Tips Archives - Page 13 of 19

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.

Spring Beauty Must Haves!

Liquid Collagen Lip by Algenist: Alguronic Acid + Collagen. You can wear alone or under lip balm, lipstick or lip gloss. Gives your lips a plump while healing! Heals cracked lips! {HERE}

Volition Beauty products : 1: Apple Cider Vinegar resurfacing peel pad {HERE} 2: Oceanene Youth Boost Gel {HERE} 3: Detoxifying Silt Gelee Mask {HERE} 4: Snow Mushroom Water Serum {HERE} 5: Not shown Polish Scrub {HERE}

The Better Skin Co.: Amaze Balm, Ultra rich therapy creme. Nourish your skin!

The Better Skin Co: Amaze Balm, ultra-rich therapy creme. Nourish your skin!

Hello Beautiful,

Spring is in the air, and I am so happy! It’s been such a long Winter. Spring is the perfect time to add some beauty products to your routine since the weather is changing, your products need a minor adjustment—items you need for your Spring beauty routine that help and work with what you already use. You know I try out all the products before I share them with you. These are my tried and authentic beauty products, and I have wanted to give you them at various prices. These products have made a difference in my skin, helped me look my best, and helped me maintain my beauty—these beauty products you’ll love and are easy to use in your everyday routine. Trust me, your friends will take notice of your skin!

Here are a couple of tips I’ve learned over the years. I share them often, but I love to give you a little reminder.

Try to do two different face masks a week. It does help your skin. I like to mix it up and do a moisturizing one and then maybe a brightening or tightening, etc. I have been using this one {HERE} {HERE} AND {HERE}. Also, it’s important to exfoliate the face and body once a week. This helps clear off dead skin and helps your spray tans this time of year. I love this one {HERE} {HERE}, some of my favorite beauty products listed on my shopping boards {HERE}.

Other Spring products I love not shown in photos:

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your skincare routine, and the Infraredi LED Light Therapy Mask is a powerful tool for that. It uses red and blue light wavelengths to combat acne, fine lines, and dark spots, giving your skin a radiant, youthful glow.

New Fragrance: Derek Lam drunk on you {HERE} Bobbi Brown Beaches {HERE} Fresh Lemon sugar {HERE} You need a fresh new scent for the warmer months, and these smell clean and fresh!

Perfekt: 10 Skin Perfection +: This is my favorite foundation. It’s 10 products in one and has the perfect coverage! I wear Color Ambient, which has 30 SPF, Firm, cover, prime, protects, correct, smooth, hydrates, long wear, and boosts collagen! {HERE}

Honest Beauty: Makeup Remover Wipes: With a blend of grape seed and olive oil to soften and nourish. Removes all your makeup and smells clean and fresh {HERE}.

Self Tanner: I love and use a couple of different self-tanners; I like these because they’re easy to use and don’t streak, plus they give you a nice glow without a lot of work. {HERE} {HERE} {HERE} This one is a browning lotion and one of my ALL-time NEED products {HERE}.

Hair Mask: This is a must for the season change, especially if you live where it’s dry like I do. I use it a couple of times a month ( I should probably be using it once a week!) my go-to: {HERE} {HERE} {HERE}.

Detox Water: Water is so essential for your skin and your weight! I do drink a lot of water, but I love a good detox, and these are some of my all-time favorite ways to add more water to your diet without adding calories. Perfect for detoxing and getting your skin and body ready for warmer months! Detox Water recipes {HERE} Detox water bottle {HERE} detox water {HERE} detox Oxygen water {HERE}.

Tinted Moisturizer: A must-have for the warmer months, a tinted moisturizer. This helps give your skin a hint of coverage with enough moisture to keep your skin looking dewy in the hot temperatures. These are a few of my favorites in different price points {HERE} {HERE} {HERE} {HERE}.

Tightening Cream: Who doesn’t want the look of tighter-looking skin? Am I right? Here are a few that can help give you the appearance of tighter-looking skin {HERE} {HERE} {HERE}.

I hope my Spring Beauty product list helps you find products you’ll love and enjoy using this season to help you look your best! Thank you for using my links as I do receive a tiny commission at no cost to you. This allows me do what I love to bring you honest, tangible tips and advice. Thank you, beautiful! OX, D’Arcy

Relaxing and Taking Care of Your Skin During The Busy Season With Saranghae

take time to relax with a bubblebath and skin care

The last 45 days I have had the pleasure to work with (which means I love you in Korean!) I love that, and I love they think aging is something to be happy about – aging should be celebrated! I have also said this many times. I shared how I felt about aging in an older blog post here. Every age has something to celebrate and yet we don’t have to look our age and this is why I love their skincare line. It’s make a huge difference in the way my skin has been looking! My friends & family has really noticed a difference and have been asking me what I was doing. Well, is my secret! I have enjoyed my weekly bubble baths and face mask. It’s really important to take care of yourself especially during the hustle and stress of the Holiday season! Take some time for yourself, draw a bubble bath, and put on a face mask! That 20-40 mins will change your attitude and help your face.

Aging and its signs are a natural part of life, it’s inevitable but we don’t have to look our age. mission is to make people around the world feel beautiful, confident, and proud to be in their skin. Using their Complete 5 Step Routine gives your skin everything it needs to age healthily and beautifully. It would make a great gift fo the woman in your life too!

take time to relax with a bubblebath and skin care

I want to share some of the questions asked me before and after I started their program:

How do you feel about aging?

I love the lessons we learn from year to year as we grow older. I also love all the memories we create. Obviously I don’t like looking older! Who does? I feel blessed to have good genes as nobody guesses my age nor my moms! Let’s face it, it’s not all about genes, you have to eat right, drink lots of water and take care of your skin. I have been lucky to not have had to fight acne in my teens or adult years so thats been a plus!

How is using the Routine made you feel about your self confidence & how important it is to take time for yourself?

I have loved how my skin is looking and how it doesn’t feel so dry. I really am seeing a difference in my cheeks, not as crepey! As for taking time for yourself, I am a firm believer in taking a bubble bath, having a cup of tea and doing a face mask twice a week. Maybe read a good book while doing both!

Share any improvements you have seen in your skin & how that makes you feel with us?

I shared a little of this above, but also my skin is softer, smoother and the smile lines smaller.

Humor! Any fun stories surrounding aging?

Well, my girlfriends and I have had some pretty funny stories about aging and things that change as we age and the differences we’ve seen specially after 40! Like dry skin, facial hair, falling skin, etc. We don’t take it too serious and try to encourage each other and share things that are working to improve our needs. has been the products I’ve been sharing with them a lot lately! One of the benefits of maturity is you build wonderful friendships and with good friends you can be honest about your faults and be more open.

Can you share a message of how aging should be celebrated, shouldn’t be taken too seriously, makes you feel confident and comfortable with aging & better in your skin?

As you age you start to feel beautiful in your own skin! In your 20’s your neglecting your skin and trying to find yourself, in your 30’s your busy raising kids, balancing a career and trying to find the right anti aging miracle cream, in your 40’s you find the things that matter most and you stop to celebrate! In my 40’s to be honest is when I’ve paid most attention to my skin, what it needs and ways to improve it! I have loved my skin in the last 45 days and excited to have found something that makes people ask what am I doing? Midlife doesn’t have to show in your skin! take time to relax with a bubblebath and skin care

5 STEP PRODUCTS

=Nourishing & Moisturizing Oil & Foam Cleanser

= Deep Radiance Essence + Serum

=Firm & Lift Cellular Regeneration Cream

= Elemental Essence Mask

= Focus Renewal Eye Cream

45 days to fall in love with your skin or your money back!

My picks from Amazon Fashion!

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

Hello Beautiful’s!

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

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

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

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

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

3 Ingredient, Quick & Easy Appetizer Perfect for the Holiday’s

Step 1 & 2 &3
unroll the crescent pack and use one section of 4 per each block of cream cheese. stretch dough out just a little and pinch the triangles together.
next: place cream cheese in center and cover with dill.

Step 4
cover the block of cream cheese with the crescent roll leave end unsealed and cut off a 1/2 inch strip from each end then pinch together the ends like shown. I really press everything together until smooth.

Step 5
cut strips into 10 smaller rectangles. Use the 10 pieces to create pedals and balls. Or create your own design. Brush with egg white if you wish. Step 6 repeat with other block of cream cheese and remaining 4 crescents.

Step 7 place in a baking dish and bake at 350 degrees until golden brown. ( the egg white wash helps it brown golden)

Step 8 serve warm with crackers.

Step 9 Spread it on a cracker of your choice. This goes quick and doesn’t last at parties. It take about 15 mins to prepare and 15 min in oven (depending on oven)

Hello Beautiful’s!

I hope you had a wonderful week. I know I love when we get an extra week from Thanksgiving to December. It really does help you be more prepared for the Christmas season. With all the Holiday parties fast approaching, I am sure you will be attending one or two that requires you to bring a dish or appetizer to share. I wanted to share with you our families fast and easy appetizer! Crescent dill cream cheese spread. You’ll whip this up so fast and people will think you slaved for hours. It’s been a favorite in our home for twenty something years and I always have the ingredients on hand so I can whip it up on a moments notice! A great tip if you have visitors popping by.

You’ll need:

1 can of crescent rolls

2 cream cheese blocks

Dill seasoning

and 1 egg for egg whites, brush on top before baking

9×9 baking pan

butter or spray to grease pan

Follow the steps above. I love you can pre make a day or two before hand (Non- baked) stick in fridge. Bake right before you’re heading to party.

I hope you’ll try this yummy dish for one of your Holiday parties and stop back by here and tell me how everyone liked it! Here’s to a perfect and easy Holiday season! OX, D’Arcy

Family Photo Christmas Cards

Hello Beautiful’s,

I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Basic Invite to create our Family Photo Christmas card this year. I don’t know about you but I love receiving Photo cards this time of the year and seeing how everyones families have grown. Sending out Photo Christmas cards has always been our family tradition and I hope people enjoy getting them as much as we love sending & receiving them.

Working with Basic Invite was a joy to create. I loved the selection and the variety of shapes. Truly custom from picking the card and then making it your own from the shape, fonts, adding verbiage and picking the ink color, I loved metallic & shimmer was a choice as well. You even choose the envelope color (I love the peel and stick closer) and you can have them mail them for you if you wish. It’s a huge plus that they have a fast 5 day turn around and are a local Utah company. Are you sending out Holiday or Business cards this year? Give Basic Invite a try you won’t be disappointed!

Here are some of the option details that makes working with Basic Invite better then other card companies:

Almost Unlimited Colors – Basic Invite is one of the few websites that allows customers almost unlimited color options with instant previews online. Once you select a design you can change the color of each element on the card to over 180 different color options so you can make sure the card is exactly how you want it down to the littlest detail. This is what we feel sets us apart from almost any other online stationery company and is what we feel is our biggest draw.

Custom Samples – Basic Invite is one of the few websites that allows customers the ability to order a printed sample of their actual invitation so they can see exactly how it will print as well as feel the paper quality before they ever have to place their final order.

Over 40 Different Colors of Envelopes – Basic Invite is just as colorful with our envelopes as we are with our invitations. Customers can choose from over 40 different colors when it comes to their envelopes so that they can make their invitation stand out even before it is opened. All of our envelopes are peel and seal so the envelopes can be quickly and securely closed without licking a single one.

Address Capturing Service – Basic Invite offers an address capturing service that allows customers to simply share a link on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other form of social media to request their friends and family’s addresses which will be stored in the customer’s account and can then be selected during the design process. Basic Invite offers recipient address printing at no cost on all Family Christmas card orders.

Foil – Foil holiday cards are available in gold, silver, and rose gold. Customers can choose flat or raised foil on all of Basic Invite’s foil designs.

Over 500 Christmas card and holiday card designs

Right now Basic Invite is offering 30% off with coupon code: holi30

You can find them @basicinvite on Facebook, instagram, Twitter, Pintrest

Thank you for following along with me and may you have a merry season! OX, D’Arcy

My Top Picks for Black Friday, Shop Small Saturday and Cyber Monday

Hello Beautiful’s,

I Hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful and that your ready for the start of the Holiday season! I wanted to share with you some of my favorite deals, codes and links for some of my favorite shopping sites for Black Friday, Shop Small business Saturday and cyber Monday! These deals are Hot and on valid for a short time so grab them quick! (Some of these companies I make a small commission when you shop my link and others I don’t I just wanted to share the deal! So thank you for your support!)

Kut from the Kloth =Today 30% off with code KUTBF and heres an extra $20.00 to use as well KUTCASH4397 * plus you get a FREE light up lip gloss with $100.00 purchase. I bought a pair of Diana grey cords total $29 yippie! SHOP Here
Victoria Emerson= My favorite wraps on SALE for 1 hour $12.99 Shop happy hour….After that it’s Buy one get one free… Using code PREVIEW I picked up a couple for girlfriend gifts and you should too! SHOP Here
The Bagtique= VIP 25% off everything code VIPBFW Storewide and no exclusions! The place to shop for fun bags, accessories and fun pen sets. I got this great silver bag perfect for the Holidays. I also grabbed some earrings & pen sets for a couple of gifts. SHOP here
Shopbop= up to 25%off full price items and up to 75% off sale items and 15% off orders of $200 20% off orders of $500 and 25% off orders $800 with Code MORE18. I bought this cute sweater and some great gifts head over for a great collection of clothing, bags, shoes and accessories. SHOP here
Buxom=25% off the total site code AFFBF18 ! Great gifts and fun stocking stuffers! Really who doesn’t love make up and fun packaging! SHOP here
Nordstrom= They have a SCORE up to 60% off ending Monday! I love Nordstrom and found a ton of great gifts for my boys and hubby plus a couple little things for my up coming trip! SHOP here
BareMinerals =The Stars Align: 20% Off $100+ Use code: SHINE. Valid 11/19-11/24 at . BLACK FRIDAY EXCLUSIVE: Solar Spectrum 10-piece full-size face collection for only $49. A $183 value. While supplies last. Valid 11/22-11/23 . 1 DAY ONLY PRECIOUS METALS: Cream Metal Eyeshadow trio for only $25. A $51 value. While supplies last. Valid 11/24 CYBER MONDAY EXCLUSIVE: Enjoy 25% off your purchase plus Free Standard Shipping on every order with promo code CYBER2018. Plus Receive a full-size bronzer & highlighter palette ($34 value) with $75 purchase. Valid 11/25-11/26 Full-size BRILLIANT FUTURE Age Defense & Renew Serum ($55 value) is on us when you spend $75. Valid 11/27-11/28 FREE SHIPPING SITEWIDE For a limited time, enjoy Free Standard Shipping with code HOLIDAYSHIP. Valid 11/27-12/16 SHOP here bareMinerals.com.
Hunter boots= 30% off entire site. Who doesn’t want a cute new pair of boots for Christmas? I do! SHOP Here
Dolce Vita= 30% off entire site Code BLKFRI30. Well because you know how much I love shoes! Go grab your self a pair. SHOP here Shop Small Saturday being a former small business owner I know how important this is and I can’t wait to get out and shop some of my favorite small businesses! Here is some of my favorite small businesses and if your not local most of them have a website. These are not sponsored in any way just some great little shop I frequent. Emie James 30% off your favorite item Home decor & flowers, Simply Eden Soap Free gifts and different levels of shopping soaps and gifts, Rowan Boutique 25% off online purchase clothing boutique, James Ascher Clothing boutique Buy 1 reg priced item Get 2 items @30% off, The Treasure Basket 10% off All Christmas. Please get out and shop Small Tomorrow, these business owners work really hard and love what they do and without brick and mortar shops our communities would not be as strong. They giveback and support community events and charities. Without supporting them they cannot do the things that make the special. Cyber Monday Most of the deals above are going through Monday but I’ll check back in with more updates and list some other specials as they pop up! So stay tuned. I hope you enjoy some of my Favorite sales grab some great deals and check out some of my favorite Small boutiques! Also I am trying to decide how I want to decorate our home for the Holiday’s so head over to my instastory and Vote…. Red & black or Winter wonderland gold & silver! OX,D’Arcy

October Favorites

October Favorites!

I am a little late to the game on posting October Favorites! But better late than never, right? October was a crazy month, and It’s one of my favorite months too! (maybe because it’s my birthday month?) So anyway posting a monthly round-up of my favorite things from that month featuring anything I loved, from fashion to podcast I am listening to. It has been a popular post of mine, so I thought I would share a more clear favorite from the month here on the blog!

This will be a NEW monthly post (hopefully closer to the end of the month)! This will feature any random things I loved throughout the month, including products I used up! October brought us all the Fall feels with cooler temperatures and pumpkin spice starting to make its way into everything! So here is what made its way into my heart, home and body this last October!

October Favorite: Fall Fashion

One of my favorite things is dressing for Fall! I love the layers and finding fun pieces. I saw this jacket last year at Nordstrom rack and am linking a (similar one DEAL Here and Here) pants and sweater in the photo below.

all black outfit, fall outfit, fall vibes, photos,

Fall leaves are gorgeous this time of the year and perfect for stunning photos! Loving all the Fall vibes. Outfit details: Sweater {here} {similar here} black jeans {similar here} Another October Favorite: over the knee boots {similar here and Here}

On my Instagram, I shared this post with my feelings on aging. Please read it here. October is my birthday month, and I always enjoy the beauty of Fall and the feelings you get from the cooler temperatures and color change. Outfit details: Duster {similar here and here}, distressed jeans {similar here and here}, tee-shirt {here}, and another one I love {here}, plus a killer deal {here}. Let’s not forget these super cute booties {here}, October favorite for Sure! My leopard cardigan cut as well for an October favorite {here}, and this Sweatshirt {here}, plus these pj’s {here}.

October Favorite Books

One of the books I read, Wildchild, is my month’s fav! I couldn’t put it down! Here are a couple more books I read: Good, Better, Best by Sue McCarthy, Audacious by Beth Moore, and The Participation Game by Norty Cohen. I love to read, and I love an actual book to hold, not a fan of my kindle except for travel. How about you? I usually don’t get four books done in 1 month either but being a teacher. You read when the kids do!

I enjoyed each book and was excited to learn business techniques, more about faith, and a book for the joy of reading and taking you somewhere different with a storyline you could relate to. What are you reading? Joanna Gaines’s book is on my nightstand right now (I have had since she released it! Maybe a year or two?) In my school bag is The Career Code.

A book about the photographer, model, and magazine world: it was such a fun read I couldn’t put it down!
A quote from the book Wildchild that I loved and couldn’t have said better! ” Style makes you different. Fashion makes you the same!”

October Favorite Products

I used up. Well, maybe my hubby helped a little! Wink wink! Loreal Revitalift Intensive Overnight Mask: wear in the evening after cleansing the face. It moisturizes but feels thick. Glo Hydra Radiance Moisturizer: a daily moisturizer that makes your skin glow, almost dewy, I would purchase again. Hyaluronic Acid Anti Aging Serum: Use after your toner & helps even skin tone and tighten skin. I think my skin looked clearer (not that I have any acne), just fresh-looking. Revision Skincare Retinol Complete: I use this at night only, and after serum, I use it around my eyes and smile lines. I feel like it helped reduce the lines. It’s a brilliant product to use in your late 30’s to 60’s.

If you have been following, you know how important skincare is to me and that I am always trying new products out to see what works and what doesn’t. I try to share my results with you over on Instastories, and every so often, I’ll do a beauty routine or round up over here on the blog. Would you mind letting me know on what social platform you want me to post results?

New here? I am 47, and nobody ever guesses my age:) some of that I can thank my mom… The other is because of my skincare routine. I’ll do a face mask twice a week (it used to be once a week until I learned 4-5 months ago you should do two a week! I use a cleanser every day and a scrub maybe three times a week. Then I’ll use a toner, then a serum. Retinol is new to my routine, and only at night, and I finish with a moisturizer. At least one night a week, sleeping with vaseline all over my face because Utah is so dry!

I am sharing this with you to understand my routine and know I try a product out for the whole month, sometimes two, before sharing it. I also want you to know I support products I love, which does not always sponsor me. What’s your favorite product? Will you be trying one of my October favorites? Please let me know below!

October brings the most beautiful sunrises. This photo was on my morning drive alongside the lake.

October Favorite Podcasts

I am listening to and can’t get enough… I don’t even listen to music in the car anymore!

Favorites List:

The Influencer Pod: Cast if you are an influencer or in any marketing, it’s a must!
Joel Osteen: Christian.
Style Collective: Great if you’re self-employed.
Wit & Wisdom: Also great if you’re self-employed.
Pop Fashion: You guessed it, Fashion-based.

My October Favorite Random Things

This month I adored this lipstick (here), my favorite blanket to snuggle up with (here), and my favorite seasonal mug (here). I used to snuggle up and watch Hocus Pocus at least 25 times during October! My favorite NEW TV shows: God Friended A Million Little Things and Me!

And now the excellent stuff! Fall means comfort food, homemade soups, mac and cheese, chicken pot pie, and yummy pasta! Here’s my easy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe (here), and I will continue to share our family’s favorite dishes with you since it’s some of my most engaged posts. Below is my oldest son Hudson’s easy Spicy Rigatoni Recipe! You’re going to love it, and it’s so effortless!

My Sons Easy Spicy Rigatoni Recipe:
For a quick and easy throw-together meal that feels like you slaved in the kitchen. You’ll love this Spicy Rigatoni Recipe. Our family loves Buca di Beppo’s Spicy Chicken Rigatoni. One day Hudson, my oldest, decided he would recreate it in a fast college student way! So he did, and it is yummy.

You’ll Need:

1 box rigatoni Our Favorite HERE

1 16 oz jar of your Favorite Marinara sauce (we like garlic and basil) It’s WHOLE30 HERE

1 16 oz jar of your favorite Alfredo sauce but your only using about 10 oz (we like this one HERE)

1 half-pint heavy whipping cream using 1/2 of the container (we like this one HERE)

1 small bag of frozen peas

2 tablespoons of fresh minced garlic

1 tablespoon of crushed red pepper HERE

salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup parmesan cheese to top off HERE

Optional Add-Ins: 3 Grilled chicken breast cut thin and pan-fried or grilled.

In a large pan, bring to boil water for pasta and follow directions on the box. In a medium saucepan, pour in a jar of Marinara sauce, add about 10-12 oz of the Alfredo sauce, and 1/2 the container of the cream, let simmer and add in all the seasonings. Don’t add peas to the sauce until the very end (about 1 min to the sauce), right before you drain pasta and are ready to dish up. You want the peas to be warm but still have a little crunch. Plate pasta, cover in sauce, and top with parmesan! So good and dinner in less than 20 minutes! Serve with a salad and garlic bread!

My favorite pasta serving bowl (HERE) and the best strainer (HERE)

Did you do anything from my Fall bucket list HERE?

I hope you had a beautiful October and enjoyed the list of my favorite October things! Let me know if you try a couple of them, maybe this November. Seriously, I can’t believe it’s already the 2nd week of November, and I have some exciting things planned for the blog.

The month of November is a great reminder of all the things we should be grateful for. So in November, I will be sharing my gratitude list, easy way’s to give back, and some fun shopping guides for the upcoming Holiday season. Also, Sharing shopping guides for my Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday picks along with Holiday outfits, a couple of our favorite Holiday recipes, and of course, my Thanksgiving tablescape and peeks at some Holiday decor! So stay tuned as I have exciting things to share! Have a beautiful week!

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 the support!

Fall Bucket List 12 Must Do Fall Activities

white kitchen, marble, super white quartzite counter tops

Bath and Body Works Fall candle collection, my favorite is leaves. Costco Fall flowers & candy corn make it feel like fall! My shirt is by Trunk old, similar here & here.

Hello Beautiful’s! You know how much I love Fall (it’s going to be my Birthday month!) and how much I love to do & enjoy all things Fall! So I thought it would be fun to do a Fall bucket list to share with you, since you loved my Winter bucket list last year (If you missed that check it out here!). I hope it inspires you to get in the spirt of the season and check a couple things off the list as well! OX

PUMPKIN PATCH – Well of course, an annual event around year! Even if my kids are big and over it! I still drag them out for a family day (normally it’s bribed with food). I always have a large assortment of pumpkins on our porch, steps and entryway. So this is a great time to have everyone pick a verity and help decorate!
HAUNTED HOUSE– A perfect date with the family, my boys will be really into this! I haven’t been to one since high school, so wish me luck!
A day in front of a fire with a cozy blanket, a cup of tea, a candle burning and a great book!
Go on an OUTDOOR HIKE, where the colors are stunning and the air is crisp!
Go to a COLLAGE FOOTBALL game! We have to go support Auston Tesch #53 for Weber state at least once a year! It’s always fun and last year my mom was here to go support him too!
Take a FALL DRIVE where the leaves are in full glory. I love grabbing a warm drink and taking a drive with my hubby to see the color’s. It’s fun to grab a meal out and make it a date. When we lived in California, we would go with the entire family,(my mom & my sister) to Oak Glen and pick apples, boy do I miss those days.
Make a HOMEMADE PIE, I haven’t made a pie from scratch in a few years. I used to love making apple pies, when we had so many apple trees in California! (I need to plant a couple apple trees)
JUMP INTO A PILE OF LEAVES and get a cute picture! I will wait for my boys to rake all the leaves up! hehe
Make a big POT OF CHILI (my veggie chili recipe is below) and watch Hocus Pocus! I mean what is fall without watching Hocus Pocus at least 10 times!
Create a FALL WARDROBE CAPSULE, these wardrobe capsules have been all the rage, (have you heard of them?) with fall being most peoples favorite time to shop, it’s a great time to create one for you. Help yourself to get inspiration and pick out classic pieces to build your wardrobe for Fall.
Spend the WEEKEND with GIRLFRIENDS in PJ’S watching HALLMARK MOVIES. Of course we’ll do face mask, drink wine and eat all kinds of yummy food! Who’s ready for a sleep over?
Enjoy a FIRE ON THE DECK making s’mores, under cozy blankets enjoying the crisp fall air! I will be decorating my back deck for fall this year! Unfortunately it’s a short season here in Utah, So I have never decorated the back deck for fall. This year we are going too spend more time wrapped in blankets enjoying the crisp air.

Corn Maze Fun: Outfit details- Cardigan old: similar here & here, Black tee Here, Shoes similar here, Camo moto pants, Old: Similar here and here here

Louis Vuitton, fall nails, purchase color here and Starbucks. Three of my favorite things!

My Easy Veggie Chili Recipe: (slow cooker) So easy you’ll make it a ton!

1 large can of chili beans and sauce

1 can each of pinto, kidney, red beans drained and rinsed

1 large can of tomato sauce

1 can of crushed tomatoes

1 cup of water

1 each of a red, yellow, green bell peppers, washed and chopped

1 large onion chopped and browned

4 cloves of garlic chopped browned

1 tablespoon of butter (for browning onion and garlic)

1 tablespoon of chili powder

1 tablespoon of onion salt

1 tablespoon of kitchen bouquet (browning seasoning)

1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

crushed red pepper seasoning to taste

shredded cheese (for topping)

Brown the onions and garlic in the butter, then add everything (except cheese) into the crockpot on low in the morning and come home to a yummy meal! You can brown turkey or meat of choice with a chili seasoning packet and add that, but you’ll need another can of tomato sauce. Serve with corn bread, fritos or soda crackers!

Extra toppings optional: sour cream, green onions, hot sauce I hope you try it and let me know what you think. It’s a family favorite around here!

As promised I shared ALL the weekend sales on my instagram stories under Shopping!

I picked some of my favorite things and shared the deals, so go check them out!

Thank you for stopping by and taking the time out of your day to spend a little bit of time with me. If you have any question, please remember to leave a comment. I love helping my friends out! OX, D’Arcy

I Got HACKED..! Don’t Let It Happen To YOU!

Last week one of my worst nightmares happened! My instagram was hacked and being held hostage for ransom, they said if I did not pay they would delete it! Talk about panic, wanting to throw up, and shaking. I was so nervous, 2 years of hard work and content… This is my business, how could this happen?

HOW: Thursday, August 9th… Morning, my normal routine, did my post, answered DM’s and was going through my emails….and came across a collaboration that looked interesting (I get collaborations in my inbox daily so it isn’t new). It was from a representative of the store The Kivari_the_Label (this is a real company) and asked me my rates and wanted to know if I wanted to collaborate. It was a little broken English but not different then some of the companies I get from China. The email also had a link… I did not click on the link (I never do) I thought I knew better… I looked up the company’s website and instagram to see if they would be a fit for me and my brand, it was darling and had clothing I would love to collaborate with. I then answered the representative, stating I would love to work with them, attached my rates and media kit. NOW THIS IS WHERE HE GOT ME…. In short he replied, stating great which items was I thinking would work with a LINK… I CLICKED, it didn’t work!!! shaking my head NOW! I answered him back saying your link is not working….He didn’t answer back, which isn’t unusual, companies get busy and can take a couple days! (note: the hacker did not work for Kivari, He was just acting like he was!) I go about my day and checked on Instagram at about 3:00 PM, answered some messages, scrolled through and put my phone down (this became relevant later)! At 5:20 PM I got an email saying that my email account was changed on my Instagram, obviously I didn’t do this myself. So I clicked on Instagrams revert button… and it wouldn’t work!! Crap why isn’t it working? I then got on Instagram tried to log in, nothing.. I had to make an account so I could start emailing all the Instagram sources I could find! Its after 5:00 and nobody is working at Instagram and good luck trying to get some one to help you! I then got on message boards, a couple of blogger pods and groups… Posted what happened and was seeing if anyone knew what to do?? I got an outpouring of love & support and ideas of what to try! I also got tons people saying this is happening everyday and to read this blog MISS Tara Belle, I read and messaged her! Then later this blog got hacked Peppered in Style, and then this blog too Raelyns Roulette! Oh my gosh, how many people is this happening to? Girls with a following of 30,000 to 101K my gosh! People kept telling me, my account is being held for ransom you’ll get an email! Hours go by and still no email, it’s now late Thursday, no email and no help from Facebook/Instagram! I stick to trying to research for help and keep digging up people this has happened too, and the girls with the blog post, start to answer me back! Some paid and didn’t get their account back, one waited until she could get some help and one paid the day the email came and she negotiated ransom down and she got her account back! I still hadn’t gotten an email! At this point I am getting really worried, the more I investigate and I still DON’T have an email as to where my account is or what is happening! I finally had a friend on telegraph show me how to get to a place on Instagram that lets you click “I’ve been hacked” and it emails you a form! On that form it ask’s a series of questions and when was the LAST TIME you had control of your Instagram… I was glad I could remember 3:00! It’s now past working time on Facebook… I think I did this process at least 4 times, and didn’t hear back. People said it takes a long time to hear from Facebook/Instagram sometimes even 5-10 days!! It’s late and I don’t get any sleep… I dose off at some point & wake up to the dreaded EMAIL saying my account had been HACKED and that if I don’t pay in Bitcoin, my account will be deleted! WHAT??? I panicked…. I don’t have Bitcoin, I haven’t heard a thing from Facebook/Instagram…. what am I going to do? I emailed the criminal back to stall… I don’t have the money, I don’t have a bitcoin account etc., this goes on throughout the day and at the same time, I am getting the word out and sharing my story as much as I can and It’s really not looking good! I am thinking “Man, how am I gonna stall the hacker long enough for someone to answer back with help?”, should I just pay the ransom?

Then I prayed! I prayed God would put the right person in my path that would help me, that could lead me in the right direction! I prayed all day long, I asked friends who believe in the power of prayers to pray…. and guess what?? At 8:52 Friday night I get a message from Aurora McCausland A fellow blogger, but a total stranger that I did not know, had heard my story and wanted to help! She too had been hacked and she GOT HELP from a real person at Facebook with a direct email and wanted to share it with me and she also stated this man helped 3-4 others get their accounts back! She calmed me down by saying “do not answer the hackers emails any more, they’re just empty threats, he wants money he is not going to delete your account!” She was lucky to get her account back the day it was taken, but a couple of the others had to wait 3-5 days as well, due to the weekend. She said “Just try to stay calm, I am confident you will get your account back!” I emailed her contact and got an OUT OF OFFICE until Monday the 13th, this email will be deleted, basically email me again on Monday! OK, I will email Monday morning! Meanwhile I g0t contacted by Catherine Grace O’connell founder of Forever Fierce Revolution, stating she wants to help and will get in contact with her Facebook contact on Monday! She also wanted me to join her facebook group and share my story… I received an out powering of love and women wanting to help share my story and follow me! I was for very grateful for these ladies and to God, answering my prayers, He’s sending me people to help! I am at more peace on Saturday, but yet still scared and my mind wondering…What if I don’t get my account back? I starting praying “Lord I am giving this up to you! This is your battle, I trust in your outcome!

Sunday morning, I finally had a good nights sleep and I woke up to Olia Moda also a fellow blogger (her Blog here) with quite a large account and 4 1/2 years invested in her business, that her account had been hacked on the same day as mine and that in long short, she paid the hacker and he did not return her account! I felt so horrible for her, I am truly more sick for her because she has double my following and 2 1/2 more years invested then I did and she PAID these criminals! I seriously wanted to throw up for her! I was however grateful I had made the decision not to pay! I tried to encourage her like Aurora had me and thank goodness she also had faith, her account was going to be recovered! She also had a contact that she was trying to get into contact with and was going to share my story with her contact! Great, I now have 3 ladies with direct contacts at Facebook and Instagram!

I decide there is nothing I can do, I have given it to God and I am taking a break from any message-boards, and social media! I am spending the day with my family on the lake. We had a great day and I didn’t think of my loss, I didn’t touch my phone once….until after 6 PM! We were getting off the boat and heading to car and I see a text on my phone it’s Olia her account has been found!! I am texting her back with tears in my eyes and my phone rings, it’s Olia! I say in tears: “Stranger friend! I am so happy for you!” I truly was so excited her contact had recovered her account, it felt like we had been friends for years and the excitement I felt was unexplainable! Two strangers that became friends due to an event that brings us together and I honestly never thought of my account! To feel that joy for someone else, words can’t express! She then stated her guy had my info and make sure to have a brand new email account ready! We hang up, it was very emotional, I can’t even explain! I seriously cried tears of joy on the drive home. She will be sharing her story soon on: www.oliamoda.com, be sure to check it out too!

Sunday night, at 8:48 PM I get an email from Aurora’s contact that I had emailed (remember he’s on vacation and it’s Sunday). He emailed me stating he’s asked his team to look at my account and to please make sure to have a new secure email ready! I hadn’t looked at my mail…He emailed me again at 10:53 pm stating he needed a secure email account and I should hear from him by noon tomorrow! I noticed his email at 12:09am I emailed him back stating how grateful I was etc. and give him my new email. Talk about being at peace that someone was on it! At this point I never thought, “what if they can’t find it”! I dosed off and at 3:00 AM, It was like God whispered in my ear “look at your email” I shot up, opened my email and there it was….. My Account recovered and ready for a new password! I wanted to scream and dance!! Thank you, lord! I am so very grateful for yet another stranger working on a Sunday and opening an email, that said would be deleted! I wanted to hug and kiss him!! I emailed him back with gratitude and immediately TURNED ON the TWO FACTOR AUTHENTICATION!

I had to share this Photo, it’s how I felt when I got my account back!!

So, NOW.. I have shared my story! Here’s what you need to do, even if your business is not a blogger or influencer! On all of your accounts, from banking to social media, turn on Two Factor Authentication, this is normally found under the privacy and security of any website or app! This helps keep your accounts safe by sending a code to your cellphone number when someone is trying to sign into any of your accounts! In other words, if someone has your password and two factor authentication is on they still can’t access your account because they don’t have the passcode that was sent to your phone, so TURN IT ON NOW! It is the only thing that will truly keep your accounts safe.

*Can’t find the Two factory Authentication on your instagram? In the right corner of your main page, is a little Gear/cog/circle…click on that, then Privacy and settings, then scroll down, you’ll see Two factor Authentication, Click and turn on!

Also don’t click on links from unknown sources (on my blog you know my links are safe)! Hackers hide spyware in links, spyware can find out everything you’ve been up too and will take all of your information! (think of all the times you entered credit card number’s from shopping online!) Keep your identity and information safe!

If you get hacked…don’t panic! Even if you don’t have a direct contact, fill out the “I Got Hacked” form. It’s located on the log in page on Instagram, then go to forgot login, then on this page is trouble logging in. If you look to the middle in small print it says: “need more help?”, click this, it will take you to Request Support, scroll down to my account was hacked, click and add any additional details! This generates an email with questions, fill it out! Now this can take a couple days to get a response! BUT guess what? They do respond… so for those who get told, “Don’t count on Facebook or Instagram to help.” Don’t listen to them, I got an email back from Jeremy on Monday afternoon! I explained I was already helped and thanked him for contacting me.

Share… share your story on all social media, we need to make people aware of what’s going on and the dangers! Don’t be embarrassed, it’s happening to so many people and we need to talk about it! There will alway’s be criminals, but remember there is truly more good people in this world then the criminals and we can help each other out! Share, support, and stick together! Sharing also helps you get help, from an unknown source!

This is a Cybercrime, call and report it to your police department, if your police department doesn’t have a Cybercrime division your states FBI department does! (I am collecting names for our Local FBI as I write this)

REMEMBER: Don’t Click on Links You Don’t Know!

I will forever be grateful to all those who shared their story with me, sent encouraging notes & DM’s, followed me, followed my blog, asked me to join their group or pod, shared my story on their social accounts, sent over tips and even said prayers! I was overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and met some wonderful new friends!

Thank you for taking the time to stop by and read my blog! OX, D’Arcy.

NOTE: As I am writing this post, I have learned of a NEW way hackers are bypassing the two factor authenticities, to get to Influencers accounts!!! They are sending a DM from the verify center which looks like it’s from Instagram… They are asking to give your account a verified badge (the little blue check by your name). It states your account has been viewed by instagram and is eligible, then to complete the verified account badge, you must specify that the account is up to date, this comes with a button: Verify My Account (a link), this is not from Instagram, DO NOT click on the button!

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