Dear D'Arcy

Mother’s Day Gift Giving Guide

May 4, 2020

Call your Mom… That’s what she really wants.

Mother’s Day is this Sunday, which means it’s prime time to shop online for a gift and still time for it to arrive on time. Shopping for my mom is honestly one of my favorite things to do because even though it can be a little tricky (doesn’t it seem like moms already have everything?!), I love being able to have a day to celebrate her, give her a thoughtful gift and thank her for everything she’s done for her family. She’s seriously the best –I love you, Mom!!

I also have to call out a few of my gift ideas below because although they’re all great options, I do have a few that are indeed my favorite. I asked for these earrings by Kendra Scott to go with the ring I purchase at Valentine’s Day. Also, this mask is perfect for any mama needing a moment of self-care and seriously beautiful skin! This Candle is one I had been wanting. My hubby surprised me with one a week ago or so as a just because gift… Seriously so good, I can’t stop burning.

I hope you find one of my favorite things for your mom and maybe grab something for yourself. I know you’ll both be happy. Happy early Mother’s Day to all the mamas out there!! You’re all fantastic and deserve the love!

1. Uncommon James Candle= Nashville citrus is one amazing scent and burns over 300 hours. Shop HERE

2. Earrings= Uncommon James earrings, I love a hoop, and this is a fun take on a hoop. Shop HERE

3. Kimono= What mom wouldn’t love this kimono to finish off an outfit or to wear over a swimsuit. Shop HERE

4. Lollia Perfum set= A great way to experience the variety of Lollia’s beautiful scents. Shop HERE

5. Fresh flower Bouquet= What mom wouldn’t love a sweet, beautiful Bouquet. Shop HERE

6. Love bracelet= A perfect way to show mom how much you love her. Shop HERE

7. Fun sipper cup= If your mom is like me, she can’t resist a cute travel cup or sitting poolside. Shop HERE

8. Co2 Lift face mask= A medical Spa facial without the downtime, seriously the best results. Shop HERE

9. Capri Blue candle= Volcano scent has been a best seller for years. Number one when I had my boutiques. Shop HERE

1. InvisiCrepe Body balm= This balm seriously gives excellent results for crepe skin. Shop HERE

2. Kendra Scott earrings= A classic Kendra Scott earring that she’ll wear all Summer long. Shop HERE

3. Lounge set= Tiedye is all the rage, and this lounge set won’t disappoint. Shop HERE

4. Peepers Glasses=The best reading glasses that your mom can’t live without. Shop HERE

5. City Beauty Matte Lip= You know this is my favorite lip stain, and it will be your mom’s too. Shop HERE

6. Organizing Book = With Stay at Home, Moms have been organizing like crazy, and she’ll love this Book! Shop HERE

7. Summer Bag=, A bag mom, will use all Summer long and affordable. Shop HERE

8. Nuface= A beauty tool every woman should own. It helps fine lines and tones skin. Shop HERE

9. Slippers= Cozy and chic, these cute slippers are a must for moms. Shop HERE

Ben’s Heavenly Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

April 30, 2020

Ben’s Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo! “This is so good it’s dangerous:)” say’s my mom. Thank goodness it’s so filling you can’t eat a full bowl…. Unless you’re a Vandenberg boy! 🙂

Bens Alfredo

For a serving of 4

1 cube of real Butter

1 heaping tablespoon garlic

1 Pint Heavy whipping cream

1 cup Asiago shredded cheese

1 cup shredded Romano

1/2 cup Parmesan

Salt & pepper to taste

Melt butter in sauté pan when melted, add garlic, then cream, bring to a slow boil then start to add 1 cup of cheese at a time, first Asiago, the Romano lastly Parmesan cheese, and it gets to thick you can add a little more cream. Salt ad pepper to taste.

1 box Fettuccine noodles cooked per box direction

Dish up and serve with Asparagus or a salad and garlic bread. My garlic bread recipe is coming to the blog soon, it is on my Instagram in the highlights.

From our home to yours, Ben’s Heavenly Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo, You’ve been asking for it, and it’s finally made it to the blog. Rich, and creamy Alfredo, made with the best ingredients. Real Butter, heavy whipping cream, and tasty cheeses. Ben Started making this dish for me when we started dating. He learned how to make it from a friend, his family-owned, an Italian restaurant in Del Mar California that was known for making the Best fettuccine. Ben then started playing with the recipe and found this combination is the winner. This dish is decadent, rich, and oh so good. It’s a BIG request at our home, and if we have family in town, they request it as well.

With Quarantine in place, I know you have all been cooking way more than you usually do, I know I have. Hopefully, this will be a fun new recipe for you to try and maybe a little something different that can become a family favorite at your home. Quarantine has been the perfect time to share some of my favorite recipes with you, and I still have a couple more of your request to post. I promise I’ll get them up in the coming weeks even though it looks like we’re going to be getting relief from our kitchens as we start to see part of the country opening up if you’re like me you’ll still like to cook for your family just not as much. I sure am looking forward to a break.

Please let me know if you plan on trying this recipe below or if you do make this recipe, please come back and let me know how your family liked it.

Love this recipe? Try our oldest sons Bucca de Beppo’s copy of Spicy rigatoni Here.

Mother’s Day is less than two week’s away, and I’ve been sharing gift idea’s over at my LIKE TO KNOW IT, Here

Stay tuned for a Mother’s Day post next week. Have a beautiful day! OX, D’Arcy

Top 7 At Home Hacks for Beauty care

April 21, 2020

Loungewear dress Adore me Here, Shop the Tray similar Here Similar Here

Top At Home Hacks for Beauty

While we all have STAY at HOME orders, we are being faced with having to care for our beauty routines ourselves. I don’t know about you, but I love having my hair, nails, eyebrows done regularly. I also enjoy a facial. Now more then ever, we have to maintain ourselves in ways we usually don’t. You know I love an excellent self-care day…maintenance is a little different than touching up our roots, doing eyelash extensions, or applying a set of nails. Here are a few tricks and products that are coming to the rescue.

Blondes that are having a little trouble with roots, baby powder works excellent, sprinkle in a little at the roots and rub with fingers. Not only does it act as a dry shampoo and suck up oil, but it also helps cover darker roots. These root touch up sprays, washout, and can be used for any color hair! HERE and HERE (No mad hairdressers!)

This DRY shampoo also helps cover roots for blondes HERE.

Home manicures are a breeze with this easy to use kit. HERE I have been loving Gel effects by Aurora. A gel polish that does not require a light. Drys fast and lasts a week. Removable with regular nail polish remover.

My Favorite colors are HERE HERE HERE HERE.

All that hand washing is causing my already dry hands to be even dryer! I started using City Beauty’s Restoring Hand Treatment HERE and, my hands feel like I’ve had a paraffin wax treatment. Use code DARCYV for 25% off

Hair removal is not something we love to do at home but, using Sally Hansen’s HERE Home Hair remover Is Affordable easy to use and doesn’t irritate my skin.

I like this one for my face/mustache HERE.

This one is great for bikini HERE.

This tool is a must-have tool to remove peach fuzz from the face and helps makeup go on smoother HERE.

I have three favorite Self Tanners that give a great glow that smell great and provide a beautiful real looking tan.

Coola Sunless tan, HERE, daily use gradually builds a natural tan. Love the pina colada scent. I highly recommend applying with Kabuki’s body, Brush HERE.

L’Oréal Sublime Bronze self-tanner water mousse I use the medium, it is also is a gradual build in color and doesn’t leave a bad smell HERE. I also adore the Isle of Paradise drops HERE

Keeping your skin hydrated and silky smooth is always essential for a tan. I love Brazilian Bum Bum Cream HERE Smells amazing and genuinely helps keep your skin soft and smooth, it also smells fantastic!

I wear lash extensions, but I have always used a lash serum to keep my lashes robust, long, and healthy. My Favorites are Wow the Crowd HERE, Grande Lash HERE, and Hello lash Therapy HERE. Perfect time to work on getting your lashes healthy and strong. These also don’t affect blue eyes.

Do you feel like you need some lashes for a little normalcy? Try these HERE. These are my sister’s favorite as a makeup artist, and she suggests this glue HERE. Want to see her work? Follow her HERE Tiana Holiday

We’re not heading to the Spa anytime soon, but Using CO2 lift Carboxy Treatment Mask for your face will have you looking like you left the medical Spa without the pain or downtime. This Mask increases hydration recapture the skins youthful glow reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles puffiness around the eyes, lifts, and smooths skin texture. Purchase HERE use code darcyvandenberg 10% off

For a simple easy to use a Sheet mask, City Beauty’s HydroMask packs a big punch and offers significant results, hydrates the skin, smooths fine lines and wrinkles. Purchase HERE use code darcyv for 25% off

I know hair has been a big concern for most ladies during this time. It’s the best time to pay extra care to your hair and treat it kindly since, regularly, we damage it so. Cutting back on heat tools, giving it a break from constant styling can help your hair and using a hair mask like Better not Younger’s butter masque repairs brittle, dull hair gives it the nourishment it’s been craving. Purchase HERE

Just a little something to make your Selfcare day a little special, I love these CANDLES they smell amazing and also make for a great gift. Another favorite Here and Here

I hope you are all safe and that you are treating yourself to a self-care day soon. OX, D’Arcy

A couple more post you might enjoy:

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

3 Easy Soup recipes and 1 Hearty Comfort Recipe

April 16, 2020

3 Easy Soups and 1 Hearty Comfort Recipe

Our Family favorites. You guys asked on Instagram for me to share these Soup recipes with you. I love sharing things that our family enjoys, and that brings us comfort. Thank you for being a part of my following and caring for me to share a part of our family favorites soup recipes.

Food is just some of the things that are helping our family get through these emotional times. With STAY AT HOME in place cooking, I am sure that every meal has been a consistent thing in our home and yours. So I can help by sharing a few of my personnel recipes that my family enjoys and brings some comfort. Mealtime has always been important to our family and now more than ever. So hoping you want our favorite go-to soups, let me know below if you try one of the soup recipes. Even better, these are easy Crockpot soups, with items you probably have on hand to make a delicious dinner your family will love.

Easy to make Hearty Vegetable soup! I love you can use any veggies you have on hand with this soup.

Easy veggie soup Recipe
One box of chicken broth
One can of tomato sauce
1 cup of water
2 Lg potatoes
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped carrots
Two chopped tomatoes
1/2 cup corn
1/2 cup peas
One tablespoon seasoning salt
Two teaspoon onion powder
Two teaspoons salt & pepper
One tablespoon real butter
One tablespoon chicken garlic Bouillon

Place all in a crockpot on low Stir occasionally. I prepare in the morning, and it’s ready for dinner when we get home. Serve with warm rolls or a grilled sandwich.

(You can use whatever veggies you have on hand.) Green beans, broccoli, spinach, asparagus, etc. Make it a Minestrone by adding a kidney bean and a small noodle.

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

Homemade Cheesy Potato Soup! One of My boy’s favorite soups. I served with Homemade rolls or Rhodes rolls.

Cheesy Potato soup Recipe

Three cans of chicken broth

One can milk ( I use chicken broth can) I use a little more if it looks like it needs a little more liquid

Five large potatoes chopped

One can of cheese soup

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 1/2 cup shredded cheese

1 1/2 cup chopped carrots

1 cup of chopped onions

1 cup of chopped celery

1/2 cup green onion (can add more as garnish)

One tablespoon Pepper (or to your taste), my family likes heat!

One tablespoon no-salt seasoning salt,

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons of dried chopped onion

1 Tablespoon minced garlic

1/2 of Wondra quick-mixing flour (save until you emulsified)

Throw all in a crockpot on High for 3-4 hours, then emulsify with a mixer, emulsifier, or meat chopper! ( I keep it pretty chunky, so I use the pampered chef meat chopper)

Add flour (important to use Wondra). It thickens without clumping! Then turn on low and let simmer another hour or until dinner time.

Garnish with more cheese and green onion, some like a dollop of sour cream! Salt and pepper again to taste:) Ps: It’s so good the next day, you’ll need to add a touch more milk to thin it out before heating up.

Homemade Cheesy Potato Soup!

Easy to make Chicken pot pie. Comfort in a bowl so easy to make

You’ll put this yummy soup on your go-to list.

Easy chicken pot pie

2 14.5oz chicken broth

2 cups shredded Chicken

12oz peas & carrots (frozen)

1cup of chopped onions

1 cup of chopped celery

2 cup milk

1 Tablespoon onion salt

1 1/2 tablespoon salt seasoning

Salt & pepper

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup flour (for thickening)

Salt & pepper to taste

1/2 cube of butter

Two cans of buttermilk can biscuits

Optional one pie crust shell

Throw all in a crockpot on High for 3-4 hours or longer (except the biscuits & flour). Stir every so often. After an hour or so, whisk in flour to thicken (if you need more flour, add). You want it to have a gravy-like texture. Place mixture in a casserole dish (buttered or sprayed) or pie crust shell. Top with the biscuits placed tightly together. Cook in the oven at 350 until biscuits are golden brown. Depending on the size of your casserole dish, you could have enough for two dishes. (one for a neighbor)

Tip: I like to double my recipe and make four and freeze the extra pies. When I make double batches, I make traditional pies with pie crust bottoms and tops; a great recipe HERE or a quick cheat is buying a pre-made one.

Tip; When making freeze, let completely cool, wrap well in foil, and then place in freezer bags, marked and dated. When cooking, take out defrost cover top in foil cook at 350 for 35-45 min and uncover for about 10 min or until crust is golden.

Add in and Alternative: You Can add 3-4 potatoes chopped. I often do this, and the boys love it!

I have also used pie crust and puffed pastry topping for variation, depending on how much time I have! The above recipe is excellent if you want to let it simmer all day and need to have a yummy fast meal when arriving home.

The pie crust and puff pastry topping make for a delicious alternative!

Homemade Chicken noodle soup. Hearty and full of flavor, this easy crockpot soup is always a home run.

Easy One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

2 14.5oz chicken broth

2 cups shredded Chicken

12oz peas & carrots (frozen)

1 cup finely chopped onion

1 cup finely chopped celery

2 cups of water

1 Tablespoon onion salt

1 1/2tablespoon salted seasoning

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 chicken bouillon cube

Salt & pepper to taste

1 tablespoon dill

2 handfuls noodles I like Country pasta (large bag at Costco)

I place all in my crockpot except for the noodles. And let simmer on low all day about 30 min before serving. I’ll add the noodles. This soup is a rustic recipe I created years ago, and my family loves it! I’ve even substituted out some of the veggies for others I happen to have on hand. The Dill is the secret ingredient to this soup and truly makes it!

I hope you enjoy some of my family’s favorite go-to dishes. Would you please leave a comment below and let me know which one you’re trying?

20 Favorite Things Right Now While Staying Home

April 6, 2020

Working from home…Pj’s sold out similar Here

20 Favorite Things Right NOW🖤

Hello Pretty Ladies,

I hope you are doing well and staying safe. It’s been hard to wrap my head around all that is going on and feeling all kinds of emotions that very day by day, as I am sure you are feeling the same way. I have been sharing daily on Instagram Stories tips that help us get through, ways to stay busy and productive, things that can bring joy or laughter and daily prayers. Local businesses as well as my favorite small business to help support who needs us in these times. I hope you have been watching and getting some relief or at least a good laugh once in a while.

Today I thought I’d share with you 20 of my favorite things RIGHT now…As you have loved this post in the past, I hope you enjoy this one today. (I have linked the items or similar items for easy shopping if shop-able)

20 Things I am loving RIGHT now🖤

#1. Book =Born to Shine

A beautiful book was written by Ashley Lemieux to help Women SHINE despite the darkness, to press forward one day at a time. Purchase HERE

#2. Netflix show= All American

Based on a true story… High School Football player from Crenshaw given the chance to be seen transfers to Beverly Hills High and his journey! The whole family will love this show!

#3. Cooking= I am loving the time to cook and creating dishes my family loves. Sharing our 3 favorite soup recipes with you on Wednesday.

#4. City Beauty Restoring Hand Treatment = With all this hand washing and Utah’s dry air, this is a skin saver! Restoring Hand treatment helps reveal younger-looking hands, targeting the tell-tale signs of aging- dryness, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles! City Beauty purchase HERE

#5. Candles = You know I adore candles and now more then ever I am burning them at home. Candles not only smell great but add a feeling of warmth and homeyness. My favorite HERE and HERE

#6. Ready Festive =Home decor subscription box. I received the Easter box full of fun goodies to help bring our home done cheer in these much needed times. They have a subscription for each Holiday and Seasons. Handpicked for your style and needs. It’s like having a personal shopper for your home♥️ darcyRF10 receive 10% off your subscription Purchase HERE

#7. Butcher Box = has been a lifesaver in these #stayhome conditions. I don’t have to worry about having enough Healthy meat on hand to cook for my family. My family says this is some of the BEST meat they have ever eaten. Each custom made box gets delivered to our door. Packed fresh frozen some of the BEST quality meat you can purchase at a very affordable fee. Purchase HERE

#8.Sunshine = Spring is hard in Utah. We have more grey days than sunshine and a lot of rainy or snowy days. When we have sunny days it’s so delightful and really important to go soak up some rays.

#9. Walks with my hubby= With all this gift of time, it’s been really nice to spend time with my hubby and enjoying long walks.

#10. Organizing = You pretty ladies know I love things organized and tidy. I have been using this time to organize some things I’ve wanted to do but really haven’t wanted to spend the little time I had to do it. Now I have the time…. I’ve gotten most of my projects done….I do have two more left. I’ve loved this book BEAUTIFULLY ORGANIZED order it here. It’s a beautiful book full of great ideas and easy to follow guides and fab tips. Purchase HERE

#11. Good Nights sleep =thanks to Olly SLEEP gummies shop HERE.

During these scary and uncertain times I know it’s hard for most of us to sleep. These have given me a great night’s sleep every night.

#12. Minky blankets♥️ You know I adore my Minky blankets but I am very grateful for them now. Cozy up and read a book or watch a movie.

#13. R.ddle roll-on perfume scent muse. It’s such a fresh scent and so nice to have something new to wear that makes me feel pretty. Sold at my girlfriends boutique Rowan Purchase HERE

#14. Amazon Prime Video =I adore Miss Fisher 1920’s fashionista that is a smart, stylish and determined detective. Plus the list movies are amazing!

#15. Healthy Family all at H🏡me = Feeling so blessed to be at home with my family. We’re all healthy and not alone in these times.

#16. A full pantry= Thankful that my mom taught us to keep a full pantry and to be prepared.

#17. Yoga stretches =I have really enjoyed the extra time to be able to fit in doing some yoga stretching. Here are some FREE ones.

#18. Boars Head Everything Bagel Hummus= It’s my FAVORITE snack serve with carrots and cucumbers and even a cracker. So good. I’ve made my own with plain or garlic hummus and added The everything seasoning from Trader Joe’s

#19. Co2 Lift face masks = my skin seriously looks so fabulous after for about 4 days it just glows. It’s better than a spa facial. Medical spas use these! Purchase HERE use code DARCY for 10% off

#20. Dollar Store package of self-sticking hooks= Such a great buy 6 Med hooks or 12 mini hooks for $1 a pack. It’s helped me organize my jewelry, organize cabinets and lets you hang seasonal items without nail holes.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. I hope you enjoyed it and if you happen to use some of my shopping links I thank you for helping my little business. Please be safe and Stay Home. OX, D’Arcy

You might like this EASTER BASKET blog post HERE

Some of my favorite things, Bubble baths, candles, facemasks, and a good book

Co2 Lift a Mask for your Face & V use code DARCYV for 10% off

40 Ways to take a break in the New Year!

January 1, 2020

Fur jacket, Cup of coffee, Blond hair, winter outfit

Shop my looks HERE Taking in the beauty of The Compass Rose Hotel.

Relaxing by the fire with a cup off coffee at First Lift Coffee at The Compass Rose Hotel in Huntsville, Utah.

40 Ways to take a break in the New Year!

Unplug for a day
Take a bath….. Make sure to use some of my Favorite Things Here
Go on a walk
Do some stretches
Go for a drive
Be a tourist in your Town or State (check out some things I love in this State here)
Have lunch or coffee with a friend
Call a loved one
Cuddle up with a good book and a Minky (some of my favorite books Here and Blankets Here Here Here)
Spend a Sunday Morning in bed
Binge watch a series
Get a Pedicure or Manicure
Have a glass of Wine
Journal
Take a creative class
Go sledding
Write your goals down
Make a snack (Honey crisp Apples and cashew butter is one of my favorites)
Go shopping
Take a nap
Go to the Movies
Have a day date with your spouse
Just be and breath
Have a self-care hour (my favorite face mask & Beauty products Here)
Turn up the Music and Dance
Enjoy the outside (I love watching the sunset on the porch with a blanket and a warm drink)
Volunteer (library, kids school, homeless shelter, and museums always need help)
Play a game with the Family or Friends
Organize something a drawer or a closet. (this relaxes me)
Go Ice skating
Bake or Cook something
Browse a bookstore
Watch a Youtube HOW-TO VIDEO
Write a note to an old friend
Do a craft
Write down five Dreams, Goals or Feelings
Move your furniture around (yes, this relaxes me)
Treat yourself to a great meal out
Go to the park
Talk with your Friends Happy New Year’s Beautiful! It’s a New Year and a New Decade! A perfect time to set goals make plans, follow dreams and remember to take a break! I hope you enjoy my 40 ways to take a break. Some are little breaks and others are longer. It’s ok to take a break, it helps you recharge and refocus. I hope you use a few of my favorite breaks and let me know below which one you plan on doing….or maybe all of them! You do have a year! OX, D’Arcy

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

December 23, 2019

Recap of Last Weeks Instagram Talks & Outfits

July 29, 2019

That SMILE you get when you go to the DENTIST 😁🦷
I know I know, some of you dread the dentist! I am telling you if you visit @drallanthomas you won’t dread the dentist and you’ll leave with the best smile!
If you watch my Instagram stories you would have seen my whitening experience (saved in highlights) No more blue lights, they use the latest technology not painful and the sweetest & knowledgeable staff. I had my teeth cleaned & then whitened. This was my first time having my teeth professionally whitened as I am lucky to have pretty white teeth. Even still I wanted them bright white and sparkly since I have my photos taken so often. Like I have always said”a smile can make someone’s day so do it often!” (so I’ll blind them with mine! Goals🙌🏻)………@drallanthomas office specializes in cosmetics dentistry giving you the smile of your dreams🦷😁

This is how I do squats 😜💪🏻
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Playing with stripes and tied front pants is how it’s done🙌🏻
Warning… this is probably the only time you’ll see me doing squats 😜😜😜 Happy Wednesday babes😘 It #pioneerday today in Utah which means Holiday🎉🎉🎉 State Holiday which means day off and headed to the Lake with all my girlfriends! Not a bad way to spend a Wednesday ♥️🍹🚤
Enjoy your day😘😘😘 Outfit from Banana republic

Starting of this Monday with a 2nd cup ☕️☕️ of @cafe504coffee ☕️☕️☕️#ad
@cafe504coffee found coffee tasted much better when they brewed it with Fiji water, and it turns out it’s the minerals in the water that make all the difference. They infused those same minerals directly with their coffee beans, and they’ve been stunned by how it effects the final cup. It’s a significantly smoother and richer cup of coffee, as if you brewed it with the world’s finest water!☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️
They’ve crafted customized mineral blends to perfect your brewing water, based on where you live and how you filter it.
BOY I have to agree we got the French roast at it’s delicious! If your wanting a great cup of coffee from home head over to @cafe504coffee And grab yourself k-cups,ground coffee or beans. BETTER yet GRAB a FREE Bag By…..
Taking the quiz on their site and get a completely FREE BAG when you use the code DARCYFREE at checkout! Free shipping too! You can easily cancel the subscription at anytime, but trust me, you won’t want to. The coffee is amazing!

Hoping your Friday brings you cheer like a rainbow or like Friends laughter in a big pile of rainbow confetti! 🌈Although you have to watch out for my cute friend @chicover50 Shauna plays hard ball!!! Speaking of BALL go check out her cute stories to see what happened to her at last nights BALL game🎉🎉⚾️💍🌈🌈🌈♥️
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We have are own confetti happening over here today🎉🌈 Our oldest son @hudsonvandenberg Turns 23 TODAY! We had some fun celebrating last night with sushi & surfing on the lake! (see stories for fun photos) This am he’ll wake up to gifts and his favorite donuts and tonight we’ll celebrate with dinner and his favorite cake (Judy’s Chocolate Kahlua cake recipe on blog) 🍰🍩🍰🍩
I can’t tell you how proud I am of this boy of ours, it was like yesterday he was 3 & now 23! He’s such a delight, so smart a family lover and truly a good kid! We’re proud of the man he’s becoming and thankful we can call him ours♥️♥️♥️
Now… my gushing is over… I am off to bake😘

I’ll take HAPPY mail💌 any day!📬💌📬💌📬💌📬💌📬💌📬
When’s the last time you hand wrote a letter or card and sent it snail mail? For me… I still write hand written Thank you notes, Birthday & Holiday cards. I really feel it’s important and more meaningful then a text or email. It’s a lost art that truly should not be♥️ So for #tiptuesday Make someone’s day by mailing them a sweet note💌 even if it’s just a Miss you card😘
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If your in the Utah area head over to @lovelettersmuseum they provide a cute post card and a stamp for you💌 Note to mention all the beautiful ways to use words, letters and forgotten ways to write (aka Typewriter…kids didn’t even know how to put the paper in lol!)
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Outfit details…this season’s hottest trend the tied front pant @tjmaxx, shoes @picandpay, tank @rowanboutique, linen blazer @shoprachelzoe, jewelry old

IT’S 5 O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE 🍹RIGHT?
One of the things I love about Summers is Outdoor living✔️☀️🍓🍹🍔🥗🧀🍉
Do you enjoy outside living? Have you created a space you love to go relax in, entertain or have a quiet date night in?
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I created this space to have a little of the inside brought out💛💛I adore black and white stripes and I think it pops with a touch of yellow and green! Tips for making your outdoor space inviting: throw pillows, a blanket for chilly nights, pots of flowers and plants, trays for serving and keeping things tidy. I love rugs to add color and define spaces, candles and lanterns for lighting (and keeping bugs away) I love some books or magazines to entice you to stay awhile 💛💛💛
Another big tip is if you furniture is mix & match spray paint it all 1 color to give it a cohesive look. It instantly makes it look more planned 😉

I hope you like the random recap of what happened over on last weeks Instagram. I know a lot of you had to DM me about missing a post on instagram because they only show 3% of our photos in our feeds. A trick to seeing people you follow posts: like the post and if you care to leave a comment do it! This will help their content stay in your feed. Another tip is watch their stories the more you interact with the people you follow allows instagram to know you want to see that person. Another big plus, engaging on Instagram really helps us bloggers do what we love and bring you content you want to see. If you want to see a weekly recap HERE on the blog leave a comment or DM me so I can continue to give you what you want to see!

Another plus to seeing a week in review is you get a taste of everything from fashion, items I am loving, interior tips or a space I love and things to do in Utah unless I was traveling.

Have a beautiful week! OX, D’Arcy

This post may contain collaborations and affiliate links.

Easy and Affordable Tips to Remodel Your Space!

July 14, 2019

Our client wanted an updated look with an affordable budget. She also wanted a modern feel and liked the soft feel of grey but loves color, she also doesn’t like much clutter or collectibles. With this in mind we created a space around these needs. I love the pop of color with the grey it works well with each other. Note how the color is in the accessories, this allows for an easy change to the look affordably buy switching out the accessories for new colors and trends.

The finished look. Note: the dresser painted silver to take something old and make it new again.

This space was created to sit and work/read have a cup of coffee or wine and chat. I created a couple of areas to sit and large pillows for the kids to lay around, gather and chat.

Before the space in the front room was used for an office. The space was dark, furniture placed wrong and the flooring was a strange vinyl padding.

Before: boring, furniture placed wrong, no color and doesn’t reflect the owners personality or style .

The entry walking into front room prior used for office. New space living/sitting area. Note the dark dresser, see what a little paint did to it! We did paint this space the same shade of Sherwin Williams grey and added a beautiful new light fixture. (sorry I forgot to take a photo of this.)

As for the molding to help with budget, we re-used the existing molding, painted it white and placed a smaller molding a 1/2 inch space above, leaving a gap that we painted white to give the look of much more expensive wider molding. This give a big budget bang and a fraction of the cost. Molding is like jewelry to an outfit, it really finishes it off. It’s a detail that finishes the job.

This is the before on the two floorings and the baseboard. Sorry for the bad photo! (it was the only one I took and I didn’t realize it was blurred until it was too late.) I really felt it was important to show the up close detail.

The after… refinished hardwood floor to give it an update without the cost of a total redo. Added a fun patterned carpet for detail and a unexpected pop! I think it turned out so sharp.

Hello Beautifuls,

I hope you enjoyed your weekend. My hubby surprised me with a weekend away to Salt Lake City for some pool time alone. Cheers to weekend dates! I wanted to share some news with you, My hubby and I have been a designer & construction team for years. In California we had a business B&D properties, interior design and construction specializing in remodels and makeovers. We were doing flips and spec homes as a team. While he also owned & operated ski shops for 25 years and I had Pages of Tyme, a home decor and scrapbooking store for 10 years. Business was great, we were really busy and life was moving fast! My hubby was burned out and wanted to slow things down….We decided to move to Utah where we had had a second home. So we sold everything and moved to Utah. Our plan was to take a year or two off enjoy our family and then we would start up B & D Properties in Utah on a smaller scale and x out any retail business and then housing market crashed… Needless to say our plans changed… B&D properties went on the back burner for Utah. My hubby stayed in the construction business and took on all kinds of jobs. While I recreated my career (I needed a break and I needed to do something creative on my fashion side). I had always loved fashion and always wanted to open a clothing boutique as fashion and design have a lot in common. The birth of Chic Style was born. Having grown the shops to 3 shops in 6 years after 9 years, I had really been missing design. I had taken a huge break in design while living in Utah and decided to take on a couple projects while still owning the shops…. Now talk about busy but I loved doing both while also growing my blog and social media. In December 2017 we decided to sell the clothing shops not really knowing for sure what I was going to do for work (I promise there’s a point to all of this!) I knew I didn’t want to do ANY type of retail anymore, I knew my blog and social were growing and I LOVED sharing tips and advice on anything fashion and lifestyle & design related. But I also knew I needed to work until I could make a living at this blogging & influencer job. To be honest I’ve been trying to find what that job would be… I’ve been searching, applying for all kinds of jobs (which I constantly get told I am over qualified!) from corporate manager jobs, retail and even big firm interior jobs. In this process I became a long term substitute teacher which I adore and have been picking up interior design side jobs! Reminding myself I’ve been self employed almost my whole life, why would I want to work for another business while I am capable of doing it on my own? After having to bring my hubby back on as the contractor to my last 4 jobs I realized a dream we hadn’t fulfilled, B&D properties, Interior design and construction in Utah has not been fulfilled! It finally all made since and came back around…that’s what we’re supposed to do, team back up and make that dream a reality. (God I hear you!) So B&D properties, interior design and construction is up and running. Our business license and insurances are all in the works or finished. We have a Facebook page HERE and an Instagram HERE and you can email us at [email protected] Don’t worry I will still be running Dear-Darcy, I will just be adding more design and home projects to the blog with a tab you’ll be able to search. My plan is to come up with a content calendar so you will see an even amount of fashion, lifestyle, travel and design. Stay tuned as I am really working on blogging 5 days a week to give you all the content you want to see.

Now.. Do you need some remodeling, organizing, personal shopping or your closet reworked? Email me because this is MY NEW JOB! Thank you for following along & supporting me, D’Arcy.

9 Dry Shampoos Tried and Tested!

July 2, 2019

I have spent a lot of time trying & testing out a huge variety of dry shampoos to give you my honest opinion.

1. {Pantene} 2. {Batiste Wild} 3. {Batiste Tropical} 4. {Detox} 5. {Oribe} 6. {Oscar Blandi} 7. {Amika} 8. {La Soie} 9. {Living Proof}

Double knot bun with a hair scarf. Tip for creating fun buns is to have dirty hair. It gives you the texture you need to make a messy bun. To do this look simple divide hair into two sections, place in pony tails and pull almost through and pin ends, pull out some pieces to give it that messy look and tie with a scarf.

Hello Beautifuls,

I couldn’t live without dry shampoo it’s a MUST have beauty staple. I have oily hair, not to mention silky and straight! I would have to wash my hair daily if it wasn’t for DRY SHAMPOO. As a teenager I used baby powder to skip a wash day ( I could do this as my hair has always been light). So you could see how excited I was to learn about this crazy good invention! I have been using for years now. I have also learned that the right dry shampoo give silky hair like mine texture which helps with styling and holding a curl. So if you only thought dry shampoo was to help skip a wash day, I am happy to share it’s good for more than that. I’ve tried almost every brand over the years and I have narrowed it down to these 9 dry shampoos that I have tried and test out for you.

Dry shampoos are the perfect quick fix for great looking hair between washes. No water needed. It’s a great way to extend your blowout, free up time getting ready and add body & texture.

1. Pantene: Doesn’t disappoint, it’s affordable has a nice smell and instantly refreshes hair. They use tapioca starch to help absorb oils. This product is better for blondes as it does have a little powder residue. Comes in a 4.9oz can.

2. Batiste Wild: This instant hair refresh comes in a variety of scents, Wild has a musky scent. Batiste makes a dry shampoo for Brunettes which I would recommend if you are as if not stated so then it will leave a light powder residue. I love this brand because it does the trick at a super affordable price, one of the most affordable on the market. You can use this dry shampoo multiple days in a row without build up. I also like it’s one of the biggest dry shampoos you can buy. Comes in a 13.46 fl.oz can for around $7-9.

3. Batiste Tropical: This is the same as above but with a tropical scent that smells just like Summer. It has a powder residue but works great on blond hair. I love the scent and it’s become one of my go to Dry shampoos and also comes in a small travel size can.

4. Detox: By Drybar is my all time favorite! I love the smell, it gives the best texturing and helps my silky hair hold a curl. You should really have blond hair for this product as it does have a white powder residue but it rubs away. This only comes in a 3.5oz bottle and is a little pricey at $23 bottle.

5. Oribe: Gold Lust dry shampoo comes in a 6oz can and is one of the most expensive dry shampoos I used at $46 a can, ouch! While this product is a translucent dry shampoo that also absorbs product buildup and oil, plus ever hair color can use I didn’t think it did much more for the money. It had a plain scent and does not add texture, grip, or weight if that is something you need like I do. It does claim it nourishes and fortifies dry, damaged hair & maintains hair health and color vibrancy by extending a blowout.

6. Oscar Blandi: Revive and refreshes hair of all hair colors with this invisible dry shampoo spray. It removes product build-up, absorbs oil and boosts volume it has a nice perfume scent and is an overall great product if you want to spend $25 on 5oz

7. Amika:Perk Up dry shampoo is a talc-free, true dry cleanser that absorbs oil buildup and odor without talc or aluminum, adds volume and cools the scalp (none of the others cool the scalp) refreshes hair with natural rice starch. Leaves no white residue and has fresh perky scent. I didn’t like it as much as others simply because it’s more like a moose and goes on wet/foam. 5.3 oz $25.

8. La Soie: Dry shampoo helps perk up 2nd day hair and adds volume but I didn’t feel it helped absorbed oil. It can be used on all hair colors and didn’t have an overpowering scent but this is not one I’d purchase again.

9. Living Proof: Perfect hair day absorbs and removes oil, sweat and odor. Works on all hair colors because it leaves virtually no visible residue or powdery build-up behind. Gives you body and has a nice scent. I love when you purchase on amazon you get a bundle for $29.99 a regular size and travel! I seem to go through this brand fast.

I hope this helps you ladies out for purchasing your next dry shampoo. OX, D’Arcy

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

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