Dear D'Arcy

Couple’s Vacation at Gaylord Rockies Resort in Colorado

July 26, 2024

Couple’s Vacation at Gaylord Rockies Resort in Colorado

Hello Pretty Ladies,

I have finally been able to get my full recap of Ben and I’s June getaway to Gaylord Rockies Resort up on the blog. After returning from the trip, I quickly shared our fantastic Spa experience HERE. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy my recap and want to book your next getaway.

It’s incredible what letting go and truly living in the moment can do…Not just on vacation but in life’s daily moments as well. Let go, be a kid too… run through the sprinklers, float in the water, ride the bike, play miniature golf… Sit in the grass. Life is too short not to enjoy all the little things that used to bring us such joy as a kid. Your stress level will decrease, your happy serotonin will rise, you’ll sleep better, and you’ll wear a smile more often.

Gaylord Rockies in Colorado

This is a recap of our vacation at Gaylord Rockies in Colorado. This trip reminded me and my husband to do that, live in the moment, and do some kid things. Couple’s Vacation at Gaylord Rockies Resort in Colorado: whether you need a family resort or couples time, Gaylord Resort has all your needs for a vacation. This resort has everything you could want, and you can check in and never have to leave the resort until you check out. That is exactly what Ben and I did. We would go back, which made us want to go to all the Gaylord resorts.

They provide many excellent amenities for families, couples, and conventions, including an entire water park, pool, lazy river, miniature golf, Bicycle, animal adventures, and Top golf. My hubby and I decided we would enjoy all the amenities like we were kids, even though we didn’t have our family. Boy, did we have a blast and no “little” to worry about🤍 😉(Don’t get me wrong, we enjoyed those years and every moment we had with our family) But there’s something special after those years, too…. If you embrace them 🤍

The rooms at the Gaylord resort

Elevate your stay in a Mountain View or Partial Mountain View Guest Room. The stunning sunset views over the majestic Rocky Mountains and vast open Colorado sky will captivate your entire family. Available with either one king bed and sofa bed or two queen beds. Have a family. They have a Deluxe Family King room that is perfect for families.

Our Deluxe Family King rooms are perfect for families. This distinctive and comfortable room features a king bed, two televisions, and a separate, kid-friendly sleeping area with a bunk bed, two twin beds, and a scenic view.

Our room, Mountain View, has a King bed, a Sofa bed, a Mini fridge, 394 sqft/35 sqm, a Living/sitting area, Wireless internet, a Coffee/tea maker, and complimentary bottled water.

: Desk Area

: Sitting area

: Bathroom

Adult Time and things to do

If you want quiet adult time, Gaylord Resorts has that as well, with a private, adult-only Outdoor Spa area and beautiful Outdoor grounds with live music, fire pits, and a cocktail truck.

We also visited the most luxurious 5-star Treatment Spa, where we enjoyed a couples massage and relaxation time. Ben also did the cold plunge and sauna. Full Blog post review HERE

The Food & Dining

You can choose from fine dining with unique culinary experiences, a sports bar with top golf, a beautiful lounge with a full bar and a mini market, or poolside dining and pool services.

The Restaurants

The Old Hickory Steak house– The ultimate Dining experience serving high-quality meat and seafood

The Fortunate Prospector– Pub is a traditional English pub with a great breakfast and yummy fish and chips.

: The Pub

: The pub

: The Pub

Embers Lodge Bar—Enjoy cocktails and small plates in the most beautiful lounge, with grand vaulted ceilings and dual fireplaces. Live music is available in the evenings.

: Embers Lodge Bar

: Embers Lodge Bar

: Embers Lodge Bar

Mountain Pass Sports Bar– Casual menu featuring burgers, sandwiches, salads, and draft beer at our sports bar, Including the BEST soft pretzel with beer cheese

: Sports Bar

: Sports Bar

: Sports Bar

Cantina Montana– Mexican

Arapahoe Springs Bar & Grill– American poolside dining

: Watermelon& feta Salad

: Chicken Quesadilla

: Frozen Cocktail

Rockies Marketplace– American grab-and-go market

: Coffee Bar

: Grabbed some snacks

Cocoa Bean– Coffee House

The Cabana’s

Reserve a cabana at Arapahoe Springs Water Park for the ultimate poolside luxury and relaxation. Enjoy extra shade, a plush lounge sofa and chase seating, a flat-screen TV, and dedicated food and beverage service. One of Ben and I’s favorite things to do while on vacation is to reserve a cabana and have that private time together poolside. It’s so relaxing, and that little extra makes you feel special, having your own space without fighting crowds.

Shop this outfit:

: Relaxing

: Poolside dining

: Frozen Cocktail

The Water Park and Lazy River

The Indoor water park

Water Park showcases two pools – a zero-entry indoor pool and a heated year-round outdoor pool. Three water slides provide twisting and turning fun, inside and out. The indoor slide tower has two slides for thrill-seekers, while a smaller outdoor slide is a fan favorite for younger guests. Guests can relax, float along the 720-foot-long lazy river, and enjoy twisting through waterfalls, jets, and bubblers.

Shop my outfit Below:

The Lazy River

Grab an inner tube and cool off as you float around the lazy river. The lazy river features a rocky cave, water jets, and bubblers. We reserved a cabana next to the lazy river as we knew this would be the perfect way to cool off and relax.

The Adult Spa

Need a break from the children? Here’s your little escape

Shop my outfit below:

Shopping

Need a little shopping fix or forgot something? The Rookies Trading Post has everything you could need or want, from swimsuits you forgot to the latest fashion trends with some of the best brands, from Barefoot Dreams and Johhny Was to Free People and Bogg bags. It’s truly a one-stop shop with all my favorite brands.

: Shopping

: Trading Post

Activities at the resorts

Bring the family together for a fun game of giant chess, bocce ball, or cornhole on the Games Lawn. Daily, at your leisure.

-Outdoor Lawn Games

-Live music

-Outdoor firepits & Smores

-Bike riding

-Miniature golf

-Arts and crafts

Shop my Outfit Below:

: Top Golf

: Outdoor Fires Smores’s

: Miniature Golf

: Miniature Golf

: Bike Riding

: Garden Bar Cart

Outdoor garden lounge

Enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine in the evening beside the outdoor fireplace, perfect for watching the sunset. This charming area has a cocktail truck, and you can also grab a smore’s kit for a sweet treat.

Create your Vacation

No vacation plans? Create your vacation moments in your backyard…

-Grab a book and a drink, and enjoy a break outdoors for 30 min.

– Run through the sprinkler while watering.

-Go for a bike ride around the neighborhood

-Poor a glass of wine, make a charcuterie board, and lay a blanket on the grass for a picnic.

– Have a fire pit? Make s’more’s

Have a beautiful day, Pretty ladies, and remember your smile is your BEST accessory.

Thank you for stopping by.

Thank you for stopping by and reading. ” Couple’s Vacation at Gaylord Rockies Resort in Colorado”

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

You might also enjoy the following:

5 Star Spa in Colorado-Relache Spa at The Gaylord Resort

Sun Valley Idaho, Ski. Trip

Flats Styled from Day to Night with Ally Shoes

July 15, 2024

Flats Styled from Day to Night with Ally Shoes

Hello Pretty Ladies,

Happy Monday! I hope you had a great weekend. Ours was pretty busy! I had a baby shower to go to, and my nephew got into town with his friend, which meant we had a house full of boys for Sunday breakfast and dinner. My love language is cooking and hosting, so my heart was whole.

Today kicks off the Nordstrom Sale, open for everyone to shop. Let me tell you, it’s a great sale this year. I have several blog posts and an Instagram post & Highlights with all my picks that I think you would love. Items have been selling fast, but they do restock throughout the sale. Make sure to follow me on Instagram for all the up-to-date info. I created a Nordstrom collection over on LTK HERE to make shopping for you easy. The sale goes until 8/4. With that said, I will be covering it until the end. It’s my favorite sale to shop all year, as I genuinely believe there are great pieces and deep discounts on items typically not on sale.

My Try-on Haul HERE

Ally Shoes

Now, after that little life catch, let’s get to today’s blog post, all about flats Styled from Day to Night with Ally Shoes. I love a great pair of flats, maybe because I am tall? Perhaps because I feel like you can style them in so many ways and that they are appropriate for many of life’s everyday occasions.

Ally Shoes is a new brand that I have fallen in love with. Today, I will share a little behind-the-scenes reason and an easy outfit you can take from a casual day look to a night look with just a couple of accessory changes.

— Styled Day to Night—

How cute are these tweed Cap Toe flats by Ally shoes

You can take shoes from Day to night, style them casually, wear them for work wear, or dress up for drinks with friends!

I am a sucker for a cute flat, and I love the mixture of textiles with this pretty shoe. Tweed is a classic and elegant textile with a rich feel; adding the patient leather cap toe elevates the whole shoe and gives it that designer feel.

Flats Styled from Day to Night with Ally Shoes

: Day

: Night

About this look

Want an easy outfit combo you can wear from Day to night by making additions and swap-outs? I’ve got you covered. This formula can be quickly followed with any top or bottom.

Pick your base outfit- I choose a tank top and wide-leg cuff denim jeans here. Then, you select your Ally shoes. I decided on the Textured cap toe flat from the London collection ( a limited edition). These are considered the base piece of your outfit. This base is cute, but let’s take it up a notch with the finishing touches and accessories! For the Bangle bracelets, a statement ring, Gold hoops, and a tote. Regarding the Day look, accessories are the “icing on the cake,” They can be used to finish any outfit.

The easy part is taking this look to a nighttime look or even a more appropriate work look. Same base pieces, and adding a #rd piece to the blazer, in this case, it a cropped blazer to add balance to the high-waisted front patch pocket wide leg jeans. Switching out the bag to a more structured bag gives the whole look a more professional look. Lastly, I changed the hoops for a classic gold and pearl elevated earring and the casual bangles for a collection of gold bald bracelets.

By making these easy changes, you created two different looks you could wear for many everyday occasions.

About Ally Shoes

Ally Shoes is an innovative fashion brand designed for women by women. They make luxury footwear more accessible for women on the move. They re-engineered the statement heel with a podiatric surgeon to create a flexible structure that secures your foot and looks fabulous – now adding flats and boots to offer more inclusive, stylish, and comfortable dress shoes to all women.

WHAT MAKES ALLY Shoes UNIQUE

-Patented Internal Structure

-To alleviate pain, they put precise cushioning under the three pressure points in your feet (heel cup support, arch support, and toe crest support). Patent Pending Internal Structure & Padded Insole.

-Inclusive Size Range of 18 sizes

MADE-TO-ORDER PROCESS- truly made just for you ✔️

Having shoes made to order makes you feel so special! I loved this process; Ally Shoes sends you a custom shoe fitting kit to ensure they get your shoes to fit just right. I would have thought this would cost a fortune, and their shoes are a fraction of the cost of designer shoes.

Discount codes to use:

DARCY40($40 off first pair of heels)

DARCY10(10% off first pair of flats or boots)

A few other styles of Ally Shoes

Flats Styled from Day to Night with Ally Shoes

💕Remember, Wearing a smile is your most important accessory!

Thank you for stopping by.

Thank you for stopping by and reading. “ Flats Styled from Day to Night with Ally Shoes”

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

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!

You might also enjoy the following:

Summer Capsule Wardrobe Chico’s

Easy Turkey Lasagna Recipe

2 Over 40 Outfit Inspirations

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Try-on Haul 2024

July 12, 2024

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Try-on Haul 2024

Hello Pretty ladies,

Yesterday, I headed to Nordstrom to try on the items I loved and had on my wish list in-store. I wanted to give you outfit inspirations and details on how the Items fit and what they looked like. Please view my full try-on here and save my highlights Here.

This sale has received extensive coverage; it is a great time to get deep discounts. However, this doesn’t mean you must go crazy and purchase just because it’s on sale. Be intentional with your purchases and inventory, as well as your needs and wishes.

Things I look for during the sale… Besides the six things I purchase every year, View HERE!

A few essential items to consider are Investment pieces, Cashmere, designer, Quality coats, bags, or sunglasses (Crewneck Cashmere Sweater), Shoes, and Premium denim. I look for brands that don’t often go on sale and take advantage of the opportunity to grab a few essential items I’ve been wanting. Which one is always a Free People sweater? I love the quality and fit, and they always have the style I love.

The NSALE is always a great time to grab denim. Everyone should own at least one pair of premium denim for their wardrobe, and the NSALE is a great place to grab a pair on sale. Take note that Nordstrom’s sale also features several designer brands, or, I like to say, “Splurges.” This is a great time to score a key piece or two at discounted prices. View my Nordstrom tips Video HERE.

The Good Stuff

Let’s get to the good stuff: “Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Try-on Haul 2024.” Please note that some items sell out fast; they do restock throughout the sale, and you can add it to your wish list or check with me on LTK or in my stories and HERE as I update as the sale goes on.

Jackets

Zella– Longline Onion Quilted Bomber Jacket– Bring layer-friendly versatility to your cold-weather wardrobe with a bomber-style jacket cut in a longer silhouette and textured with unique onion quilting

Sale price $119.99

Veronica Beard–Lawrence Croc Embossed Faux Leather Dickey Jacket

Veronica Beard strikes an easy balance between classic and cool. Their first piece, the signature Dickey Jacket, is still a staple in the line. Today, it’s joined by a collection of dresses, tops, pants, and more that bring a modern perspective to everyday styles designed for real life.

AllSaints Hettie Denim– calm ease in this indigo-wash denim shirt jacket punctuated with a feathery and curved raw hem.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Try-on Haul 2024

Sweaters

Treasure & Bond- Crewneck Raglan Cotton Blend Sweater– Easy to work into any wardrobe, this lightweight cotton-blend sweater is an instant classic with raglan sleeves, ribbed trim, and a relaxed fit – Sale price $44.99 After Sale: $69.50

Veronica Beard—Letitia Cable Cap Cashmere Sweater = Mini cables pattern a heathery cashmere sweater knit with a low mock neck and barely there cap sleeves.

Veronica Beard- CHEVAL MERINO-WOOL PULLOVER= The summer sweater, perfected. Spun from exceptionally soft and lightweight merino wool, the Cheval features a classic crew neck and a relaxed fit. It’s the ultimate layering piece for chilly offices and cool nights.

Nordstrom- Crewneck Cashmere Sweater– Every closet craves this classic cashmere sweater full of warmth and polish.

After-sale price $149.00

Jeans

Featuring Mother Denim: Premium-denim industry pros Lela Becker and Tim Kaeding, MOTHER specializes in collections that juxtapose hard and soft. The brand evokes teenage rebellion, unconditional love, and hilarious insults all at once (the company’s name is a play on the duality of the word “mother,” which can be nurturing or a cuss).

Mothers– The Twister Sneak High Waist Flared Wide Leg Jeans –

A high waist and clean hems make these flared, wide-leg jeans in faded stretch denim a perfect everyday choice from top to bottom.

Mother– The Hustler Ankle Fray Inspired by retro silhouettes, these stretch-kissed jeans have a straight-leg silhouette cropped at the ankles for wear-with-everything style.

Current Price

Previous Price $248.00

Mother– The Rider High Waist Ankle Slim Straight Leg Jeans-

These high-waisted jeans, cut from soft stretch denim in a subtly faded black wash, perfectly complement straight-leg silhouettes and skinnies.

Sale: $179.99

Mother– The weekender Fray Faded thighs, raw hems, and a bootcut silhouette lend these slightly stretchy cotton-blend jeans a casual feel.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Try-on Haul 2024

Accessories

Brixton– Jo Straw Rancher Hat -Grosgrain ribbon circles the crown and brim of a city-sharp rancher hat woven from straw.

Sale price $65.99

After-sale price $99.00

Tops

All Saints- Gia Ruched T-Shirt: Cinch up the front of this drawstring-ruched cotton T-shirt to give your look a personalized touch. Sale: $44.99 After Sale: $65.00

Veronica Beard -Dree Muscle Tee Rolled cuffs magnify the laid-back aesthetic of a classic crewneck tee in slub-knit cotton. $138

Veronica Beard- Jeweled collar Muscle Tee rolled sleeve- Sold out. Check back for restock

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Try-on Haul 2024

Dress

Nordstrom- Sleeveless Wool & Cashmere Rib Sweater Dress– Embrace sweater weather with no bulk in this ribbed dress topped with a cozy mock neck and knitted from a blend of soft wool and cashmere yarns. Flatterning is easy to take from casual to work wear, adding layers and changing accessories. Sale price $165.99 After-sale price $249.00

Treasure & Bond- Blend V-Neck Sweater Dress-Sweater weather is imbued with unexpected refinement in a cozy V-neck dress crafted from an ultrasoft cotton blend framed by slouchy dropped. Shoulders. Great with tall boots in the Fall. Sale price $49.99 After-sale price $74.50

Lounge Set

Barefoot Dreams—CozyChic, Ultra Lite, Knit lounge set, or Pajamas- you won’t need a bed to slumber peacefully in luxurious comfort with these ultrasoft, lightweight pajamas, which boast a cozy sweater and matching pants. I own a couple of pairs of these, and let me tell you, you’ll live in them. Makes a great gift. Sale price $152.99 After sale price $228.00

Barefoot Dreams cardigans, socks, and blankets are great buys during the sale and make for lavish gift-giving.

Shop the post Below:

💕Remember, Wearing a smile is your most important accessory!

Thank you for stopping by.

Thank you for stopping by and reading. “ Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Try-on Haul 2024”

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

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!

You might also enjoy the following:

Insider Nordstrom Sale Tips and Dates

Nordstrom Beauty Picks

6 things I purchase Every Year on the Nordstrom Sale

Insider Nordstrom Sale Tips and Dates

July 8, 2024

Insider Nordstrom Sale Tips and DatesHello Pretty Ladies,

The most anticipated Sale of the Year! It starts tomorrow, but only for cardholders with Icon Static…. I didn’t want non-cardholders to feel left out, so I scoured all 136 pages of the sale section to bring you my top picks throughout the week! I hope you enjoy seeing some of the pieces I own and a peek at my wish list, I am swooning over them. Perfect pieces to add to your Summer wardrobe, transition into Fall, and pieces you’ll live in all Winter! This Sale is the best price of the Year and makes for a great time to stock up. I will share my anniversary and beauty picks later in the week.

Things to remember: The Anniversary SALE is open for preview and starts tomorrow for Icon static cardholders….Don’t have a card? Apply here to shop for the Cardholder sale from July 9th to August 4th. Store sales will open to the public from July 15th to August 4th. Are you a cardholder? Remember, you get a triple points day, so don’t forget to schedule it for the day you’re headed to shop.

If shopping online, you can schedule your points on your order before checking out. If you feel like shopping on my page and using my links here and below, I thank you from the bottom of my heart because I get a tiny commission, which allows me to keep doing what I love.

Mark your calendar:

Don’t forget to watch my Instagram stories for daily tips, to see my try-on, and for more in-store details. On July 10th, tune in at 4:00 p.m. for my live on Instagram. I’ll be sharing items I own and wardrobe builders. I’m also excited to give you a sneak peek at what will be on Sale from Wit & Wisdom as they send me six affordable pieces to share. Again, thank you for your support and for taking the time to stop by and read my post.

You don’t have to be a cardholder to SHOP the SALE! You can sign up to be a member for free and still earn points.

Things to Know about the Sale

Link to apply for Nordstrom card HERE

If you want to score early access, apply for a Nordstrom credit card ASAP. The retailer offers two types of cards, a retail credit card and a Visa credit card, which provide the same benefits and are eligible for early access to the Anniversary Sale. While your cardmember status depends on yearly spending amounts (shared below), all cardmembers automatically start at Influencer status, which means you’ll get an extra four days to shop the Sale before it opens to everyone.

Insider tips

Early access for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale begins tomorrow for Cardholders, and even I can’t stop until the 11th! The bummer is that things start selling quickly, so I have some tips!

Shop online! This is where you will find the most extensive selection!

Add to Wishlist! If you see something you love, add it to your wishlist, so the day you’re able to shop, you can immediately “add to cart”!

Add a different size! If the size you are looking for sells out in your size, add a different size to your shopping bag and check back often as things get returned and stocked! I’ve even had luck exchanging after the sale for the correct size and color.

Expedite Shipping! For $20, this bumps your order and gives you a better chance to get what you want!

When can I shop for the 2024 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?

July 1st- Online preview begins ( you can start planning and creating your wishlist)

Icons July 9th-14th -Icon Early Access. Icons spend over $15,000 per Year

Ambassadors – July 10th-14th- Ambassador early access. Ambassadors spend over $5000 per Year.

Influencers – July 11th-14th- Influencer early access. Influencers spend over $500 per Year.

Everyone – July 15th- Aug-4th- General access non- card holders or members can shop

You can Preview and Create your Wish list NOW HERE

I hope this was helpful

I hope these date reminder sheets and tips are helpful for you to save and refer back to over the next few weeks. Don’t miss my weekly newsletters. Sign up HERE, and I will share round-ups of items I love in the Sale, need-to-know information, and giveaways!

Follow me on Shop Ltk for exclusive content, Sales, easy shopping, and inspiration. Here

How I am Breaking Down the Sale:

What I will be sharing from the Nordstrom sale is broken down. I feel breaking the Sale down and scaling it into categories is essential. Hopefully, you will find this method easier and won’t feel overwhelmed. Please note that I go through every sale item and think about what a great deal is and what closet staples are great to add without going overboard. I also choose items that are hard to find on Sale, so shopping for them now may be your only chance to get them on Sale. Follow my Shop. LTK HERE, as I’ve created a few Nordstrom Boards to simplify shopping.

My Picks board HERE| Beauty HERE| Jeans HERE| Shoes HERE

: 6 Things I purchase

: Items I shopped / back on sale

The Break Down:

Of the six items I purchase every Year. My tried and authentic VIEW HERE

Items I shopped for last Year are on Sale again. Worth adding to cart VIEW HERE

What’s on my wish list? View HERE with all the details, etc. (get a sneak peek below)

Great Wardrobe Builders: I think items are a great deal and worth purchasing for your wardrobe.

Items that make great gifts.

Beauty Items I use and love

Brands hard to find on Sale- Mother denim, New Balance 327, Gucci, Raybans, Charlott Tilbury, Free People

My Wish List Sneak Peek below:

: Spanx Perfect Pant

: Spanx Bootie legging?Bra

: Spanx Faux Leather Legging

Great wardrobe stables I own from Spanx on the Sale:

You can add these items to your wish list if it interests you. I know you’ll love these and wear them on repeat as I do. some of the best wardrobe staple pieces,

Spanx Perfect Pant Now $104,99 – shop or Add to your wish List HERE

Booty Boost Active legging Now $64.99 -shop or Add to your wish List HERE

Spanx Air Essential 4inch short Now $54.99- shop or Add to wish List HERE

Faux Leather Leggings by Spanx Now $64.99- shop or Add to your wish List HERE

Impack bra by Spanx Now $45.99- shop or Add to wish List HERE

💕Remember, Wearing a smile is your most important accessory!

Thank you for stopping by.

Thank you for stopping by and reading. “ Insider Nordstrom Sale Tips and Dates”

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

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!

You might also enjoy the following:

6 Things I purchase every year on the Nordstrom Sale

Summer Capsule Wardrobe Chico’s

Easy Turkey Lasagna Recipe

2 Over 40 Outfit Inspirations

6 Things I Purchase Every Year from the Nordstrom Sale

July 7, 2024

6 Things I Purchase Every Year from the Nordstrom Sale

Hello Pretty Ladies,

Happy Sunday!

I hope you had a great Fourth of July. We spent the day with family and friends and enjoyed great food and a fun fireworks display. There’s nothing like the Fourth in a small town. I don’t know about you, but having a Holiday in the middle of the week throws off my days! How are we already heading into the second week of July? Summer needs to slow down.

Today’s little catch-up…

Nordstrom Sale

The Nordstrom sale starts this week. I am sharing the six things I purchase yearly, some of my favorite things, what’s on my wish list, a couple of great things to pick up that you rarely find on sale, and a few fun surprises. I’ll have a couple of entire blog posts dedicated to helping you if you’re interested in the sale.

Sale Month

July is an excellent month if you love a good sale, as Target, Walmart, and Amazon Prime Sales are also this month. If you are interested in the sales and want to see what I feel is a great deal and worth purchasing, follow my Shop.LTK is linked below. Subscribe to post notifications, and you won’t miss a thing.

It’s Sunday, which means Sunday dinners, and tonight we’re doing smoked brisket. Sharing that recipe below and a few things you could have missed.

*Make sure to tune in on Instagram and the blog this week. I have some fun things to share

Thank you so much for being here! OX

6 Things I purchase

Six things I purchase Every Year

Candles

–Candles: I love the Capri blue volcano or the Voluspa candles. Even better on-sale

Volcano- A hand-poured candle made from a rich soy-wax blend and housed in a lidded glass jar—is perfect for gifting. The volcano candle is the ideal blend of citrus and sugar notes. This fragrance is simply unforgettable, like the excitement and energy of a summer night rendezvous. SALE $22.90; after-sale $34.00. I burn this candle year-round and love grabbing a couple when they are on sale.

Voluspa-Voluspa handcrafts an incredible range of scents that are as inspired, complex, and beautiful as you are, set in radiantly sophisticated glass that elevates every room and every mood—a 3-pack of their best-sellers for $55.99 after the sale for $84.00.

Beauty

–Khiels lotion is so good.- Refill or 33.8oz bottle = A superb all-over body moisturizer. Sale $60 after sale $93 This lotion keeps my dry skin moisturized, so soft and smooth. It’s a must-have if you live in a dry climate.

–Charlotte Tilbury’s makeup: I like any of her makeup. I love buying the Nordstrom sets. A three-piece lip kit in the universally loved Pillow Talk hue features everything you need for a classic nude-pink lip. Now $65 after sale $95

– Donna Karen Cashmere deodorant is my all-time favorite, and this three-pack lasts me all year:)! I adore the smell, and it works so well. Cashmere Mist Deodorant & Antiperspirant Trio. A set of three effective deodorants and antiperspirants infused with the iconic Cashmere Mist scent. Sale $72.00 after Sale $96.00-

Fashion

Shoes -I love fall shoes and always pick up a few on the sale; I’ve created a list of my picks below.

Outerwear—A jacket and blazer are always great items to pick up on sale. You can get deep discounts on great brands you’ll wear all Fall and winter and build your wardrobe. Here are a few I love this year.

Shop my Fashion picks below:

Jackets/ Blazers

Shoes and Boots

💕Remember, Wearing a smile is your most important accessory!

Thank you for stopping by.

Thank you for stopping by and reading. “6 Things I Purchase Every Year from the Nordstrom Sale”

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

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!

You might also enjoy the following:

Insider Nordstrom Sale Tips and Dates

Nordstrom Beauty Picks

June’s 12 Best Sellers

July 1, 2024

June’s 12 Best Sellers

Hello Pretty Ladies,

June is officially over, and man, was it a blur. From a vacation in Colorado, throwing a large bridal shower, and entertaining family in town, the actual start of summer, which is when you can start to work in your yard in Utah, we finish our deck remodel, Save a kitten, off the highway, Shes doing excellent by the way. Then, I head out of town for a weekend with my hubby in Park City. I feel like I lost a month of Summer.

Why is it winter is eight months long, and Summer flies by? July is another month that becomes a blur. July 4 is so fast, and all the Crazy sales start for Back to School and Fall! The Nordstrom sale Starts July 9, Walmart the 8th-11th, Target July 7th-13th, and Amazon Prime July 16-17th. Will you be shopping the Big 4 sales? If so, I would love to know what you are shopping for and if you want me to showcase anything special. Comment below if you have any questions for me.

About the July Sales

I’ll share the six items I purchase yearly from Nordstrom and my picks on Amazon Prime sale, my favorite pick from each, what I believe is too good of a sale not to grab, and some gift ideas.

As for the Nordstrom sale, I will do an in-store try-on; you loved the one I did last year, as I know it helps you see how they fit. Here is last year’s Try-on. I have already noticed that several of my BEST SELLERS from previous years are on sale again this year, and if you plan on grabbing a sale item or two, you might want to add them to your wish list to have them ready when you can shop. If you’re interested in shopping for sales, sign up for my post alerts on ShopLTK. This will help you see the posts first. You can do that HERE.

Please remember that I am sharing things that caught my eye, which are great and will help you build your wardrobe. But by no means don’t feel like you have to shop just because they’re on sale. I always say it’s only a good deal if you wear and style it in multiple ways.

View My Nordstrom Shopping Tips Here.

June’s 12 Best Sellers

Stripe Tank Top—Loft tank tops are a closet staple. They’re comfortable and great to layer or wear alone.

2. Self-Tanner – Loving Tan- Self-tanner Use Code: DARCYMITT will receive a free tanning mitt.

3. Spanx– Stripe Air Essentials Maxi Dress- I adore how soft this dress is. This dress is also easy to style, perfect for travel, and can be worn in multiple seasons by layering. It fits true to size and works for tall girls who have it in petite sizes.

SAVE 10% off all Spanx with my CODE: DEARDARCYXSPANX. Great free shipping and returns, too

4. Crochet Kimono—Chico’s Crochet Cotton Kimono has an easy-breezy style. This design features a delicate lace crochet construction and a scalloped hem that adds movement and flair. Pair it with a Microfiber Tank for all-day comfort and style.

5. Amazon find– Sunglasses $14.99-SOJOS Trendy Oversized Hexagonal Sunglasses

6. Acrylic Block Heel– Crafted with a soft, slightly padded leather upper, this design features a Lucite gem-shaped heel. Brimming with style, they’re perfect for pairing with pants, jeans, or dresses. On SALE $27.98-34.98

You’re halfway through my Best Sellers

7. Straw Bag -$24.99

8. Snack Holder– Amazon find, perfect for travel

9. Denim shorts – by Spanx-denim shorts are flattering, fit true to size, and are perfect for dressing up or down.

SAVE 10% off all Spanx with my CODE: DEARDARCYXSPANX. Great free shipping and returns, too

10. Leather Slide Sandals– by Chico’s-Crafted with a soft leather upper with PU hand-inked edges, these slip-on slides feature memory foam sock padding that offers an accurate fit and ease in each step. Brimming with style, they’re perfect for pairing with cropped pants, jeans, or dresses. On sale for $27.98

11. Charlotte Tilbury– New Lip Plumper- Pillow Talk Big Lip Plumpgasm Plumping Lip Gloss

12. Citrus dress—Chico’s Silk Blend Tropical Shirt Dress is a favorite for this season. This design features a colorful tropical print on luxurious cotton and silk blend fabric. It also has a drop waist fit with a concealed 3/4 front placket and a removable tie waist belt. Pair this dress with sandals throughout the transitioning season. Sale 50% off Now $79

A quick Recap of the Best Sellers and Links Below:

: Leather Slides

: Tank Top

: Glasses

: Snack Box

: Acrylic Block Heel

: Crochet Kimono

Shop the Post Below:

💕Remember, Wearing a smile is your most important accessory!

Thank you for stopping by.

Thank you for stopping by and reading “June’s 12 Best Sellers.”

If you haven’t signed up for my weekly, you can do that here.

You might also enjoy the following:

May 12 Best Sellers

Summer Capsule Wardrobe With Chico’s

2 Over 40 Outfit Inspirations Coastal Vibes

Easy Turkey Lasagna

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!

Easy Berry Lemon Tart Recipe

June 30, 2024

Easy Berry Lemon Tart Recipe

Hello Pretty Ladies,

— My Twist on An Easy Berry Lemon Tart Recipe—

Are you hosting or headed to a Party for the 4th? I have an easy and fun twist on a lemon tart. Perfect for the 4th Easy Berry Lemon Tart Recipe, a recipe that is light & fresh, has a little crunch, and tastes so good. It is easy to make and looks so festive for the 4th of July. Trust me, you’ll use my Lemon Curd whipping cream on everything.

I was playing with a recipe for this dessert. I had all these beautiful red and blue berries, and I always had heavy cream and a jar of lemon curd. However, I didn’t have pie crust on hand, and I was lazy and didn’t want to make it from scratch. I did have some fillo dough on hand, so I thought I’d create a dessert for Sunday dinner to test out on the family.

I could have served the berries with just my lemon curd whipping cream because that is so yummy! It’s excellent with pound cake or any white or yellow cake as well. WATCH MY VIDEO HERE

The Families Vote:

Ben is Dutch and loves European desserts. He loved them! He said he loved the little crunch and that it reminded him of Europe.

Hudson and Kayla loved it and the little twist. Hampton liked the berries and whipped cream (he’s not really a pie or pastry lover, so I was expecting that). Now, as for me… I love a good pie crust and even like a thicker doughy pie crust, so I missed the crust. So, with that said, I loved how easy it was to make, and it was beautiful and fun to try something different.

Ingredients:

Fillo Dough followed the directions on the package. You could also use puff pastry, Pie crust, or pre-made mini tarts.

– 1/2 cube butter melted

– Fresh berries= Strawberries🍓Blueberries 🫐 Blackberries and Raspberries sliced

-Fresh Mint 🍃

– 2 Cups Heavy Cream 🍨

-1/2 cup – 1 cup Powdered Sugar

-Lemon Curd: I like Bonne Maman

: The Design I created to use on each

: The way to cut each fruit

: Fresh Berries

Quick overview on How to prepare and assemble

Assemble Fillo and bake according to the direction.

Wash berries and let dry.

While Fillo dough is baking, make Lemon whipping cream (recipe below), chill whipping cream, and slice berries … (raspberries and blackberries in 1/2, Strawberries into thin slices, and blueberries left whole.)

Make yourself one of my Berry lemonade spritzers 🍋🍃🫐 Recipe HERE, While the dough is cooling…

Once the dough is cooled, the fun part begins… assembly 🍨🍓🫐🍃

Add a generous amount of lemon whipping cream to the baked dough… and decorate the tops with fresh berries and mint to look like flowers🍃🫐🍓

Chill until ready to serve

You can dust it with powdered sugar for a little extra touch!

I adore my kitchen aid mixer and use it every week. A must-have! Mine is on sale HERE

It’s a slightly different version and under $250, which is an amazing deal. HERE

Lemon Curd Whipping Cream

2 cups heavy cream cold

1/2 to a cup of powdered sugar. (Make it as sweet as you like)

Three large tablespoons of lemon curd

Place whipping cream in a mixer and mix until it starts to peak. Add powdered sugar to your liking and mix into stiff peaks. Then add the lemon curd and continue to mix until blended. Refrigerate until ready to assemble.

🍨🍋 My Lemon Whipped cream is so good served with a tray of fresh fruit and delicious with pound cake for an even easier dessert! It’s also great on ice cream and on top of a lemonade cocktail.

Easy Berry Lemon Tart Recipe

💕Remember, Wearing a smile is your most important accessory!

Thank you for stopping by.

Thank you for stopping by and reading. “Easy Berry Lemon Tart Recipe”

If you haven’t signed up for my weekly newsletter, you can do that here.

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!

Friday’s Favorites and Weekend Sale Round Up!

June 28, 2024

Friday’s Favorites and Weekend Sale Round Up!

Hello Pretty Ladies,

Another week is flying by, and it’s hard to believe it’s the last few days of June. Ben and I are headed out of town for some stay-cation in Park City. He booked it forever ago, and he’s looking forward to a bit of downtime. If we stay home, he continues to work at our or someone else’s home, so he likes to book several local weekend trips a year.

Let’s catch up

July is a busy month, with all the BIG sales, the Nordstrom sale, Amazon Prime days, and Walmart & Target having to get into the game. I’ll be covering my favorite picks and things I have purchased, but I would love to know if there is something you want me to cover or review. Comment below with your questions and what sales you’re looking forward to. It’s great to start creating your wish lists now. here are a couple of favorite THINGS I recommend Purchashing if you don’t have Spanx| Free People Sweater| Pillow Talk| New Balance 327|

Excited this year that a couple of brands I have loved and purchased from have reached out to partner with me. Can’t wait to share the items and show you how I will style them.

I look forward to a July girlfriends/work trip with some of my favorite Midlife blogger friends. Mixing work and play is always a good time. Do you have any guesses as to whom I will be meeting?

July also means we’re in countdown mode for our son’s wedding. August 24th is going to come up fast. My dress arrived yesterday and fit perfectly, so that is a check off my list. I need to start working on the welcome boxes, and I still have some details to finish up for the rehearsal party. Say party because it’s a Black Tie destination wedding, and we invited everyone who will be in town on Friday to attend the more casual Lake Party after the rehearsal.

Now, let’s get to the Weekend Sales.

Anthropologie– Extra 50% OFF SALE

Avara– Several sale styles under $25

Banana Republic Factory–50% -70% off everything

Chico’s–25% off the entire purchase – View all my picks and see what Chico’s pieces I used on my TV segment HERE.

Colleen Rothschild– 20% off with my code DARCY20

GAP FACTORY – 50% off + FREE SHIPPING

GIBSONLOOK – Up to 60% off sale, plus 10% off full-priced items with code

H & M– Summer Sale: up to 60% off

J.CREW– 50% off summer styles

J.CREW FACTORY– 4th of July 50%-70% off entire store

Julie Vos– Up to 60% off substantial sale sections and best sellers.

Lisi Lurch– Summer Sale huge selection of BEST SELLERS 50% off

Loft – 40% off your purchase

MacKenzie-Childs– up to 60% off clearance

Neiman Marcus– $50 – $200 off select styles

NORDSTROM– Limited-time sales up to 70% off

PRINTFRESH -Flash Sale Friday Up to 30% off PJ’s sets under $100

Spanx– up to 70% off many styles (only happens twice a year)

SummerSalt– 30% off swimwear and cover-ups with code SPF30. ee my Video Here

TULA– 30% OFF GET THE GLOW SALE, Bestsellers

Tuckernuck– shop the Sale Section HERE off everything. se code CYBER

(Click on the store name to take you to the sale.)

ULTA– BIG Summer Beauty Sale- 5X THE POINTS |PLUS SEVERAL FREE GIFTS, FREE | 13-PIECE BEAUTY BAG WITH $90 PURCHASE

Walmart– Flash Deals you don’t want to miss

Thank you for stopping by.

Have a beautiful rest of the week, and thank you for stopping by and reading.

“Friday’s Favorites and Weekend Sale Round Up!”

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

This Post may contain an affiliate link. My opinions are my own. Only promote brands that I genuinely love and believe in!

Thank you for the support!

You might also enjoy the following:

Summer Capsule Wardrobe Chico’s

Easy Turkey Lasagna Recipe

2 Over 40 Outfit Inspirations

4th of July Outfit Inspirations: Over 40

June 26, 2024

4th of July Outfit Inspirations:

Hello Pretty Ladies,

Today, I am sharing the 4th of July Outfit Inspirations: Over 40. These outfits range from easy outfits you can create from your closet, using the traditional color theme of red, white, and blue, to a couple of kitschy looks with stars and flags.

I am sharing easy, peezy outfits that say the 4th of July without having a flag or stars to say the 4th of July. You can grab your Red, white, and blue pieces out of your wardrobe all summer, and pairing them together creates a Holiday look without having a 4th of July star or flag item. Stripes are one of my favorite things, and I love that you can mix a bold stripe and a small stripe to a solid and get a great vibe. Another trick to get a festive look without wearing a big Star or Flag is adding a mini star or flag print as a small detail on a scarf to tie on a bag or a simple accessory like an earring. This little detail adds that 4th of July touch to an outfit without screaming the 4th.

Today is our monthly blog hop, and it is always fun to see what my girlfriends Dawn, Suzanne, and Cindy are sharing on the monthly topic over on their blogs. The 4th of July is a week away, and that seems like an appropriate topic. Their blogs are linked at the end of this post.

: Amazon

Shop the Pieces in the photos below:

Want a fun 4th of July Tablescape or inspo on decorating your front porch/entryway? View the one I did a couple of years ago HERE. Also, I have some family favorite side dishes for your BBQ or 4th entertaining HERE—cocktails for the 4th HERE and a post on decorating your front porch/entryway.

Shop the Amazon pieces below:

Tips on shopping your closet:

To create the looks below from your closet, look for something you have similar, whether it’s the color or the style; something similar will still give out the same feel.

I did an Amazon haul at the beginning of Summer with great basics that happened to be in the color theme of the 4th of July. I chose these colors simply because they felt like summer to me, and then I realized I picked the perfect colors for the 4th of July, which is also a great Summer season color palette.

Shop the look HERE page below:

The Flag sweater is so cute, and I love it printed in this season’s hottest color: Cornflower blue. I’ve been crushing on this color, and when I saw it, I had to have it. The flag sweater reminds me of a preppy Ralph Loren polo and is a classic in my eyes. A flag also has a coastal vibe to it, making it perfect to wear all summer long. Shop the look HERE.

The Red Stripe Amazon maxi dress has been a repeat best-seller for me. Easy to wear all summer long. I paired the dress with a denim shirt around the waist, a caramel tote, and Tory Burch Miller sandals. Shop the look HERE.

Shop the Spanx denim shorts HERE, the Red and white stripe Spanx top HERE, and the Sandals HERE

I purchased this off-the-shoulder top from the Banana Republic factory (last year), which is linked to a similar Fits TTS; these best-selling wide cuff two button-front jeans are from Amazon for $39. These come in and out of stock. Because they sell so fast, and they fit true to size. Excellent quality for the price✔️Cashmere sweater fits tts. Tory Burch Miller is in red TTS, Lisi Lurch bracelets, and a Laudi Vindi custom bag, which is genuine leather. It is so beautiful, as are Amazon raffia ball earrings. SHOP the look HERE

This bright, cheery Red gives a fun little twist, perfect for the entire summer social season while looking classic. 3/4 Sleeve Air Essential Tee Spanx. Monogrammed Tote HERE use code DARCY20 to save 20%| Madison Masion Red Tennis Shoes HERE save 15% with code DARCY15| Julie Vos Julie HERE| Spanx White Twill pants HERE| Spanx striped top HERE

*SAVE 10% off all Spanx with my CODE: DEARDARCYXSPANX. Great free shipping and returns, too

These flattering, affordable, and easy-to-wear dresses will last you all summer. They can be worn dressed down or up, which makes them great to pack for vacation as well.

Shop the above looks BELOW:

The lemon whipped cream and fresh fruit tart recipe is coming on Sunday.

SAVE 10% off all Spanx with my CODE: DEARDARCYXSPANX. Great free shipping and returns, too

BLOG HOP⬇️

Dawn With @partytildawn on Instagram and her Blog Party Til Dawn

Suzanne With @crazyblondelifeblog and her Blog Crazy Blonde Life Blog

Cindy With @lululoves7_and her Blog Lulu Loves 7

💕Remember, Wearing a smile is your most important accessory!

Thank you for stopping by.

Thank you for stopping by and reading. “4th of July Outfit Inspirations: Over 40”

If you haven’t signed up for my weekly newsletter, you can do that here.

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!

5 Star Spa in Colorado-Relache Spa at The Gaylord Resort

June 22, 2024

5 Star Spa in Colorado-Relache Spa at The Gaylord Resort

Hello Pretty Ladies,

Happy Saturday! I hope you’re treating yourself to a bit of self-care this weekend. Taking a little time for yourself is always essential. At the beginning of the month, Ben and I had the opportunity to head to Colorado for a relaxing couples vacation at the Gaylord Rockies Resort. What a fabulous resort—stunning architecture, 5-star amenities, and fantastic staff. I’ll be sharing more about the resort and our experiences later.

Today, I want to talk about the Spa-Relache Spa. This top-notch spa service is the perfect way to treat yourself and your spouse on vacation. If you live in Colorado, you need to book an appointment. We started our day with a coffee and a walk on the hotel’s beautiful grounds, which have walking paths, then headed to the Spa for our couples massage appointment.

WATCH MY VIDEO HERE

Spa Overview

The Relache Spa is probably one of the most beautifully designed spas I’ve ever been to. With every attention to detail, complete luxury is available from the moment you step into the dressing rooms and relaxing rooms to the staff they hire and down to the snacks they serve. This is a full-service spa with a full-product boutique carrying high-quality products and local products sourced from local farms and honey.

The staff at the Relache’

Talk about friendly, knowledgeable staff. You are given a one-on-one tour of the facilities before being shown to your personal lockers to change for your treatment. The staff also shows you everything you may use to get the most out of your treatment and make your experience as relaxing as possible.

Our Masseuses, Tayler, and Megan, were sweet and attentive to our needs and wishes regarding the type of massage we wanted.

Dressing Rooms

The dressing rooms are state of the art, with a cold dunk shower, a steam room, and private showers, all with the amenities of a home equipped with any toiletries you need. Private lookers with cozy robes and comfortable slippers. It has a sleek, modern feel and uses warm woods and relaxing tones.

After Ben and I each had our tours, we took our time getting ready for our massages and used the amenities in the dressing rooms. Then, we headed to the relaxation room to enjoy ourselves before our service.

The Relaxation Room

When you walk into the relaxation room, you feel like you just stepped into a luxury multimillion-dollar living room—stunning, tranquil, relaxing yet elegant and cozy. I have never been in a spa relaxation room designed with the detail and thought of this space.

It has a stunning fireplace, beautiful furniture, and a soft, tranquil color palette. There are lovely books and magazines to read while you curl up on a plush lounge chair in front of the fire. They also have beautiful gauze-covered private lounges if you wish to hide away.

They serve fresh fruits, deliciously flavored waters, homemade chocolates, and trail mixes. Seriously, it’s a pampering experience to spend time in this space before and after your treatment. After your treatment, you are served a cocktail in the relaxation room.

The Massage

Ben and I agreed it was probably the best massage we have had in a long time, if not ever. They do not use their elbows or forearms. There was the pressure we wanted while they used their hands and paid attention to our needs and wants. It was relaxing, yet they still worked on our problem areas.

We had appointments for 50-minute Custom Massages, which included two add-ons. We chose CBD body oil and CBD pain Cream. They also used Recover Massage oil and Sweet Cheeks lotion on Ben and Honey Kiss lotion on me.

Below is their description of the Custom Massage:

Custom Massage – 50 Minutes

Your massage therapist will discuss your service goals before customizing the perfect treatment for your body and mind. Whether you are seeking deep relaxation or more therapeutic work, this session is tailor-built for you and includes credit to use for our various enhancements.

Treatment Add-ons

CBD Full Body Oil- Melt away stress, inflammation, and anxiety with this enhanced oil
CBD Spot Treatment- Melt away inflammation and pain with this enhanced cream spot therapy

💕Remember, Wearing a smile is your most important accessory!

Thank you for stopping by.

Thank you for stopping by and reading. “5 Star Spa in Colorado-Relache Spa at The Gaylord Resort”

If you haven’t signed up for my weekly newsletter, you can do that here.