bars, trail mix, sea salt dark chocolate bars, Reese’s peanut butter bar, Billy goat BBq chips, edamame, dried Mango’s, Organic peanut butter cups, whoppers, goldfish, Joe’s coffee, Amsterdam cookies, gum!

Non Food Items, Bath balms, Vaseline, tee shirt, boxers, Shower gel, deodorant,Starbucks card! (you could do any Gift card mine would love In & out)

For those of you without a lot of time a created a very easy shopping board on Amazon, everything you need to create a fab basket for the men in your life. HERE

Hope I helped you figure out some fun Easter Basket Ideas for the Men in your life! OX D’Arcy

Watches Made From Woo

Friday Date night !

Happy Friday Pretty Ladies!

Today I am doing a quick and easy outfit for date night or even lunch with the Girl’s!

This easy to wear mix pattern jersey dress is $39.99 at Chic Style clothing Boutique! paired with A kut from the kloth Denim jacket! Fun jewelry Also from Chic Style but only available in shop! Blush lace up booties similar here Pink bag by Gigi New York.

I call this easy because its a dress which then you only have to figure out accessories! This makes for a quick & cute outfit you can throw together fast specially if your running late from work!

I hope you have fun plans Tonight! Enjoy your Friday! OX D’Arcy

Adding Spring Touches To your Home

After our long Winter I am so Happy to be adding Some touches of Spring to Our home! I really Used what I had on hand and what I have been collecting over the years! I will be adding more as we get closer to Easter and there is a couple things I have in mind I would like to purchase! I just wanted to show you a couple Tricks you can do buy moving things around and adding Spring colors to make a fun Spring Vignette & Spring tablescape!

Here I took down our Black Mirror and changed it to a gold one I had in my bedroom! I think gold helps reflect the light and the shine reminds me of sunshine!(which I desperately need!) Add fresh flowers in a fun pop of color! Tip: See what fun color of accessories you might have lying around or in another room and match your fresh flowers to those! This really helps to tie items together. I knew I had Coral pink Hunter boots & some books and A candle I knew I could Play with! (I did pick up the gold Home a couple weeks ago from the Target $3-5 bin) Really I didn’t know what I was gonna do with it. I just liked it 🙂

In our Dinning room I pulled out My Great Nana’s depression glass that my mom gave to me last year knowing I love to entertain and am always playing with tablescapes! I love that there pink and that its a family heirloom! Again I made sure my fresh flowers went with what I own and was going to be using. Tip: Costco has the BEST flowers at a great price and they last a long time, sometimes you can stretch out some of them for 2 weeks! I treat myself to Fresh Blooms every week, It’s one of those things that just makes me smile and fills our home with loving touches! Mixing my collection of Mercury glass votive’s and vases matched this cute bunny I bought a Homegoods a couple years ago! Tip: when your purchasing Seasonal items Don’t just buy it because its cute… purchase items that go with collections you own already (everyday collections) this really helps when you go to decorate for a season you have things that go together with ease.

I didn’t have Napkins on hand that went with my theme…but I had left over burlap from when I reupholstered our dinning room chairs! So I cut 8 squares and rolled a paper napkin in the center. The bunny ear Napkin Rings Target $5 bin for 4! Score! This silverware We got for our wedding 21 years ago and I love that the gold touch is so” IN “! Sad I have Gold chargers that would be so perfect….but our Main kitchen is under construction and they’re packed up so good that I just couldn’t get to them! I am still looking so when I find…and I will! I’ll share a pic! When I finished setting the table I did decide I would like egg cups…so I am on a mission! Always a work in progress…..

Lastly….Added some Outdoors indoors… I grabbed a couple of my outdoor planters and planted some spring plants…Ill have them inside until its safe to put outdoors! (if you live where it could snow until Mother’s day you understand!) I love having the color and greenery makes me forget we have snow on the lawn!

My Favorite Spring cleaning tools and products HERE plus some of my favorite home decor for Spring HERE on my Amazon shops!

Hope you enjoyed a peek into our home and grabbed a couple tips to try! OX D’Arcy

Anniversary or Bridal Shower ready !

Bring on the Romance!

We’re Celebrating Our Anniversary this weekend and I wanted to share with you some fun Gift Ideas for a Anniversary or a Bridal shower. This would also be perfect for a Wedding night.

The Robe/Kimono and romper are from Victoria Secrets. I love the soft color of light blush and the lace detail on the Kimono, this could also be worn with jeans and a tank to go out it. I love things you can get multi use out of. Romper’s are all the rage in and out of the bed room! I love the playfulness of a romper, the color of soft pink is just one of my favorite’s. The robe was $79.99 and the Romper $45.00

I am in love with Prosecco by Lamarca, $12-17 a bottle. It’s a yummy sparkling wine with the fun feel of champagne! ( I do not love Champagne but I love the Idea of champagne!) Pop open a bottle and add some fresh berries and a splash of your favorite juice! YUM!

Statement earring are making a huge come back for Spring and these beauties got me from JCrew $79.00 Makes for a beautiful Bridal gift. I love wearing pretty jewelry for a special night even if it’s with lingerie.

My Hubby and I are celebrating 21 years on February 25th and I truly feel blessed to have found my match for life. I adore the man I married and he still makes my heart flutter. When I saw these Dish towels it wasn’t even a thought…they flew into my cart $7.99 at HomeGoods. The hubby & wifey glasses $3.99 each TGmax (both would make a cute bridal shower gift)

I hope you can add some romance to your life…Even if it’s just in the decor! OX D’Arcy

The face vase is (celfie Vase) from High Fashion Home $6.99-14.99 Yes… it’s spelled Celfie….

The white faux fur throw/rug HomeGoods $89

Quick Berry Shortcake Dessert

Quick Berry Shortcake for My Tuesday Tip

Now that Strawberries are in season I decide to share with you my Quick and easy Berry Shortcake recipe. I am a big fan of turning out pretty things but Quick! (the Libra in me) Here’s my short cut trick and the items you’ll need….

Make’s 4 plates

Angel food cakes 4 pack (I like the little bunt cakes) This is my Quick trick… taste yummy and store bought!

2 cups cut up Strawberries

1/2 cup raspberries (plus 8 for garnish)

1/2 blackberries (plus 8 for garnish)

3/4 cup sugar

4 scoops of vanilla bean Ice cream (we like Haagen-Dazs)

Whip cream for garnishing top

bowl, Masher,measuring cups, Knife, cutting block, plates

First you’ll want to cut up strawberries, place in bowl, add berries (leaving out ones for garnish) add sugar and Mash…just enough to get juice but still have small pieces of berries. Now add angel food cake to plate, pour 1/4 of berries over top of each, add a scoop of Ice cream and berries for garnish and top with whip cream. Can add a sprig of mint and a dash of powdered sugar if wish! Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy one of my families favorite Quick desserts!

ox, D’Arcy

Celebrating The month of Love

I love the Month of February!

A month full of love… My hubby’s Birthday, Valentine’s day and Our Anniversary ! Plus a month full of everything Red & pink! I thought I would share some of the Outfits, Nails and treats I loved for the month. Hoping to give you inspiration and to find love in the little things. Happy Valentine’s Day! Love, D’Arcy

Did you Get your CAKE & eat it too? I did! My favorite red velvet cupcake from Lovee’s cakes in South Ogden was sitting on my nightstand this morning.

Today’s Valentine outfit… lip sweater by The Classic (old), Black wax skinny jean by Yummy jean, Stripped shoes by Sam Edelman, bar (believe) necklace $8.99 at Chic Style, ox ring (dear Lizzy)

Valentine’s outfits I styled for Fox 13 (the Place) All available @ Chic Style Clothing Boutique.

A couple of my favorite things….Miette Pastry Shop in San Francisco’s recipe book, Whisk= Anthropology , pink bowl= Dear lizzy, Valentine’s tickets=my personal scrapbooking stash

Chocolate covered Rice crispy treats

First part of February Red nails w/ gold heart

2nd Manicure for the Month of love….pink ombre’ with Rose gold glitter!

My hubby and I at the Chic Utah blogger’s night in white.

I am obsessed with Fresh flowers…My indulgence I get weekly Blooms and Red & white seemed to call me!

The choker top is a big look this season and I think perfect for a Date night & Valentines day. ( chic Style)

Casual Valentine outfit (perfect for helping out at school) Available @ Chic Style

Valentine outfit inspiration number 4…I love this hot pink Cardigan (old) paired with this trendy eyelash & lips tee, leather pants Kut from kloth=chic Style, Necklace Zenzii=Chic Style, watch= Michael Kors, Vase= High Home fashion

darcyvandenberg