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Dear D'Arcy

By D'Arcy Vandenberg


Let’s talk 40’s….Woman in our 40’s..Ready? It’s getting real!

outfit of the Day

Outfit details: Off the shoulder top on sale here, embroidered Jeans, Sandals sold out similar here, trench coat Similar here, sunglasses here, handbag sold out similar here

Ok, let’s get real…. You know I am 46 and age hasn’t really never mattered to me. My best friend Danielle is 10 days older then I am (yes..I enjoy saying that! hehe) We have enjoyed many of our Birthday’s together…. Sweet 16, our right to vote 18, Our mom’s taking us to gamble at 21 and with each one she was a little terrified of whats was to come. She really didn’t want to turn 25 (no real reason why?) Our 30th birthday I think was her hardest (my mom said that was her hardest too) I never had a thought of our age at any year and would just giggle at her and told her “we never look our age.. it’s all good” Did you have a birthday you dreaded? Then comes then one most people dread 40…Do you know our 40th Birthday she didn’t even flinch or say one comment about turning 40…Could it have been, we finally really get comfortable about who we are at 40?     

I have enjoyed every age, each has it’s plus and minus. I remember my mom saying back when I was a teenager ” I loved being a teenager but you couldn’t pay me to go back!” At that time I thought why? you loved it, it’s such a fun time and carefree…. ( it’s different being a teenager now!)  Now, as I am raising young adults, I get what she was saying. I also had great teenage years and I would not go back either. I have truly embraced every age and all the lessons and joy!  BUT… and there is a BIG BUT…40’s has some of the Biggest changes…some good, some challenging and some funny if you can laugh at yourself!   

After 40, some funny things that happen to you that doesn’t always get talked about. Some things are kind of funny ( like the arm reach out with the menu, that we teased our parents about!)  My eye’s just started having issues this year. After 46 years of 20/20 vision my mom said “D’Arcy Michelle are you wearing readers?” yup, yup I am! Cute ones here🙂 for $6.99

At 40 I noticed I was gaining weight (I was lucky and never really had a weight issue, yes everyone always wants to lose 5-10 lbs in the Summer!) but really never anything more then that. At 40 I really was struggling and my Ob Gyn Dr. said I was fine and all my blood work was fine…but I didn’t feel fine? It wasn’t until I turned 43 that I knew I wasn’t fine and searched out a solution to help me!  It was having my Hormones done by a hormone specialist, let me tell you it was life changing! ( I have talked more about this in prior post Here) our hormones change at different times for each individual but most of us notice a difference in our weight, hair, skin and tiredness starting at 40. Once my hormones were regulated I felt like my old self.  Hormone changes is something more woman need to share with each other and know it’s ok to talk about! It’s 2018 we can share what’s going on with our bodies at any age!  

After 40 our hair thins out, yet we get more on our FACE! What…. Nobody tell’s you you’ll need these…Unless you have a make-up artist sister!     “Please someone, when I can’t see any more.. pluck the hair out of my mole!” This has become a joke with a few of my girlfriends!  

Skin changes not just the tightness of our skin, or the creepiness but the dryness! In the last year my skin is so dry and I can’t seem to get enough moisturizer on my face & neck. (some night’s all slather on Vaseline!)  For other’s it can be the on set of adult acne, REALLY?  Didn’t we already go through that as teenagers? Here is a product my girlfriends with this issue are loving! I found these couple product’s really do help with dryness Here and Here.  Also drinking a ton of water helps and I have been adding this to mine, but you do really have to have a morning and night beauty routine. No more going to bed with out washing your face. I love this product to remove make up!

Our kids are older ( depending on when you had them) Which gives us freedom and our lives back with our hubby’s…. But sadly there is no more Santa clause or egg hunts! This was our first year Santa didn’t come and our first Easter without having an egg hunt. Heartbreaking “No more little’s” Don’t get me wrong as sad as that sounds… I loved those day’s and will cherish the memories…but getting to actually lay on a lounger and drink a cocktail next to my husband by the pool is quite relaxing, not having to be in the water all day and hear “mommy look at me, watch me!” and turn into a wrinkled prune:) We’ll miss those day’s without “Littles” for the brief time before our children start to have children and we get to play with those darling grand babies….it could be a short window of time for some, so take joy in that time you get to have a little time for yourself and your spouse. See 40’s isn’t that bad!

40’s can bring your periods back like when you were a teenager!! Lucky they have a procedure called an ablation. Which makes it so you won’t ever have another period without effecting your hormones. I have had several girlfriends go this route and love it! “Couldn’t do that as a teenager!”

Sleeping changes in our 40’s and a lot of it has to do with our hormones…. Progesterone help’s us sleep and we started losing it in our 30’s…. If you have issues have them check that, before reaching for sleeping aids!  (once my hormones were regulated…I started sleeping like a teenager again!) 

Sex…Yes I said it! Sex can be the best you’ve ever had! See 40’s has some plus’s! I won’t go into detail…but this I am guessing has a big part to do with being comfortable in your own skin…you know who you are at 40….I am sure you can take where I am going with this from here:) wink!

Life over 40….I personally feel you know who you are in your 40’s and you can be in “your own skin” Nobody to impress, your career is on it’s way, your family is established, hopefully your marriage is strong and you’ve established your true friends and support system and if your really lucky your parents are still around and healthy to enjoy them too. Let’s face it as we age they do too. 

  Life will always have up’s and downs, twist and turns but really age is just a number…embrace it & laugh as you go….Just make sure to look Chic at every age:) WINK:) OX, D’Arcy

Are you experiencing something you didn’t know you would or think we should talk about? Comment below let’s help each other out:)

All opinions are my own, I am not a Doctor so please seek advice from a physician. I only promote brands that I truly love and believe in and this may contain affiliate links. Thank you for taking the time to read and for your support.



2 Comments

Comments

  1. Jolynn atkinson says

    April 14, 2018 at 3:22 pm

    I want information on the doctor you went to that helped get you regulated, please!
    I had an ablation, but it didn’t work for me, I was the small percentage that it doesn’t help. I ended up having a hysterectomy a year later. Best thing I ever did!!! I still have my ovaries so I don’t take any hormone pills
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • D'Arcy Vandenberg says

      April 15, 2018 at 5:19 pm

      I am happy to sent over Dr.Butchers contact to you at Preventative Medicine! Make sure to tell him I sent ya! He gives a better deal:) Sorry the Ablation didn’t help you. I am having in July after my Iud come out! I’ll keep you posted!

      Reply

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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]

My Amazon Finds 9 Entertaining items I can’t thr My Amazon Finds 

9 Entertaining items I can’t throw a
party without

That make Entertaining Easy

Slide ➡️ for Tips and items I have to have

⚠️Slide. #10 is a MUST HAVE
And Slide #2 is a savior 

Comment “Shop” for Links sent to your DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ 
https://liketk.it/6cTfD

#homeparties #homeentertaining #midlifestyle
—instant dopamine, every time— NEW SHOES Cecelia —instant dopamine, every time—

NEW SHOES

Cecelia New York New “Rally” linen square block low heel, studded sandal 
& gold flower clutch 

⚠️ Save 15 % with code Darcymvandenberg15 

Comment “SHOP” below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK 
⬇ 
https://liketk.it/6cFXL
My greatest joy is being their MOM 🤍🤍🤍 My greates My greatest joy is being their MOM 🤍🤍🤍

My greatest accomplishment is the family we’ve built.🤍

Not only the children I birthed, whom I am so very proud of and thank God every day for,
 but to the home we opened up to others and the family that came from friends and children we’ve been so blessed to have apart of our lives.

Family is something you build not just something you’re given. It truly brings me so much joy to have a full home, to feed others, open our hearts and be a safe space. 

I am grateful everyday for those in our life’s and apart of our “FAMILY” it makes my mama heart happy🤍🤍🤍

Thankful to the two that made me a CoCo @hampton.v_  @kaylee.thompson24 🤍 The love & joy he brings is something nobody could have prepared me for🤍

I know Mother’s Day can be hard for some, with their mamas no longer with them or with having a hard time becoming one on their own🙏🏻🤍 my heart goes out to you! You’ll be in my prayers🙏🏻

🌸Happy Mother’s Day pretty ladies and my your day be full of everything you need it to be🤍🤍🤍

A few of my favorite quotes ⬇️⬇️⬇️

“Motherhood: Because privacy is over-rated”. —Russ Ediger

“Thank God for a praying mother”. —Bobbie Burrow

“Faith is the foundation of a strong, loving family and Mama is the cornerstone”. —Renee Daniels

“Moms just know… How to help. How to heal. How to listen. How to love.”

#mothersdayweekend #boymomclub #fullheartmamas #fullheart #familymemories familybond friendsandfamily happylifestyle
—Mother’s Day Tea— Come with me as I set a Tables —Mother’s Day Tea—

Come with me as I set a Tablescape perfect for tea.
Shades of  pink and yellow 🌸💛
- Vintage pink glass dishes that have been in our family for generations, scrallop details, Touches of gold and silver, layer napkins and rings fit for a queen. Pearl handle silverware and individual tea pots.

~On the Menu~

~ Cucumber Ssndwhiches 
~ Arugula Lemon Salad
~Spinach & Muchroom Quiche 
~ Blueberry Scones -Clotted Cream & Lemon Curd
~ Assorted ShortBread Cookies
~ Lemon & Lavendar Pound Cake

-Drinks-
~ Cucumber & mint water
~ Ice Tea served with lemon & mint
~ Assorted Hot Teas served with Cream & Hobey
~ Finishing with a glass or Prosecco 

🌸 Recipes to come

⚠️Save To reference later
➡️ Share with a friend you think will love
❤️ Follow for more

What are you doing for Mother’s Day? 
I hope you will be relaxing and treated like the queen you are🌸💛👑

#midlifestyle #tablescapestyling #springtable #mothersdaytea
— Easy Gift Idea— Flowers🌸 your mom really wants… — Easy Gift Idea—

Flowers🌸 your mom really wants…

You can put this gift together in minutes and she’ll enjoy ALL Summer long🪴🪏

You’ll need:
-Clay Pot
- Potting Soil 
-Hydrangea Plant or Her Favorite Flower
-Moss
- Pretty Ribbon

🎀 Save to reference later
❤️Follow for more
➡️ Share with a friend 

Want to order online for pick up or same day delivery?

Comment “Shop” and I’ll send you over link & details 
 to this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/6c6kP 

#diygift #midlifestyle #mothersdayflowers #uniquegiftideas
—Cache Valley Creamery— The FREE Recipe E-Book yo —Cache Valley Creamery—

The FREE Recipe E-Book you’re going to want to download is “The Season of Brunch” from @cachevalleycreamery.

This is the cheese lovers guide to easy recipes perfect for brunch or your next party. 🧀. 

🍽️Hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch? You’ll want to make these Cheesy Hash Brown Waffles you and your family will love.🧇

Download your Free E-Book with the link in my bio⬆️

#cachevalleycreamery #cachevalleycheese #sponsored #springrecipe
—Over 50 Style— Spring Style 17 Outfit Formula’s —Over 50 Style—

Spring Style 17 Outfit Formula’s that work every time ✔️

What I’ve worn lately in Springs schizophrenic weather ☀️🌧️❄️🌩️🌤️

Easy Outfits formals you can use to create everyday - workwear- weekend  outfit inspirations.

⚠️Which look is your favorite or one you want to try 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17?

Shop your closet for “like” items or 
If something caught your eye…
Comment “SHOP” and I’ll send you details✔️ to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK 
⬇ 
https://liketk.it/6c0WC 

#over50fashion #springoutfitideas #midlifewomen  #outfitinspo
— Salsa Garden—- Gift Idea for Mother’s Day or you — Salsa Garden—-
Gift Idea for Mother’s Day or your Favorite Gardener 🪏🪴🧑‍🌾

Fun way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo🌮🪇 and Taco Tuesday ….

Planting a salsa garden is easy and cane be done on a balcony or in a large yard…
A fun gift idea..

You’ll Need: 
-Clay pot
-Tomatoe & Marigold plant 
-Seeds for salsa - 
Cilantro, onions ,peppers
-Garden Magazine 
-Garden Tools & Gloves
-Ribbon

⚠️ Follow for more Ideas 

#giftideasformom #gardenlover #salsalover #salsagarden
Mother’s Day Gifts🤍 16 Items I own & love that ma Mother’s Day Gifts🤍

16 Items I own & love that make for great gifts🤍🌸🎁

 Several Affordable gift ideas and a couple splurges she’ll love.

~Great Mother’s Day Gift ideas, as well as A few Graduation and Bridal gift Ideas.

-Beauty
Hand Cream/ clean body lotion & Spf/Red light mask/ Tortoiseshell brush & Toothpaste / hair tool/ clean beauty perfume 

-Home
New Cookbook/ ice maker/ Acrylic Make up holder/ Flower Bust Vase/ Candle/ Towel warmer

-Jewlery
Bracelets

-Fashion
Sunglasses 2 pk / blazer I have a discount code / Denim bow Top under $40

🌸Slide 8 is something I wear on repeat and so lux looking

🌸 The last Slide gets me compliments every time I wear

⚠️Most of these items will arrive on time for Mothers Day

🛍️🛍️🛍️Comment “Shop” for details & links to receive a DM with the links to this post on my LTK 
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#mothersdaygiftidea  #favoritethings #over50women  #midlifewomen
—Hosting with Mom— Mother’s Day Tea Perfect Eyel —Hosting with Mom—

Mother’s Day Tea

Perfect Eyelet Dresses for Mother’s Day
In White eyelet & Chambray Denim Eyelet…
Mom and I were spoiled by @lovechicos With a few outfits!
Their dresses never disappoint, perfect at any age the fit, the style and quality.
The perfect way to celebrate mom

What’s your Mother’s Day plans?

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#lovechicos #mothersdayspecial #coastalgrandmother #eyeletdress
Planning or headed to a Mother’s Day Brunch? Wra Planning or headed to a Mother’s Day Brunch? 

Wrapped bottle detail by @beaubottlesco makes your gift feel softer, more polished, and full of care.  It Turns Simple
Into Meaningful 🤍

The best Mother’s Day plans are usually the ones with intention. 

Wrapped bottle Looks Beautiful Without Much effort. 
Paired perfectly with a floral arrangement or a small gift.

Also makes a perfect hostess gift for Spring Social season and a great way to dress up your bar cart or next party  table. 

I have a discount code for you⬇️

Link: beaubottles.com/darcy15

Discount code: DARCY15 to save 15% off your purchase

#beaubottleswraps #prosecco🍾 #mothersdaycelebration #diygift
It’s no secret I love to cook and entertain. Chee It’s no secret I love to cook and entertain. 
Cheese is an ingredient I use in several of my recipes, @cachevalleycheese  a local Utah company making cheese from the highest quality dairy is one of our family’s go to cheese brands.

Having a wide selection of delicious cheese flavors and they come in a verity from large blocks, small blocks, pre sliced, and grated depending on your preference and cooking needs. Delivering wholesome goodness in every bite.

I am excited to try a few recipes this Spring and Summer from their 

Free Spring Recipe E-Book 2026

🧀Presented by:
Cache Valley Creamery
showcasing a palette of possibilities for fresh, seasonal dishes that are easy, impressive, and perfect for spring brunches, gatherings, and Mother’s Day.

Use Link below to grab your Free E-Book⬇️
https://mailchi.mp/d2979517b29c/1ozyh4j0s9

Did you know Cache Valley Creamery is a family ran business? 

What’s your favorite cheese?🧀 
@cachevalleycreamery



#CacheValleyCreamery | #AD #CheeseLoversUnite | #SpringRecipes | #SpringEntertaining | EasyRecipes | UtahEats
—-Styling Quince—- The perfect summer dress… Thi —-Styling Quince—-

The perfect summer dress…

This linen strapless maxi dress with pockets by @onequince is perfect for summer.

-Looks great on most body types
-Can be dressed up or worn casual 
-Comes in black or white
- Has pockets 

Styling tips:

Can be worn with this Quince linen blazer, Styled with a Quince leather bag, designer platform slide sandals and jewelry for a Coastal dinner cruise or drinks with friends.

Styled  with a sweater over shoulders and a sandal perfect for lunch with the girls, or day date.

Styled with a denim jacket and a low profile sneaker and a cross body bag, for a great travel outfit or perfect casual weekend look.

I love it travels well and is so comfortable.

Shop my outfit and use code INFG-26DARCYVANDENBERG10 
For 10% off first purchase 

#onequince #linendresses  #over50fashion
Headed on a trip? Pack with ease… 8 pieces by @tr Headed on a trip?

Pack with ease…
8 pieces by @tribalfashionofficial 

I  used to Create 
6 Outfits for a perfect
Summer Capsule

Mix and Match
To Create endless looks
All Summer long

Comment “Shop” for links
I have an Exclusive 20% off code
For you to use🛍️
DARCYT20.

#mytribalfashion #gifted #affiliate
MAIL DAY 📦 Monday Mail days are the worst….. Tru MAIL DAY 📦 Monday

Mail days are the worst…..

Truth is…it’s really stressful shopping and trying out products so you don’t have too 😉

This weeks Happy Mail⬇️

-From Amazon Finds
-New product launch Oneskin
-Spring arrivals from  Gibsonlook 
-A Gadget
-Shoes by Donald Pliner
-Midlife Supplement

Comment “SHOP” below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK 
⬇ 
https://liketk.it/69JXM 

#mailday #hardjob utahinfluencer sarcastichumor
Come shop with me… Anthropologie’s 30% off Spring Come shop with me…

Anthropologie’s 30% off Spring Sale
An extra 50% off sale. 

Welcome to Anthro Santa Barbara🌴🌸

Come see my picks “I’d love for Mother’s Day “ on sale and would make perfect Gift ideas!

From Farm Rio dresses, to beautiful dishes and new Capri blue candle that are always a favorite. 
To Latest release from Pilcro including the new fragrance and MY Spring clothing picks…

Spring shoes you’ll want to add to your wardrobe and the cutest clutch and spring Bag.

Comment “SHOP”below to receive a DM with the link to this post on my LTK ⬇ 
https://liketk.it/69HIH
Asian Style Brussel Sprout Skewers 🌱 My Brussel S Asian Style Brussel Sprout Skewers 🌱

My Brussel Sprout Recipe
Non- Brussel Sprout lovers Will LOVE🫶🏻

Sunday’s “In the Kitchen with D’Arcy” Recipe -Asian-Style Brussel Sprout Skewers🌱

Easy to make, a great appetizer, and a perfect side dish for Sunday dinner or BBQ season✔️

⚠️Save to refer to later

Recipe:
1 bag Brussels sprouts 
1/2 cup Hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon Balsamic glaze 
2 tablespoon Soy sauce 
2 Tablespoons crushed garlic
Sesame oil (for drizzle and pan)

Drizzle Sesame oil for pan & a small drizzle on top of sprouts 

1/4 cup Crushed peanuts (reserve to sprinkle on top) or sesame seeds

Cut ends off sprouts, add to pan with water and bring to boil, let boil about 10 minutes until soften, drain
Let cool. Then place on skewers 
Pre heat oven to 400

Make the sauce

Mix all above ingredients together 
And brush over sprouts, turn and brush all sides.  Sprinkle with crushed peanuts or sesame seeds Place in oven, cook until crispy 

#brusselsprouts #brusselsprout #recipeoftheweek
California girls trip Life is different over 50… California girls trip 

Life is different over 50….

See how it hits differently, but sliding through my 20 moments in California 

Slide 7 is a blessing

Slide 20 is important

Thank you for sharing in the moments🤍
Gina @gee_run 
Suzanne @crazyblondelifeblog 
Cathy @themiddlepageblog 
Janet @janetgunngratefulgardenia 
Lisa @lisabreckenridge 

A little recap:
Time  driving through the dessert…Walks on the beach.. Lunch at Brophy’s in Santa Barbara’s, shopping on state Street. Drive through the Hills 90210
Beverly Hills - event at Madison Masion- Wally’s for a glass & fries before, dinner at Spago, Ventura keys-Photo shoots, brunch at the cutest Coffee house-antiquing- Chilling & catching up at my Girlfriends darling beach house…Coastal drives and ice cream in the harbor…Much needed girls time…priceless🤍🌊☀️🍷🌴☕️🫶🏻

#styleover50 #lifeover50 #californiatrip
Let’s talk about the health benefits of Margaritas Let’s talk about the health benefits of Margaritas 🍋‍🟩🪇

Lime -Vitamin C 
Salt -electrolytes 
Tequila-Stress Relief

Woh loves a good Margarita?

Cheers to the weekend Pretty ladies🍋‍🟩🍹

#margaritatime #healthbenifits #cocktailtime #itsfiveoclocksomehwere
—BANDOLIER — Made for your phone, Designed for you —BANDOLIER —
Made for your phone, Designed for your life.

While on Vacation in California, I took my New Bandolier Ceci pink Floral tote and perfect for travel phone accessories. 

Holds everything you need for work, while compact and chic. Making work to shopping and lunch with a girlfriend  easy and on the go.

The Bandolier Ceci Pink collection  would also make for great Mother’s Day gift’s for the  mom on the go, the working mom and the mom who loves to travel. 

🌸@Bandolierstyle  is so much more than just a phone case (it holds your phone, wallet) with the ease of a chic cross body chain.

🌸Book Tote Bag has space for everything- Sunglasses or readers, phone-inside key hook with room for a organizer and computer or IPad 

#AD
#bandolier #phonecase #mothersday
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