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Dear D'Arcy

By D'Arcy Vandenberg


2 Summer Cocktails perfect for 4th of July

2 Summer Cocktails perfect for 4th of July

2 Summer Cocktails perfect for 4th of July

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

4th of July Berry Sparkler Cocktail

2 Summer Cocktails perfect for 4th of July

2 Summer Cocktails perfect for 4th of July

2 Summer Cocktails perfect for 4th of July

 

4th of July Berry Sparkler Cocktail

You’ll Need:

Vodka ( We like Grey Goose)

Berry Sparkling Water (I used Waterloo Summer Berry) HERE

Seattle Cider ( I used Berry Rose)

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

Ice 

Strawberries and Blue Berries

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

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

2 Summer Cocktails perfect for 4th of July

Watermelon Mojito

You’ll Need:

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

Rum ( your favorite)

Mojito Mix 

Lime Sparkling water ( We like La Croix )

Mint

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

lime

Ice

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

2 Summer Cocktails perfect for 4th of July

2 Summer Cocktails perfect for 4th of July

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

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

You might also enjoy:

Pom Cocktail 

Perfect Moscow Mule

This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own. I only promote brands that I truly love and believe in! Thank you for the support! 

2 Comments

10 Summer Favorites to Kick off Summer

10 Summer Favorites to Kick off Summer🌴☀️🌊

  1. My Favorite SHORTS right NOW… I could wear it every day… so comfortable and easy to style in multiple ways. ( Not ashamed to say I wore them 3 times last week)  Purchased at Evereve  HERE 10 SUMMER FAVORITES TO KICK OFF SUMMER
  2. TULA Sunscreen is NEW this year, and I love I can use it on Face and Body. It’s not greasy and won’t clog pores.  Grab yourself one HERE
  3. I love BEACH BAG season… Let me tell you. You could never have too many😂  HERE are a few of the Favorites I own below. 👇🏻                                                                                                                                                   
                              10 Summer Favorites to Kick off Summer Here are several cute ones under $30. Some as low as $12     Shop the Post.                                            
  4. You know I am a HAT girl, and these are the ones I purchased this year. Each one provides great protection for your face and looks great with All your Suits & Summer outfits.                                                               
  5. SUN TEA is no secret. I am a BIG Ice Tea drinker, Nothing better on the Hot days of Summer than to cool off with a Tall glass of SUN TEA. How I make mine: 4 -5 Lipton tea bags, a glass jar (I have a large Ball Jar HERE) fill with warm water, add bags, and set out in the sun in the mornings. By afternoon it’s the perfect Dark color I love… Grab a tall glass, add ice & pour.  ( you can add mint or lemon 🍋)
  6. A good BOOK– I have a few on my reading list this Summer. Below is a couple I can’t wait to read.                     
  7. CHIPS, SALSA, and GUACAMOLE… I could eat it every day in the SuMMeR!  My easy  Recipes HERE
  8. WATERMELON and YES I salt mine…. Yum yum yum

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

      9. SUN DRESSES Summer dress styles are easy to wear, lightweight, easy to pack, and super easy to style. (Below is one I’ve been wearing on repeat) Shop it HERE. 10 SUMMER FAVORITES TO KICK OFF SUMMER

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

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

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

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

Cindy= LuLuloves7

Lisa’s= Coast2coast

Michelle= Poised Petite 

 

You might also like:

10 Summer Favorites I can’t live without

Greek Salad 

Homemade Salsa

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! 

6 Comments

Easy Homemade Pico De Gallo and Guacamole

Easy Homemade Pico De Gallo and Guacamole

I love sharing my family’s favorite recipes with you. Hoping you enjoy trying them as well. I share “In the Kitchen with D’Arcy “on Instagram on Sundays, sharing recipes, food tips, and Recipes I may not share here. I also share Cooking videos and entertaining ideas. Find them HERE. I often share live videos of my cooking everyday meals and what I eat daily in my Instagram stories if you like getting new ideas. I saved them in Highlight Tabs HERE HERE HERE if you miss them. Happy Cooking! 

 

Easy Homemade Pico De Gallo and Guacamole

Easy Homemade Pico De Gallo and Guacamole

Homemade Pico De Gallo and Guacamole served with Flautas, chips, and shredded cheese.

Pico De Gallo and Guacamole are made from scratch, so easy you can whip them up in minutes. I think Your family will love it as much as mine. (if they love Mexican food and enjoy a tasty snack) It is a great snack with chips and perfect toppings or sides, along with Mexican dishes. This is requested in our home at least once a week. This is always a hit at parties (I double or triple the batch). Enjoy!

Homemade Pico d Gallo

4 Tomatoes chopped 

1 Onion chopped

1 or 2 Jalapeños ( depending on the heat you like)

1/2 bushel cilantro chopped

One lime ( juice of)

Add all ingredients, stir well, and enjoy… with your favorite chip.

We like THESE

 

Guacamole

Three ripe avocados chopped/mashed

Two large scoops of my Pico DeGallo above ( more if you want)

Salt and pepper to taste

One teaspoon garlic salt

Mix all together and serve with your favorite chip, on sourdough toast with an egg and tomatoes, or with a veggie tray.

Do you want a slightly different taste and yummy food? Add one tablespoon of Everything Bagel seasoning or this seasoning. 

Do you need fun serving pieces? Here are a few I love and use to serve my Chips, pico de gallo, and Guacamole!

 

Thank you for stopping by.

Let me know if you try Recipe; I would love to hear from you in the comments below. Thank you for stopping by and reading. Easy Homemade Pico De Gallo and Guacamole”

You can do that here if you haven’t signed up for my weekly

 

You may also like:

Easy Bruschetta 

Homemade Salsa

Greek Salad

 

1 Comment

Build Your Own Pizza Bar for a Fun family Meal

Build Your Pizza Bar for a Fun Family Meal

 

Make Dinner Fun: Build Your Own Pizza Bar

 Make Dinner Fun: Build Your Own Pizza Bar

 Make Dinner Fun: Build Your Own Pizza Bar

Build Your Pizza Bar

On pizza night … we were using some leftovers and homemade ingredients.

Use up those leftovers and create a Pizza night your Family will love. They can make their own and get creative to try new things. So if you plan your meals for the week and have a pasta night a few nights before, it works out great. Because I like to space out Italian food a couple of days apart, this helps to use up those little bits of leftovers you may have had. 

 

 Make Dinner Fun: Build Your Own Pizza Bar

 Make Dinner Fun: Build Your Own Pizza Bar

 Make Dinner Fun: Build Your Own Pizza Bar

What you need to build a pizza bar:

Rhodes rolls

Homemade Alfredo sauce recipe here

Homemade marinara or your favorite Jar

Asparagus (leftovers)

Sautés Mushrooms (leftovers)

Ham ( leftover Easter) That I had thrown in the freezer

Fresh sliced tomatoes

Mozzarella, Asiago, Romano, Parmesan cheese (leftover from this week’s Fettuccine night)

Chopped Garlic

Fresh Rosemary

Fresh Basil

Green onions

Olives

Italian seasonings

Garlic powder

Onion salt

Sea Salt

Balsamic glaze or vinegar

Olive oil

Preheat oven to 425 unless you have a pizza oven. We cook them for 10 or 12 minutes, depending on the range! It also depends on how crispy you like your pizza. 

 Make Dinner Fun: Build Your Own Pizza Bar

 Make Dinner Fun: Build Your Own Pizza Bar

 Make Dinner Fun: Build Your Own Pizza Bar

 Make Dinner Fun: Build Your Own Pizza Bar

 Make Dinner Fun: Build Your Own Pizza Bar

 Make Dinner Fun: Build Your Own Pizza Bar

 

Tip using Rhodes Rolls to make the mini Pizzas.

These make individual mini pizzas. Ensure you do enough rolls per person; I did 2-3 per person. (for the rolls, follow the directions on the bag) Then after they’ve risen all day, each person flattens and pulls theirs out to shape and top with desired toppings. Some family members made little calzone instead of a mini pizza.

Building the Pizza Bar

Part of Building Your Own Pizza Bar’s fun is getting as creative as possible and trying different things on your pizza. My Family loves this interactive meal; it’s fun to hear them chat, joke, and talk their way through creating their pizzas. 

For fun kitchen Gadgets, check out my Amazon Shop HERE.

 

Blogger Friends:

This week I joined some of my Blogger girlfriends in a recipe share because It’s always fun in the kitchen. So please check their blogs and see what was cooking or mixing up in their kitchens. 

Rosemary = Distinctly Southern Style 

Gwen= Gwen Live well

Kim= For a Good Life

Rebecca= R You Ready to Organize

LeNysha= Fifty Fab and Traveling

Sherri= A Woman Thing

Heidi = Simply Our Society

Here are a few more recipes I thought you would like:

Ben’s Heavenly Homemade Fettuccine

Easiest Bruschetta & Toast Recipe

Best Homemade Salsa Recipe

 Thank you for stopping by this week. I hope you enjoyed our recipe share!

Have a beautiful day, pretty ladies,

 

 

This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own. I only promote brands that I genuinely love and believe in! Thank you for your support! 

26 Comments

10 Summer Favorites I Can’t Live Without!

10 Summer Favorite's I Can't Live Without!10 Summer Favorites I Can’t Live Without!  I hope you won’t be able to live without them either. Summer is one of my favorite seasons, being outside enjoying the weather, dining outside, enjoying the gardens, and the long days along with pool & lake time and entertaining outdoors. With all the fun things to do, you’ll need to look good doing them, right? Here are my 10 Summer favorites I can’t live without!

10 Summer Favorite's I Can't Live Without!

Shorts, I love every length short, but the Bermuda shorts are one of this seasons biggest trends. In every shade, style, and color, you can’t go wrong with a Bermuda short. They look great paired with a blazer too. Easy to wear and even easier to style. Anything goes with a cute pair of Bermudas. Here are some of my favorites.

 

 

10 Summer Favorite's I Can't Live Without!

Sandals are making my top 10 Summer favorite’s. I can’t live without, and I found some adorable ones I have been wearing to death. My picks are sandals you’ll wear all Summer long and truly are some classics you’ll be able to wear for several Summer seasons.

 

 

10 Summer Favorite's I Can't Live Without!

Summer dresses are one of my top Summer favorites. So comfortable to wear, easy to style, and keeps you looking Chic without a lot of effort. Here are some of my favorites and so affordable.

 

 

 

10 Summer Favorite's I Can't Live Without!

Summer Cover up’s, and I adore this built-in Spf cover-up by Cabana Life. Stylish, true to size, and made of terry cloth.

 

 

10 Summer Favorite's I Can't Live Without!

One of My Summer’s favorites I can’t live without is grabbing a Summer read it’s perfect for catching some rays and soaking up the pages poolside. I am  CURRENTLY reading Life gives you LULULemons. You’ll always catch me with an Ice tea in my hand, it’s my favorite for every season! This Summer I am so happy I have Sunnies that are readers too! HERE Shop my photo below.

 

 

10 Summer Favorite's I Can't Live Without!

Coola Self Tanner is a must along with sunscreen for your Summer days. This self-tanner gives you such a beautiful glow and natural-looking tan. I love the face tanner and Oil mist too. Shop my picks below

10 Summer Favorite's I Can't Live Without!

Summer means BBQs and family gatherings, and I have found Butcher Box home delivery makes it even easier to entertain for the Summer. Delicious 100% grass-fed beef, free-range organic chicken, heritage-breed pork, and wild-caught seafood. An unbeatable value with an average of less than $6 per meal. Great -tasting, high-quality meat you can feel good about, delivered right to your doorstep. (Free Shipping) My family loves this meat and said it is the best meat they have eaten. (remember I am a mom of boys and they are big foodies) Our Vacations are planned around where they want to eat! Comes fresh frozen in dry ice packs and ready for your freezer. It’s a must for my TOP 10 Summer Favorite’s, and it will be for yours too. I love it to help build up my food storage too. (I am a Butcher box partner) Shop HERE

10 Summer Favorite's I Can't Live Without!

Making the 10 Summer Favorites you can’t live without! Summer Salads and one of my favorites would-be my Greek salad, So refreshing and light, I could eat it every day. This salad is so easy to make and you’ll love how tasty it is. You can eat it on a bed of romaine lettuce and a side of grilled chicken or just plain.

Greek Salad:

4 on the vine tomatoes cup up

1 English Cucumber cut up

1 cup Kalamata Olives

1 cup red onion chopped up

Italian dressing of your choice

Feta cheese (if doing whole30 leave off) use the amount you like 

Add all items together and mix with dressing (I leave the cheese out and top my salad when I serve) As this makes enough for 4 servings. I like to make a batch and have it for a couple of lunches. Serve as is or on a bed of Lettuce of your choice, also great with grilled chicken. 

I really enjoyed sharing with you a few of my Summer favorites and I have a few friends that are also sharing their favorites today as well. I hope you’ll go check them out. Have a Beautiful Summer day. OX, D’Arcy

Heidi =www.simplyoursociety.com

Gwen=www.gwenliveswell.com

Sherri=A woman thing

Michele=Hot Flash and Sass

Lerysha=www.fiftyfabandtraveling.com

Rosemary=Distinctly Southern Style

Melanie=Mels 2nd act

Kim=For a good life after 50

 
You might also enjoy these post:
The Ultimate Summer Bucket List
12 Items I used up this Summer
June recap
 
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 your support! 

17 Comments

Spinach & Tortellini Soup Recipe

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 

Spinach & Tortellini Soup Recipe

Spinach & Tortellini Soup Recipe

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.

Homemade Garlic bread!

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

 

You might also like to read this post:

Ben’s Alfredo

Hudson’s Spicy Rigatoni

3 Easy Soups & 1 Hearty Chicken Pot Pie 

6 Comments

Ben’s Heavenly Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Fettuccine Alfredo

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

4 Comments

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.

Hearty Vegetable soup

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.

 

Cheesy potato soup

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

Homemade Cheesy Potato Soup

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

Homemade Cheesy Potato Soup!

Easy to make Chicken pot pie

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

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?

You Might Also Like:

Thanksgiving Dishes

Ben’s Best Fettuccine Alfredo

Hudson’s Spicy Raggitoni 

7 Comments

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

christmas decorating
christmas decorating
christmas decorating
christmas decorating
christmas decorating

I love using the unexpected, stockings or mittens for silverware holders. It adds a special touch. I also love using a party favor as part of the place setting. In this case, it’s the large handmade candy cane. A plate charger adds color and helps show off the place setting without having to use your dishes. This is helpful if you’re serving buffet or dishing up.

christmas decorating

christmas decorating

christmas decorating

christmas decorating

Holiday decorations from 2019, I’ve been collecting Holiday decorations since I was a teenager and This was 2019 Christmas look. Red and Green with a touch of black. Inspired by Mackenzie Childs and Mary Engelbreit. It’s fun to change it up and bring out things you haven’t used in a while to give your whole house a new feel. I love collecting and I love a lot of different styles. Changing it up gives me the variety I need and allows me to collect everything I love. Remember you don’t have to use everything every year and it’s ok to have traditions you may not share every year. I personally think it makes it even more special in the years you decide to use them.   

Yummy treats

Handmade cookies made by Nenas Sweet bites. She’s a sweet local mama creating yummy treats and she’ll deliver! It makes a great gift or perfect for your parties.

drink station

My little hot cocoa and warm drink station. I keep this little area all year round and change it with the season. It gives me the joy to see every morning and I love my boys really use it and look forward to the little treats I add to it! If you haven’t figured out by now I love to collect fun little treasures that add fun for the seasons. So, unfortunately, SOME OF THE ITEMS ARE NO LONGER available. I’ll link some similar things in my Amazon Boards Here. Our Coffee corner for Halloween  Here & Here 

appetizer

This is the easiest appetizer to create and a huge crowd pleaser!

appetizer

appetizer

appetizer

Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple

1 pound bacon cut in thirds

1 1/2 cans of chunk  pineapple (I like Dole)

Toothpicks

Lined cookie sheet with tin foil, sprayed with nonstick spray.

Pre-heat oven 375

Cut bacon into thirds, take a piece of cut bacon and wrap around 1 chunk of pineapple secure with a toothpick and set on cookie sheet. Repeat until all bacon is gone. (double recipe if having a large crowd) THESE GO SUPER FAST!

Place cookie sheet in pre-heated on 375, cook until crisp.

I like to serve warm!

Tips for Hosting for the Holiday’s

I like to serve pitcher drinks it makes it easy to serve and is a great alternative to having a full bar. (plus you’re not opening that invitation to drink too much)

This also makes for easy helping yourself and you’re not stuck behind the bar! ( I do however occasionally like to play the bartender at our parties, I get to chat with everyone attending 😘) One of my favorites pitcher punches to serve.

Cocktail Punch

Vodka

Pineapple juice

Cranberry juice

Sparkling lemonade

Garnish with Cranberries and a sprig of rosemary

Add all to a pitcher and stir! Pour in a glass over ice! Pre garnish the glasses with cranberries and a sprig of rosemary in the summer garnish with a lemon slice.

Items I love to keep in my pantry and fridge for easy entertaining or friends popping by.

You can always wow them with a charcuterie board! Who doesn’t love a great cheeseboard♥️

Assorted cheeses

Block of cream cheese

Salami & assortment of meats

Olives black and green

Assortment of Crackers

(Some of the crackers we love, wheat thins, chicken in biscuits, sea salt pita chip, Breton round crackers)

Fresh fruit apples, grapes, and berries!

Chocolate

Nuts -almonds, peanuts, cashews

Jalapeño Raspberry Jam

Hummus

Some veggies (I always have baby carrots and cucumber)

Pillsbury croissants

(Most of these items have a long shelf life)

With these items you can create a ton of quick and easy Appetizers from a Charcuterie board, veggie platter, fruit skewers, fancy cheese, and meat cracker stack,  my favorite Raspberry & Jalapeño jam Cream cheese dip served with crackers (photo below) Dill cream cheese Croissant recipe Here!

Keeping these items on hand also makes it easy for you to come up with a quick “dish to share” for that party your not hosting!

Happy Holiday’s and may you entertain with ease this year. OX, D’Arcy

2 Comments

Easiest Bruschetta & Toast Recipe

mom cook yummy food

Bruschetta & Toast Recipe

mom cook yummy food

Bruschetta & Toast Recipe

mom cook yummy food

 

mom cook yummy food

 

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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D’Arcy

D'Arcy
Welcome to my blog, Where I share Fashion and lifestyle over 40. A Former Clothing Boutique owner, Interior designer by Trade! Boy mom, Sharing Tips, DIY’s, Recipes, Home inspiration, Ways to style what you own and create ways to look & feel stylish at any age! I love a good deal and I adore luxury! I share how I mix both. While sneaking in Chats about midlife issues. Midlife Now, isn’t what it was for our moms!
oxox D'Arcy

For size reference: I am 5'9 1/2
Wear a size 6 and med Top

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Helping Women live life stylishly & look good at any age👗outfit styling 💄Beauty 🛍️Tips🍽Recipes✈️Travel🏡 Utah #midlife [email protected]

Do you believe in Magic? I believe in Romanticizi Do you believe in Magic?

I believe in Romanticizing & making the most out of our daily lives, and bring joy to others through Good food and pretty tables….

Just a simple Sunday night dinner 
at the Vandenberg’s …..I am obsessed with weekly family dinners❤️

A little Citrus tablescape inspo for your next Summer Dinner party- Girls night in or family dinner….

I’ll have all the details, menu and Tips up on the Blog Tomorrow🍊🍋‍🟩🍃🍋

If you missed yesterday’s post, the Menu and Lemon Pesto Pasta with Peppered pesto grilled chicken is up✔️

What brings you joy? 

midlife| entertaining| family dinners| summer dinner| Romanticizing life| Utah living| boy mom| citrus theme| dining table| make it special| throwing it together| make it happen
Picking peaches 🍑 and visiting wineries 🍷 Happy S Picking peaches 🍑 and visiting wineries 🍷

Happy Sunday Pretty ladies, may your day be full of love and Gods blessings! 

Make sure to check out stories,
For this week’s Sunday dinner, tablescape, flowers and a few fun things🍋🍊🍋‍🟩🍃 This week I was in a garden/fruit state of mind…

Comment “SHOP” below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ 

https://liketk.it/6h92z

picking fruit/ sundress/ style over 50/ utah living/ summer style/ style over 50
Sunday “In the kitchen with D’Arcy” Tonight we’re Sunday “In the kitchen with D’Arcy”

Tonight we’re cooking 🍋🍝

🍋🍃Lemon Pesto Burrata Torchietti Pasta
 
🐓With my homemade Lemon pepper pesto grilled chicken 

🥗Served with a Arugula & fresh greens and Italian Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad

Homemade Garlic bread🥖 

🍽️Full recipe is up on my Blog:
Comment “Blog” and I’ll send it over to you.

Recipe Ingredients: Pasta & Chicken

TJ Lemon Pesto 
Fresh basil 
Olive oil
Fresh garlic 
Pine nuts
Zest of lemon
Red pepper flakes
Italian seasoning 
Fleur de salt 
Pepper 
Italian cheeses
Burrata cheese
Torchietti Pasta 
2 chicken breasts pounded  thin

Salad: Full Recipe on the Blog
Arugula 
Greens of your choice 
Red onion diced fine 
Green onion
Tomato dice fine
Cucumber dice fine
Feta cheese 
Balsamic vinaigrette 

-Served with my homemade 
sangria Wine 

-Lavendar Lemon Pound cake for dessert

What’s on your menu tonight?

Cooking with me| Sunday dinner | pasta | Lemon Pesto| family dinner | easy recipe idea / semi homemade |  over 50 | utah creator
I bet you won’t believe me!! Guess where I found I bet you won’t believe me!!

Guess where I found these Darling Lemon Plates?🍋

Would you believe the Dollar Store for $1.50 each…

They had matching dinner plates, bowls and mugs… But Honestly…

A Great TIP is just to buy the Salad plates… Having an assortment of Themed or decorative salad plates can really change up your regular china for the seasons..

It’s an affordable tip that goes a long way, if you have A solid color china.

Plus a salad plate could also be used for a bread or dessert plate. 

I also like a little salad plate to serve a little breakfast muffin, bagel or croissant on…. 

You know I am a big advocate of romanticizing your everyday life and have a mixture of seasonal, yet affordable dishes can do just that…Don’t save your good china for “that” special occasion…. Use it daily❤️

Head to stories to see my inspiration for this weeks table, the floral arrangements I created for this week’s Flower arrangements for our home & Sunday dinner table scape… and what’s going to be on the menu for Sundays dinner 🍋

Follow along if you like this type of content ❤️ 

I’d love for you to like and comment on this post, if you enjoy seeing this type of content.🍋🍽️🌸🌻

Lemon| lemon dishes | lemon tablescape | entertaining| family dinner | Sunday dinner| romanticize daily life| Charming table styling |
The pants I wanted to HATE… Meet the slightly bar The pants I wanted to HATE…

Meet the slightly barrel leg linen trouser,
Flattering, comfortable, so cute and on SALE…

I have said it before …that I didn’t like barrel jeans on my shape, as I’ve tried several and they just weren’t flattering on my ruler shape body….

Until I found these… they’re just the right amount of extra fabric, with out adding bulk and aren’t to high of a waste, that there so flattering…
Now, I am 5’91/2 so they’re a touch to short, but look darling with and adds balance with an tall ankle strap square block heel  sandal 🖤

The cutest denim top with puff sleeves, that hits right at the hip bone for a flattering balance. 

Statement earrings that match my shoes to perfection are from Chicos (older) I found some very similar you’ll love🖤🖤🖤

Pants are on sale (ends tonight)

Top is also on sale ✔️

Do you like a barrel jean/pant?

Comment “SHOP” below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK 
⬇ 
https://liketk.it/6h152

Barrel leg / linen pant/ flattering/ over 50 style/ summer style/ wardrobe builders/ summer linens / utah creator / 

#linenpants #salestyle #summerstyle
Prime Deals…. I am telling my besties about…. Yo Prime Deals…. 

I am telling my besties about….
You’ll thank me later😉

From Fashion, home, beauty these are items I own and would purchase again and again✔️🛒🛍️

Comment “Shop” and I’ll send you all the details, along with links..
my LTK 
⬇ https://liketk.it/6gV7L

I’ve done all the hard work so you don’t have to….

What’s in your Amazon cart? 🛒 

#amazonfashionfinds #amazondeals‼️ #primedeals #styleover50

Amazon cart/ Amazon style / Amazon home finds / Amazon beauty finds
Come 🛒 SHOP Target 🎯 with me… Target Deal Days ar Come 🛒 SHOP Target 🎯 with me…

Target Deal Days are going on and up to 40% off until 6/26

Hundreds of items on sale daily.. from clothing, to home, electronics, kitchen, beauty etc.

Come shop items I am loving and what’s in my cart.
(Some items not on sale)

Have you been to Target Lately? 

Comment “SHOP” below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my 
LTK ⬇ 
https://liketk.it/6gOWn

Summer sales/ summer fashion/ American summer/ target sale / target shopping/ midlife style/ Utah influencer
4 affordable short outfits for your next vacation 4 affordable short outfits for your next vacation that will make packing a breeze✔️

From Brunch to poolside, sightseeing to Dinner I’ve got you covered… along with easy packing ✈️🚗🚕🧳

As a 54 year old who loves a good matching set for travel, as it truly does make packing a breeze… You’ll love the quality,fit and style of these 4 sets…

Which one is your favorite 1-2-3-4?

Comment “SHOP” below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK 
⬇ 
Facebook friends click link below⬇️
https://liketk.it/66EPb

#midlifestyle #travelpacking #matchingsets amazonfashionfind
Happy Father’s Day Ben! Slide through these fun p Happy Father’s Day Ben!

Slide through these fun photos to learn more about the man I’ve built a life with….

Happy Father’s Day to all the men out there, that are hard works, protectors, love their family & god, are amazing role models, coaches and  supportive.

We’re lucky to have you in our lives!

💙🙏🏻💙🙏🏻💙🙏🏻💙

Are you throwing a BBQ today or headed out to eat?

#dadslove❤️ #boydad #marriedlife💍
Hello D’Arcy here and I am 54… and I love a good s Hello D’Arcy here and I am 54… and I love a good short set for Summer…

These cute separates - pinstripe 5 inch inseam shorts and blazer are perfect to wear as a set or separately.. 

So many ways to style dressed up or down… today I am styling more casual for a girls lunch! 

🚨 Save 15% with my Code
DARCY15 

Comment “SHOP” and I’ll send you link and discount code to your DM⬇️

https://liketk.it/6gnsz

Short sets/ over 50 style/ summer short outfits/ utah blogger/ utah living/ easy summer style/ wardrobe builders 

#shortset #midlifestyle #longlegsgirl #utahinfluencer
I am 54 Here’s 8 Affordable,Natural And Clean- Ord I am 54
Here’s 8 Affordable,Natural And Clean- Ordinary Products I use To look and feel great✔️

I replaced a lot of my Beauty Regimen with these Unexpected affordable products,
You might already have in your pantry or medicine cabinet. 

My skin and skins texture has never looked better✔️✔️✔️

Comment “Shop” for links and more tips on ways to use etc.⬇️⬇️⬇️

receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK 
⬇ 
https://liketk.it/6geil

Do you use any of these CLEAN beauty options?

Clean beauty/ Ordinary household items/ simple is better/ non- toxic beauty/ simple beauty

#over50women # cleanbeauty #nontoxicskincare
What a fun date night Ben and I had on Friday…. W What a fun date night Ben and I had on Friday….

We had paddle and pickle ball lessons at the New @utahcityracquetclub 

We were treated to the VIP pre-grand opening by @redhead_marketing_pr with lessons, great Dj music,snacks, yummy mocktails, fun photos and a great swag bag including a Pickle ball racket🏓🎾👟 

We enjoyed it so much, I think we were some of the last ones to leave✔️

Then we took the scenic drive home through Provo Canyon 🚘🏔️ 

If you’ve been want to learn Paddle or Pickle ball and or tennis 🎾 You’d love this experience..

If you’ve just want a fun datenight activity book a session today… Ben and I loved the Paddle ball, which is very popular in Europe. It’s like tennis and racket ball played outside ✔️

Do you play any of these fun Racket sports? 🎾🏓👟

Like my outfit I have a discount code in my link ⬇️

Comment “SHOP “ below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ 
https://liketk.it/6fSku

#utahblogger #utahcityracquetclub #datenightideas #midlifejourney
You’ve ask for Dress & Shirts with sleeves for sum You’ve ask for Dress & Shirts with sleeves for summer.. ..

—Style over 50–

Here’s a dress I know you’ll love💙
From its darling perfect length sleeve and sweet elbow ruffle detail, to having pockets  and hitting at the knee. (I am tall 5’91/2) so longer depending on height .

The embroidered linen dress with embellishments in center of flowers is perfect for so many of Summers social seasons events✔️

Pair with 
White or nude sandals, wedges, heels or lace-up ankle espadrilles for cute summer looks

I love a statement earring with a dress that doesn’t need a necklace… wearing these cute shades of blue flower earrings. 

Do you love a dress with a pretty sleeve?

Comment “SHOP “ below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ 
https://liketk.it/6g1ct

Summer dresses/ dresses with sleeves/ over50 style/ utah influencer / summer style

#summerdresses👗 #over50style #utahinfluencer #summersocial
Celebrating America’s 250 years🇺🇸 Americas Nation Celebrating America’s 250 years🇺🇸

Americas National Potluck initiative 

Bringing people together through food

Individuals & Families are invited to gather and share a meal on 
Sunday July 5th 2026🍽️🇺🇸❤️

Or encouraged to plan community or neighborhood potlucks to celebrate America’s 🇺🇸 250 year Anniversary 

By bringing people together around the table we can celebrate our freedoms we share along with our strengths, and the Sense of belonging that holds us together.

What will you bring to the potluck?

🇺🇸❤️💙🇺🇸❤️💙🇺🇸❤️💙🇺🇸❤️💙🇺🇸

Thank you to @lees_marketplace  for providing a beautiful sample of dishes ideas and recipes you could bring🍽️🇺🇸 along with providing a n amazing event .
Along with a full reusable grocery bag of food, snacks and gift card🇺🇸❤️💙

Thank you to @americaspotluck @america250utah for the intuitive and to @missamericaut  @slchildrenschoir for amazing and beautiful voices for entertainment, to @cocacola for providing swag and exclusive America250 items and to our host @jbcookinghost 

🇺🇸Fun fact @cocacola  products are made locally in Utah and they created mini cans specially for America250 with unique designs for each US STATE
I’d love to see what each states looks like.. I’ll share Utahs design in my stories today. 🇺🇸❤️💙

Ways you can join in or learn more on: Americaspotluck.org 

🇺🇸❤️💙🇺🇸❤️💙🇺🇸❤️💙🇺🇸❤️💙

#americaspotluck #america250utah #america250 #utahinfluencer
I don’t know about you but I love a full service S I don’t know about you but I love a full service Selfcare day✔️

I am 54 and feel like I could have them weekly🤣🤣 Wouldn’t that be a dream..

 A weekly blow out
- manicure 
-pedicure 
- Mini facial
A yummy drink and some shopping… sign me up!

Ok back to reality, I am happy to head to @nailed.boutique for my monthly Selfcare day and thrilled I can do it all in one stop✔️

You can too✔️ If  you live in Utah or come to visit✔️

You’ll love their  top notch services and friend staff… 

Not to mention NO drills or dust! They also have clean beauty nail polish options✔️

Make your appointment today… 
What’s your favorite selfcare service?

I’ll go first I love a great foot & leg rub❤️

#nailed #nailedboutique #saltlake #utahinfluencer
🌸I am 54 and these Affordable Summer Sets & Sunni 🌸I am 54 and these 
Affordable Summer Sets & Sunnies &
Sandals are a must this Summer..

Perfect for errands, travel and great for watching and running around with grand kids✔️

🛍️Comment “SHOP” below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK 
⬇ 
https://liketk.it/6fHnP

⬇️⬇️⬇️
The details:
This cute comfy bold strip set comes in several colors, is soft and easy to wear, fits tts 

Like the $900  version….
Sandals are so good and under $60 comes in a couple colors tts & comfortable 

The sunnies come in a two pack under $14

Vegan leather tote under $100
One of my most used bags for over 5 years

The hydrating lipstick balms are so good and going viral- wearing English Rose
Clean beauty

Bracelet stack Allie Bess- save 20% with code DARCY20

#summersets #midlifestyle #affordablefashion #utahinfluencer
Don’t like to show your arms? I’ve got the perfec Don’t like to show your arms?

I’ve got the perfect pretty white dress for you….

Summer outfit Inspiration- perfect for Brunch, a baby shower, friends Anniversary party, vacation dinner etc

-White dress
Eyelet tie waist white dress fully lined with pockets and I have A DISCOUNT CODE for YOU!  In link

-Think of all the ways you can style this cutie all season long and achieve different looks.  Dress down with a flat sandal, make it western with cowboy boots, take it on vacation with wedges or espadrilles and a straw bag…

Do you like to show your arms or prefer not to?

How I styled it… For church then brunch:

-Turquoise chunky statement necklace 
-Turquoise beaded hoops

-Hobo leather clutch in turquoise 
(I love the pop of color) 

-Inez nude cross knot detail kitten heal- so very comfortable and a perfect height - A go with everything shoe

Comment “SHOP” below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK 
⬇ 
https://liketk.it/6dGg1
Drop it like it’s HOT…. Balancing Menopause and m Drop it like it’s HOT….

Balancing Menopause and midlife can be tricky✔️

From weight gain, mood swings, sleepless nights, dry skin and lady parts, hair loss, eyesight issues, bone loss to personal summers (hot flashes)….. 

Boy hitting 40-50-60’s sounds fun 😅🤣 Actually, it really isn’t that bad, and life is what you make of it, Plus  getting old is a privilege….

In today’s time, we’re lucky because menopause is a Topic WE TALK about NOW, and we have more information and resources to HELP us, unlike our mothers.

Not everyone has every symptom nor do they experience every symptom. 

This is a topic I’ve shared a lot about over on my blog and in future more on my substack (join for free in my bio) 

Below ⬇️ are a few things I’ve found very helpful from my journey over the last 10 years to now, starting at about 44 years old.

-A Homeopathic Hormone replacement specialist- I went at 44 when I gained 12-15 pounds for no reason, had hair loss and wasn’t feeling like myself and went on Bio- identical hormone replacement for about 4 years and the weight feel off and I started to feel like myself again. I stopped I. 2020 due to not being able to get to doctors.. 

-Start a good clean supplement program (not a Doctor) but here’s what helped me.
Magnesium- zinc- Vitamin D3- vitamin K 
-a good women’s multivitamin - 
B-12 shots- Collagen- Colostrum- bone marrow- probiotic, a cranberry supplement and - creatine - NAD- primrose (I have a few others I take as well) full list is on blog 

- Doubled my water intake - (140-160 oz a day) added Fiber- chia seeds- pinch of salt to it … (I do 1/2 teaspoon baking soda twice a week) 

-Daily walks and I added a weighted vest about 4 years ago 

-A cup of warm lemon water to start the day 

- I shoot  for 100 grams of protein daily (I don’t always get this) I just try to get close

-Scalp treatments - Rosemary oil and rosemary supplements 

- Coolnight pjs and cooling sheets  I don’t get or experience hot flashes, but sleeping cooler help me sleep better❤️

- cleansing oil & after Shower oil help with dry skin

-Red light therapy mask helps facial skin and neck

- Derma-planing face helps skin texture and for products to sink in
Melanoma Skin Cancer Journey Here’s a couple thi Melanoma Skin Cancer Journey 

Here’s a couple things I’ve learned on my Journey that I thought I’d share with you I found interesting and very helpful..
 ( now, I am not a doctor) these are things I’ve researched and though I’d share my findings, but you can do your own research :) 

I share in hopes to bring awareness and the importance of getting your skin checked at least once a year.

‼️ 2 things:

-The importance of taking zinc— zinc supplements helps your body give off a natural defense to the suns rays.

⚠️ Like anything I need to stress how important it is to read your labels and start using clean Supplements.  You want to get what you’re paying for and not “fillers” verses the actual minerals and herbs.

- A clean beauty mineral based 
Sunscreen with a high level of Zinc! READ your labels and the ingredientsll

MOST sunscreens have harmful ingredients and hormone disruptors in them! I have 5 brands I love that me and my family use  over on my Liketoknowit or you can comment “shop” and I’ll send them to you.

To know:

⚠️ I get my skin checked twice a year and since being diagnosed with melanoma, I now go every 3 months.

Since my surgeries, I’ve had 2 laser’s treatments to help with scaring (shown in slide 2 is my 2nd surgery) done 6 weeks ago.
I actually should have my 3rd laser done this week, but I moved it to July 1st. 

To be honest I really am not in the head space to deal with another treatment this week! 🙏🏻 I told you I’d be very honest with you in this journey, and it is a roller coaster of emotions… Laser treatments sometimes trigger that for me.

- Laser treatment can be done every 6 weeks

⚠️I have 6 parts of my journey up in my feed, 3 of them pinned to top the others you’ll have to scroll through feed and I have detailed highlights as well. 

I hope you find these helpful

Have any questions you can dm me or leave a comment ⬇️ below.

Happy Monday pretty Lady, and may you
Have a week full of sunshine and gods blessings.

Midlife health journey/ skin cancer journey/ facial skin cancer/ over 50/ facial scars/ sharing life over 50/ cancer warrior

Comment “shop” for sunscreens 
⬇️link below ⬇️
https://liketk.it/6fpjg
POV: The Turkey sandwiches I make All summer long POV:
The Turkey sandwiches I make All summer long my family loves🥪

Not your ordinary Turkey, Avocado, tomato sandwiche🥪🥑🍅

First off the Key to these delicious sandwiches is warm crusty bread straight from the oven yet soft on the inside..

My tip is a French baguette ran under water (a tip my Mother in law taught me 33 years ago) placed in the oven for 5-7 minutes- seriously, makes it like you made it fresh… 

-Boards head spicy pepper Turkey freshly sliced from the deli
- Farm Fresh Tomatoes salt & peppered 
-Micro greens (or sprouts) 
- Peppered jack cheese (or your favorite)
-My Smashed Avocado spread 

Full recipe on my blog

A perfect summer meal to serve alfresco🪴🍽️
 
Serve with your favorite sides 
I served with my :
-Basil corn salad 
- a small charcuterie board
- my easy Blue cheese stuffed grape on a walnut appetizer

 A long  with your choice of sun tea - cucumber mint water or  a sparking water 🥤🍃

All Recipes on my blog ✔️

#recipe/ summer recipes/ family favorites/ entertaining/ summer style/ midlife/ dining alfresco/ turkey sandwich
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