Dear D'Arcy

By D'Arcy Vandenberg

Easter Basket’s for the Men in your life!

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

Easter basket for men

Easter baskets for men

Easter basket for teenage boys

easter baskets for teenage boys

easter basket for college boy

old navy tee shirt and underware

old navy tee and boxers

starbucks gift certifacts easter basket filler

jord watch the frankie

Want to Win A Jord Gift certificate?

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

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

easter basket stuffers jord watch

easter basket stuffers jord watch

boys easter basket jord watche

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

Watches Made From Woo

Way to Wear…Flared Trouser jean

Happy Wednesday! 

I love sharing a way to wear something, with Skinny jeans being ALL the rage for the last couple of years it’s fun to add a different style of jeans into the mix. The trouser jean is a great jean for a dresser look. Perfect to wear with heel’s and a fun top. I love how they elongate the leg and the slight flare looks chic. This is a denim you could definitely pull of in a office setting or business meeting! 

Tip: This type of pant needs to be worn with a top that tucks in, otherwise its just to much fabric and doesn’t give the long sleek look you want with these pants.

 

Sts trouser sold out, similar here and here   Top Chic Style, leopard heels Sold out, Similar here, bracelet Michael Kors, suede clutch sold out, similar here 

Will you try the trouser flared jean? OX D’Arcy

Unmentionables (Undergarments Ever Woman should Own!) Tuesday Tip Day

 

Unmentionables….SHHH…What’s under the clothes! My picks I believe every woman should own to look and feel her best in clothes. Not every piece you will use all the time but is a must if you have that special dress, beautiful strapless top, a skirt that’s to sheer, a dress that’s a little short,a fabric that isn’t forgiving!

Back in the day’s when I did a little modeling you need to be prepared for anything because you never knew what you we’re showing up to do! So it was a must to have Nude and seamless undergarments they looked skin color and worked under everything with out showing lines. This is one reason I believe everyone should own a nude seamless thong!  Panty lines under slacks, pencils skirts a tight dress or formal wear is just unattractive! Shorter shirts and dresses call for a Shorty Panty that way Your unmentionables wont be hanging out:) Spanx Seamless panty is also great for this and a perfect alternative for those who need a little slimming or don’t feel comfortable in a thong! Strapless body suit works great for trousers and sheer tops or even strapless dress. Miraclesuit (or the same version from spanx) is great for dresses,evening gowns and fabrics that are not forgiving..this miracle worker hold and smooths everything out!  Now a day’s a lot of our dresses and skirts even tunic are sheer or see- through, it good to have a slip to protect people from seeing you unmentionable’s (nobody wants to see your pretty lace underwear but your honey:)…really!  I have shown 2 slips 1 for skirts 1 for dresses and long tunic’s!

Let’s chat Bra’s….Everyone has their favorite’s and I am a lover of lace and pretty lace bra’s and matching underwear.. But for Staple piece undergarments you need to Have these basics for specific reason’s….The seamless nude bra-perfect for tight tops and tee’s (no lines or lace pressing through!) The Strapless for any top that has cut outs, off the shoulder or even off the shoulder dresses ( avoid the ugly bra strap showing), The racer back for Tops, tanks or cut out tops that you need support but straps won’t show. Lace Racer back bralette is cute with oversize 1 sided off the shoulder tops and sweaters or under tank tops to give a sexy  pop of lace. Plus its fun to have lace pretties!

Breast helpers help fill in bra if your needing a lift or some padding and pedals cover nipple if you can’t wear a bra, due to the design of the top or dress!   

What you wear underneath is as important if not more important then what your wearing! It finishes the look of your outfit!  Say GOODBYE to seams, panty line, wrong bra’s and see through clothes! Trust me you look and feel amazing! 

I hope you enjoyed my Unmentionable’s tip’s! OX D’Arcy

  • Aerie underwire bra
  • $39AE.COM
  • Miraclesuit Shapewear Rear Lift Thigh Control High Waist Slimmer…
  • $60ZAPPOS.COM

 

Adding Spring Touches To your Home

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday Tip Day: Weekly Beauty Routine

 

 

Do You Have a Weekly Beauty Routine?  I am sure you have a Daily…. But do You have something YOU just do on a weekly basis to look and feel good? I sure do specially being over 40! I think I started this routine in my late 20’s maybe early 30’s! Somethings I learned form my mom and others I picked up on my own! I thought I would share with you some of my favorite tricks to help me look and feel good! Let’s face it when we take care of ourselves we feel good!OX

Body Scrub:  I do a full body scrub once a week (the brand really doesn’t matter) you can even use the homemade version here I just love how it helps keep my skin soft! Remove’s the dead dry skin and helps give your skin a glow.

Coconut Oil: I use this on my skin every day in the shower! But once a week I use this as a hair mask… I grab a hand full or two, warm it up in my hands and rub on my scalp and all over my hair and wrap it up in a top knot or towel. I normally leave on for quite a long time depending on my schedule! Last week I left it on all day as I was doing DIY projects at home!

Face mask: Who wouldn’t love a professional facial every week!! I sure would but time and most people’s budget won’t allow it. So do a mini one at home. Again brand doesn’t matter I use what I have at Home. I am sure I have tried almost every brand over the years and really don’t have a favorite! I have bought full size of some brands and found I like the little trial ones to get different results! One of the reasons I get Birch Box & Ipsy is to try a new face mask (some month you don’t get a mask) I have built up a little collection though! Tip: If you ask at the Make up counter they’ll normally give you one! I never did this ( I don’t like asking for FREE stuff) and I have a Sister in the industry and a couple of good friends that say If your spending a decent amount of money at a counter or even at  Lush or Sephora, They’ll happily give you samples of anything you’d like to try!

I do my mini facial after I have gotten my hair wrapped up in oil! apply mask, follow its instructions, then I wash off , followed by a light cleanser on my Clarisonic, rinse & dry then add a Layer of serum then a layer of  Moisturizer and finally spritz with Evan or lush’s water mist.

(this serum I swear by and use daily, Its change my skin! Here’s a code to get 10% 0ff LOVEMYSKIN)

This was Sunday Mask….A sample of Fresh that was in one of my Monthly boxes!

Vaseline: This is something I do 1 to 2 times a week before bed… After my face is washed I apply a thin layer all over my face and neck! It’s dry in Utah and it really helps keep you skin in good shape! My mom has been doing it since her 20’s…Boy if you’ve seen my mom you’ll be doing it too!!! OX  (I’ll catch my hubby doing it too!)

Olaplex:  This is something I just started doing as a suggestion from my hair dresser! You use it once a week on wet hair leave in 20 mins and rinse! It helps strengthen hair!  I do this before I do my Coconut oil treatment!  My hair is looking healthier and stronger since I started using!  (I have taken biotin and hair/nail supplements for years which work but this helps even more)

I would love to hear some of your Beauty tips? Leave a comment below!  Hope you try some of the things that work for me! Enjoy your Week! OX D’Arcy

Seeing Dots…Polka dots Spring transition outfit & wardrobe Tip’s

Happy Monday Beautiful’s! Hope your weekend was great and your ready for a great new week! It’s a Beautiful day out Today in Utah and we’re starting to feel a little like Spring! YAY! If your like me your ready because we’ve had one heck of a Winter! 

I wanted to share with you a Fun Spring transition outfit and Some Tips on Why I have these items in my wardrobe! I am using some pieces from Fall (my top and shoes) with some fun New Spring Items (this super skirt & denim jacket) 

Top :Mine is Sold out find one similar here or Here, Shoes: similar here and on SALE,

Polka dot skirt from Chic Style here, Denim Jacket: here, Necklace: similar here & here I Found my Necklace at a street market in NYC (One of My favorite things to collect while on Vacation is a piece of Jewelry made by a local artist) I wanted to give you a Faux and a real option!

 

The transition from Winter to Spring can be hard! 1 because we so badly want the temps to be warmer & We want to wear the Spring/ Summer clothes but the temps don’t always allow us! 2 We don’t always have the budget to go buy all NEW clothes!  Here is a great way to solve Both! By Mixing things you already own with a new Spring item or two you can dress like its  spring but have the choice to layer up when it’s cooler! Here is how and why I choose these items for My wardrobe!

Skirt:I love the classic and playful lines of the fluted pencil Skirt! Who doesn’t love Polka dot’s? This is a great Basic & versatile piece to add to your wardrobe that you can own for years! Steal at $39.99 

Denim jacket:If you’ve been following me over the years on Facebook or My New personal instagram you know how much I swear by owning a good fitting Denim jacket! It’s a Basic staple item every lady should own! If you can afford I suggest owning a darker & regular weight and a lighter & lighter weight one! My Favorite is the Kut from the Kloth  it fit’s well, is a little tapered not to boxy and a good moderate price point.  This essential piece works with ALL most every outfit you could create! From a lace dress or Skirt to dress pants an jeans. It can tone down a outfit or edge one up! It’s a must have for Spring & Summer Chilly nights. I keep one in my car and I always travel with one. A denim Jacket travel’s well because it can be rolled up small or is a  light enough weight to wear on a chilly plane. If you don’t have one make it a priority piece on your shopping list! You’ll thank me later:) 

Faux Leather top: My top I have owned for a couple of years now and it never gets old! I suggest owning a cool Black Leather top!  Long sleeve or short it really doesn’t matter you’ll get a lot of use out of it as you can wear Year round! Tip buy one that is thin and doesn’t have to much fabric so you can wear alone or layered. Leather adds a “Cool” factor or edge but can also be”Classic” depending on what you pair it with!

Open toed Booties: Mine are Vince Camuto I purchased at Nordstrom a couple of years ago! I really feel its worth it to buy good shoes. They last a longer and are truly more comfortable. This Booty style I personally feel is a classic more then trendy plus very versatile.  Can be worn with jeans, skirts and dresses so in my eyes a good investment! The pair I linked you too are even on SALE! 

Hope you enjoyed My Spring Transition outfit and Helpful tips!

Enjoy your week! OX D’Arcy

Mikrose clothing

April 14th, Fox13 The Place, Fashion segment partnering with Mikarose to dress the host’s Brook & Brittney for Spring!

Hair wand Tips

Do YOU have stick straight hair that does NOT HOLD a curl? ME too! My hair is silky straight and as a kid the only way I could have curly hair was to sleep in sponge roller’s! (remember those?) I even tried a perm and….that didn’t even take!  So you can imagine how excited I was when I learned about Nume’ wands. Professional curling wands made of 100% tourmaline ceramic and heats up to 410 degrees. The high heat adds a curl that last ALL day and even into the next day without damaging my hair. ( I do only use 1-2 times a week)  These wands are expensive but are worth it for the results they give. The Price range is from $139-169 but I found a code for you to use to SAVE 35% FALL35 off everything online www.numeusa.com (in NO way is this sponsored)   I own 3 wands and these are the results below from each wand… I use the 25 mm the most! Each wand come with a glove and a tip sheet and you can pick you color.

 

 

This Pearl wand is great for a super curly pony tail & up do!

Do You want to WIN A 32 mm Classic Wand? If so Here’s how:

-Leave a Comment below & leave you instagram tag

-sign up for our email (I don’t spam or sell)

-follow us on instagram @darcyvandenberg or link in sidebar

-share this post

-pin this post

Giveaway is from 2/27/17 to 3/20/17, Has NO cash value, must follow ALL of the above rules (we will be checking) Is no way sponsored by NUME’. Winner will be chosen by random and announced Here on 3/21/17    GOOD LUCK

Hope you enjoyed Tuesday Tip Day and Enter My giveaway!

OX D’Arcy

Quick Berry Shortcake Dessert

Quick Berry Shortcake for My Tuesday Tip

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

Make’s 4 plates

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

2 cups cut up Strawberries

1/2 cup raspberries (plus 8 for garnish)

1/2 blackberries (plus 8 for garnish)

3/4 cup sugar

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

Whip cream for garnishing top

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

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

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

ox, D’Arcy

Tuesday’s Tip=White teeth …BOOM

I often get asked how I keep my teeth so white?  My tip is these little toothpaste tablets ” Boom toothy tabs”  it’s charcoal & chili blend help keep teeth white.  Don’t worry the chili part doesn’t make them spicy! Although the charcoal part makes you unattractive for a couple minutes, it’s worth it!  These baby’s don’t harm your enamel and keep your teeth sparkling white.  $9.99 a bottle, available at Lush shops.   For those of you who know me know I am a huge Iced Tea drinker , Yes you can still have White teeth. Now I do use Crest White stripes for 1 week every year at the beginning of summer these little tablets are my white smile maintainers.  Hope you enjoyed my Tuesday’s tip ❤️D’Arcy

Let me know if you try them and how you liked them. ( This post is not sponsored in anyway)

Toothy tabs by Lush

So sorry for the unattractive photo… But I thought it’s very important to know your tooth brush and foam will be black! It’s ok it doesn’t stain and washes out.

Another photo I am sorry about, post so visual… But I was worried the first time I tried these and had a black mouth❤️ It’s ok and washes right off without staining😘

White teeth without harming your enamel

New Year’s Eve Bringing in 2017

Tonight we’re saying good bye to 2016 and Ringing in 2017 …. Are you having a party, Hosting friends , heading to a big shindig or staying at home watching the Ball drop?  Any way you choose to celebrate I hope your New year brings you blessings, love, dreams achieved and a healthy 2017.

Here’s a little peek into our Space, My Hubby built our Bar for my Birthday last year and I really do need to do a post just about it! I love to entertain and it has brought us much enjoyment. This is where we spend or Sunday’s With family and friends❤️

For Tonight We are still deciding if we’re heading to our close Family friends for a party or staying home and chilling… We’ve had a crazy season in Retail and our Boys are not feeling so hot ( one has a concussion from a ski accident….. And the other caught my nephews cold over Christmas) so we’ll see what their wanting to do. We always spend New Years with our boys and lucky to have Friends that love to throw Family parties not just adults so tonight our plans our up to our boys….So your Thinking Why is our bar decorated? Well if you know me you know I love a chance to decorate & I found some cute New things this year & mixed with some old Things, I think I came up with a cute New Years Eve display to celebrate 2017 No matter what we decide to do🎉🍾

View of our Bar room, set up for Bringing in the New Year.

Festive decor garland purchased on etsy, cheers light available at Target, disco balls Ti pan, sip & cheers bottles anthropology, DIY champagne bottle , stir sticks and other accessories Target! Sequins runner Homegoods

New Year’s Eve 2017 a little peek at our festivities happening in our Bar

Champagne toast DIY glitter Champagne bottle , see prior post on how to make🍾

Every closet should have a little Black dress  this one I purchased at Nordstrom over the summer just to have on hand

if I was ever in need of a cocktail dress.

Perfect little black dress & accessories

Accessories statement Bracelet , Rhinstone earring's and Yves St Lauren lipstick

Cocktail dress by Adrianna Papell @ Nordstrom

Badgley Mischka Silver wedge with Rhinstone detail

With out knowing our plans for this evening I put together some outfit choice’s just in case… A girl needs opptions  and I like to be ready 😘 I really do suggest having a couple of little black dresses and some fancy not practical shoes in your closet, you never know when you might need! As for the shoes this could be cute on a date night with Jeans and a tee with a leather jacket…. Or in the summer with shorts and a tank❤️ Always thinking ahead….  I consider  this one of the basic’s Every girl should own. I post a couple days ago some cute top options that would be cute with leather pants and heels for a festive look with out being so dressy.   So do your self a favor and be on the look out for both…. I hope you enjoyed a sneak peek into our Home & my closet.

No matter what your doing to ring in the New Year I hope you look smashing and  Make it a Great and festive night! Be safe and responsible ❤️D’Arcy