Dear D'Arcy

By D'Arcy Vandenberg

How to make the BEST Banana Bread!

 

Hall of Breakfast

Something you may not know about me? I love to bake, and after sharing some of the things i’d been making on my instastories, I got an overwhelming response to please share recipes. I love to give you what you want, so I made a new category here on my blog to share Recipes. It’s under Lifestyle in the drop down and I hope you’ll try the recipes I share. I will be sharing family recipes and ones I have created. Bare with me as I promise my food photography will get better! 

I love to entertain as you know, and I’ve been cooking and baking since I was so young! I won the BEST apple pie in the 3rd grade and would have been one of those kids vying to be on today’s Baking kids championships, had we had those then! My time it was country fair and school baking competition, Boy times have changed! Not that I am a fancy baker (I am not) I just love to bake good basic’s!

Once Upon a time, years ago I put on scrapbooking retreats and I cooked all the meals, 3 meals a day plus snacks. The ladies always raved about my food and wanted me to create a cookbook and while I said I would, I collected mine and my families recipes, but I never put that book together!  Maybe one day I will, but until then i’ll be sharing my favorites here! My plan if all goes well, is to share a recipe with you every Monday.  So here’s goes my first Monday Recipe, My Grandma’s Banana bread or muffins recipe, with a couple of improvement’s!  My grandma Mercer made this bread every Christmas and sometimes we’d get lucky and get it for a family gathering throughout the year. I started making this bread when I got married and giving out to our neighbor’s, Ups, mailman and friends for Christmas. I’d make 24 loaves! I’d save every brown spotted banana and threw it in the freezer. At first my hubby would question all the bananas taking up all the freezer space, but now nobody say’s a thing! They get really excited if they see them defrosting in the sink!

My Boy’s are terrible… They’ll each eat a loaf  in a day if i’d let them! When I make a batch I alway’s make multiple batches. If making for my family i’ll do 4 batches, and make two trays of muffins and 4 medium loaves, then i’ll freeze 1/2. When I make at Christmas i’ll make 8 to 12 batches and make some medium loaves and the rest mini loaves to give as gift’s. 

My Grandma’s recipe called for 3 overripe banana’s, I do 4 and I make sure the bananas have been frozen and then thawed. This makes for the most moist banana bread you’ve ever have. I also added chocolate chips or nuts, my grandmothers was just plain banana bread. You can leave out the Chocolate chips or the nuts if you wish, the main recipe won’t change.

Recipe: Best Banana Bread with Chocolate chips

2cups all purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 overripe bananas

1 cup sugar

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted & cooled

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For a variation add chocolate chips ( 2 cups)  walnuts or pecans (1 cup)!

powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease your muffin or loaf pan’s. Mash the bananas with a fork in a small bowl and then whip them, set aside. in large bowl add butter, eggs, vanilla beat well. Mix dry ingredients, fold in the banana’s and chocolate chips or nuts or both. Pour batter into loaf or muffin pans. Give the pan a good rap on the counter to get rid of air bubbles!  Place in oven, oven’s all range in heat temperatures so time could vary, so I say start checking in 45 min but could go as long as 1 hour. Test by sticking a toothpick in center, if comes out clean, it’s done! Makes 1 large loaf or  2 small loaves. 

I hope you enjoy one of my families favorite treats! Ox

Grandmas recipe

Grandmas recipe

Grandmas recipe

Grandmas recipe

Remember I am not trained in baking or cooking in anyway, I am just a wife and mom cooking for family & friends. Please let me know if you tried the recipe and  how they turned out! OX, D’Arcy

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

 

Shirt dress

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

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

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

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

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

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

celebrating

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

3 Way’s to entertain with ease!

3 Way’s to entertain with ease!

bar cart entertaining

{Dress} here and similar Here, here here. {Shoe} here and similar here {bar cart} Vintage but Similar Here and here {glasses} Here and Similar here {home} target $3 bin Sold out Similar here {ring} sold out, similar here and here

bar cart entertaining

bar cart entertaining

bar cart entertaining

bar cart entertaining

bar cart entertaining

Hello, Beautiful’s,

I want to share with you 3 easy way’s to entertain with ease! You know how much I love to entertain, and I love quick impromptu small gatherings. So I found some easy way’s to make for a “pop-over visit” for a girl’s night or a Couple’s date night! 

#1 Make it simple. You can have a great night without having to slave in the kitchen. I love having people over for drinks, and a simple appetizer or one of my favorites is, Dessert and drinks after having dinner out!  This allows you to keep it simple and not have to take a lot of time to prepare.

#2 Being Prepared!  Having a few entertaining pieces, you love. Pretty glasses, a great serving tray or bowl.  Even having a bar cart (even if you don’t drink) makes serving easy yet keeps your theme in check! Please view some of my favorite past bar cart tips Here, here, and here!

#3 Keep the drink and food easy!  Paring great champagne or Prosecco with a fruit platter or my favorite Strawberries and homemade fruit dip!  (my family’s favorite & it’s quick!) Recipe below!   If you want to serve a cocktail, I always suggest a special cocktail ( find out your guest’s alcohol choice). Create a drink around that!  Say it’s vodka. You can make a Moscow mule and serve it with a cheese and cracker platter or a great crudite platter. Serving 1 kind of drink helps you enjoy your company and not act as a bartender! I love drinks I can make in a pitcher! Sangria, Rum punch, Vodka lemonade, Mojitos. 

Entertaining doesn’t have to be expensive or hours! Some of my most favorite get together’s happened spur of the moment! This is why being prepared is key! I can have friends drop over at any time, and I can easily throw something together.  Here is a list of some of the things I like to always have in my pantry and fridge. This helps you entertain quickly and with ease.

Assortment of cheeses (even cream cheese or Boursin, these make a great veggie dip)  

Assortment of crackers and nuts

Fresh fruit and veggies

A bottle of wine, vodka, Rum

Club soda or La croix

Having these items on hand really helps for throwing a quick and yummy platter together fast! Who doesn’t love to snack on these!  As for the drinks, I found that you can create something if you have these staples, even if it’s a wine spritzer with fresh fruit!

 

Strawberry dip recipe:

A jar of  Marshmallow fluff

A Block of Cream cheese

A teaspoon of  vanilla 

mix all ingredients, serve in a pretty bowl with strawberries. Yum! (it’s great to dip a strawberry in champagne first, then in the dip!) 

I hope you throw a fun and easy get-together soon! OX, D’Arcy

This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own. Thank you so much for being so supportive!

Nordstrom Beauty Buy’s…Item’s I always stock up on!

Hello Beautiful’s,

I wanted to share a few of my favorite things, I always stock up on at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale! If you noticed, I don’t really push the sale or do a ton of featuring! I really do believe it gets a ton of coverage and you see the same top picks from everyone. I like to share with you thing’s I really love or think makes for great wardrobe building. (Did a couple of stories here) I did share a large post on Nordstrom’s SALE items, not from the Anniversary sale Here… These where items I either already owned or felt they were a great deal. Even better… you didn’t have to be a card holder!

As for the Beauty product part of the SALE, I always look forward to these items being on the sale and at great price’s you just can’t beat! You really need to stock up on! #1 I love the Kiehl’s lotion, it hydrates your skin so well & makes your skin silky soft. This large bottle last a really long time. #2 If you know me, you know I am obsessed with Drybar and their products, so when I can get on a sale, Yippee….I am stocking up! #3 I am a big fan of the Nude lips and I love Mac. Every Anniversary sale they do some kind of lip kit and I always grab at least one. #4 Evian water spray is a MUST for Summer, I love how it helps to keep your face refreshed and on these hot Summer day’s it’s great to spritz all over, for a great quick cool down! (if you watch my instastories you’ll see, I included this in my July must haves, I’ve been using!) #5 Best smelling deodorant you’ll ever use! I love how it goes on, how it feels, works amazing and I never feel sweaty! Did I mention how good it smells?   These are 5 of my most favorite items, I use all the time, year after year and never get tired of.  Thank you for taking the time to stop by and read, if you happen to use my shopping links, I really appreciate you! 

 

#1 Jumbo Creme de Corps Bottle with Pump

Kiehl’s Creme de Corp

Price Sale:$52.00 Free Shipping Original Price After Sale:$75.00
 

#2. Here, There, Everywhere Set

DRYBAR

Price $52.00 Free Shipping

($75 Value)
What it is: A four-piece hair care set featuring Drybar favorites in full and travel sizes.
 
hair care product

#3. MAC Nude Lip Trio

MAC COSMETICS

Price $36.50 Free Shipping

($54.50 Value)
What it is: A trio of neutral lip colors for the perfect pout.What it does: The Lipstick is formulated to shade, define and showcase the lips.
lip kit

#4. Facial Water Spray Set

EVIAN

Price $18.00 Free Shipping

($33 Value)
What it is: A facial spray imported from a unique underground water source at the base of the French Alps to hydrate, blend and revive all skin types.
water hydration for your face
 
 

#5.Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant Trio

DONNA KARAN NEW YORK

Price $65.00 Free Shipping

($81 Value)
What it is : A deodorant set featuring an advanced formula that controls wetness and perspiration while keeping you feeling dry and smelling fresh all day. 
best deodorant

Self-employed, and I Why I sold my Boutique.

Self-employed, and I why I sold my Boutiques.

Feeling Getting real with you today, beautiful!

self employed boutique owner

Boutique owner

If you have followed me, you know I owned my clothing boutiques for eight years. Some of you may have known I owned my home decor/ interiors and scrapbooking shop in California for ten years before moving to Utah.

Yes, self-employed for 21 years! ( 3 years of doing interior design freelance work)  Most of you have asked why to sell. You are living a lot of woman’s dreams, owning a boutique. 

Getting Real

Well, I am getting real with you! Being a Girl Boss and being self-employed is terrific in many ways and just as stressful in others. While I loved almost every minute of it…I was tired!

Tired of working 70-80 hours a week, tired of missing dinner with my family, tired of paperwork & bills, and stressed at what the economy or even the weather would bring.

Daily to-do’s of owning your business isn’t just ordering pretty things, displaying them, and building beautiful relationships. However, that is all part of the joy.

There was so much joy in growing our little clothing boutique to 3 stores, a website, and even a monthly subscription box. 

With each new adventure and growth came challenges and more of my time. Yes, I made great money….with even more significant sacrifices, and it was time to make some changes.

Selling the Boutiques

I didn’t know I would sell the shops or even what I would do next. I just knew I wanted a change and that blogging and social media were my new passion, and I would love to be able to spend time learning more about them. But owning a business takes up all of your time.

Then, through God’s plan, I was lucky enough that A name popped into my head, and I knew it was right, and the business was sold in 1 week! Now what…Starting over at 46 and taking on a new career? Scary, yet…exciting!

Sold

It’s been six months since I sold… Do I miss it? I can honestly say no!

Do I miss searching for the most fabulous items to bring in, doing all the displays, and creating a fun look for all my customers? Yes, I do; most of all, I miss all the fabulous customers and loyal clientele I enjoyed working with over the years.

I truly felt I had built a family, and I appreciate all those who supported me and our small business over the years. I will never forget so many happy faces and great conversations! so blessed to have had that time and support from all that shopped with us.

What the Future Holds

I appreciate those who follow my blog and social media, and I am grateful for those who shop my links and like or comment on posts, as this is how I am trying to build my next business.

I have had so many of you ask, “how you make money blogging and social media?”  Think of it as a Marketing firm…I am marketing products and brands that I love! (will go into this in another post) 

I want you to know I do not promote companies I don’t truly love or haven’t tested out. I want you to feel you can trust me ( just like at my shops) and that I want to share advice and idea’s that are helpful to you, just like I did at the stores.

So, you’re asking yourself, is she self-employed? Didn’t I want a change… Yes, I am still self-employed ( I have been trying to get a job while building this new adventure, more on that next!)

What is different 

Yes, I wanted a change (remember… I enjoyed the time to try this new love of blogging and social media). Owning a storefront differs from working from home; even though you must be dedicated, you can schedule your work time around your family time. I don’t have to be open 10-6 and then stay at the shop until 9 or 10 pm to get everything I need to do that day! 

Do you want to open a boutique? do you want me to do a post on tips, what you need, or how to do it?) 

So, in short, it means the world that you stopped to read this blog post, liked a Facebook or Instagram post or followed youtube; it helps my rating more than I could ever explain. 

A little explanation of one of the ways I make money

I receive a tiny percentage when you shop my links. On my blog or posting & sharing discount codes, shopping my Liketoknowit, and Amazon Storefront. This is at no cost to you. 

Follow my Like to know it where you can shop my looks, get sales alerts, see app-only content, and get inspiration.

I also have an Amazon Store Front. You’ll find curated shopping boards, product reviews, and my picks.

Helping women look and feel good at any age.

I appreciate all of your support, and if you ever have a question on styling, a product, or interiors, comment below or email me, and I will try to help you in any way I can. My goal is to help women look and feel good at any age.

This was why I created Dear Darcy, a play on Dear Abby; I want to help & share!

The Job hunt

As for looking for a new job or career at 46 years old and the last 21 years of being self-employed, it has been one crazy & complex process!! AND… if I hear one more time, I am “overqualified”…I want to scream!!!    While building this new business and learning a ton, It will be a while until I can make a living to support my spending habits!

LOL,  I was hoping to start a new career with a 401k…hehe, No, really, I want to branch out and try something different but still be creative! At first, I started looking at management positions, not focusing on creativity, and Boy…that was a huge mistake!!!

Taken a Job I thought I wanted

I took a job that was a massive 2 1/2 month process to get hired and so stressful ( that should have been a clue!) It was nothing like the position I thought I signed up for! I never felt so out of place and realized I couldn’t use any of my strengths!

This was a great lesson, and I realized I need a job where I can be creative, deal with people, use my strengths, and still have time to blog: a full-time job, 40 hours a week instead of 70. I am on the hunt…I had a couple of interviews last week, and I’ll keep you posted.

Meanwhile, if you need help decorating your home, staging a house, marketing something, planning a party, styling your outfits, or organizing your closet… I am your girl; contact me:). If you hear of a great job that you think I’d be great for, please message me. 

I hope this answered some of your questions and gave you insight into why I did what I did and what I am doing now! Again thank you so much for your support and for following along on my journey.

self employed boutique owner

Top {Anthropoligy} sold out, belt {Hermes} sold out, Jeans {kut from the Kloth} shoes {Gianni Bini} Similar here

self employed boutique owner

Whether you are a Girl boss or a Mom boss, I hope you enjoy your work. If not, I have inspired you to start over at any age!

 

 

 

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

The most anticipated sale of the Year! Starts Today but only for card holders…. I didn’t want non-card holders to feel left out, so I scoured all 136 pages of the sale section, to bring you my top picks! I hope you enjoy seeing some of the pieces, I purchased and am swooning over. Perfect piece’s to add to your Summer wardrobe, transition your Summer wardrobe into Fall and piece’s you’ll live in all Winter!  This Sale is the best prices of the year and makes for a great time to stock up. I will share my Anniversary picks later in the week and my beauty picks.

Things to remember : The Anniversary SALE opens today for card holders….Don’t have a card? Apply here ,To shop the Card holder sale July 12-19th. Store sale will open to the Public on July 20th- August 5th. If your a card holder, Don’t forget you get a triple points day, so don’t forget to schedule it for the day your headed to go shop. If your shopping online, you can schedule it before checking out.  If you feel like shopping my page & using my links Here and below, I thank you from the bottom of my heart because I do get a very very small commission, which allows me to keep doing what I love. I hope you enjoy my picks and don’t forget to watch my instagram stories later TODAY, July 12th to see my try-ons and more in store details. Again thank you for your support and taking time for stopping by and reading my post.

You don’t have to be a card holder to SHOP the SALE below……

Palisades Off the Shoulder Top

FREE PEOPLE

Original Price $68.00
Price $34.00–$45.56 up to 50% off
Slouchy dolman sleeves and off-the-shoulder styling make this comfy tri-blend top a pitch-perfect homage to ’80s style.  I love this top so much I bought it in ALL the colors! Great everyday piece.
Original Price $68.00 Price $40.80 40% off Free Shipping
A contemporary take on the classic henley, this version features gentle pleats and a swingy babydoll shape. I will live in this in the Fall and Winter, perfect for laying too!
 
Original Price $55.00 Price$32.98 40% off Free Shipping
Whether you layer it with a blazer or rock it solo, show off a bit of skin in this strappy camisole. This cutie has been all over social media! It’s perfect for laying come Fall and Winter!
Original Price $148.00 Price $88.80 40% off Free Shipping
The boho dress of your dreams is soft in gauzy, lightweight cotton and lavishly decorated with pretty contrast embroidery. I love this dress and purchased it in Coral (sorry it’s not available) I will be wearing this All summer & Fall!

Lace Neck Halter Gown

Regular & Petite

Original Price $228.00 Price $136.80 40% off Free Shipping
Panels of eyelash lace offering alluring glimpses of skin grace the neckline and back of a curve-hugging gown. Need a dress for a black tie event? Here’s my pick!
 
Original Price $79.00 Price $47.40 40% off Free Shipping
Pointelle stitches add airy style to a longline cardigan that’s cozy enough for late nights by the fire, even once the weather cools off. I’ll grab a sweater over a coat most of the time! This one is perfect for Chilly Summer nights and Fall layering!
Original Price $22.00 Price $10.99 50% off Free Shipping
Faux raffia fans out from the glittering center of these statement earrings texturized by subtle seed beads. Because tassel earrings are so fabulous!!
 

Regular & Petite

Original Price $89.50 price $53.70 40% off Free Shipping
With clean rugby stripes and an easy throw-on-and-go silhouette, this comfy cotton wrap skirt embodies the best of summer style. You know how much I adore black and white stripes! Wear with a white tank and a cute sandal for summer and take it into Fall with a denim jacket and a slide.
 
Original Price $69.95 Price $29.90 55% off Free Shipping
It’s all about backless footwear this season, and this leather mule topped with a knotted bow is sure to be a favorite from 9-to-5 and through the weekend. I adore gingham, almost as much as stripes! These mules can almost be worn year round! 
Original Price $245.00 Price$146.98 40% off Free Shipping
Extravagant crystal embellishments light up the back and wrap the slender heel of a gorgeous peeptoe pump in lustrous satin. I wear these a ton with distressed jeans and super cute to dress up a denim dress. Think dress up  everyday denim, not to just be worn with a cocktail dress!
Original Price $128.95 Price $77.37 40% off Free Shipping
Standout embroidery and a bit of beading bloom across the thick fabric straps of a sunny flat sandal that’s anything but garden-variety. Well… you know I adore anything embroidered! How cute are these to finish off any summer outfit!

Regular & Petite

Original Price $139.00 Price $83.40 40% off Free Shipping
As comfortable in the conference room as it is in a coffee shop, this cute cotton blazer sports a cheerful check lining that extends to the pocket flaps. A closet staple…. Everyone needs a great blazer! Works for every season!
Original Price $58.00 Price $34.80 40% off Free Shipping
Drop-shoulder styling and a front keyhole cutout intensify the casual-cool attitude of this tri-blend burnout tee. A great basic with a fun twist! I got this in all the colors!
Original Price $64.00 Price $38.40 40%  off Free Shipping
Off-duty style takes on retro-chic vibes with this comfy American-made tri-blend sweatshirt. So cute! Yes, I know all the cus words in French! Maybe the only thing I remember from 3 years of French in High school!
Original Price $99.00 Price $59.40 40% off Free Shipping
There’s no need to sacrifice cozy warmth for style when you slip into this long cardigan knit from soft, plush yarn. Talk about cozy!! I am going to live in this fab sweater all Winter long!
 
Original Price $119.00 Price $65.90 45% off Free Shipping
An off-the-shoulder neck tops this chic cocktail dress designed with dramatic bell sleeves and a chic midi-length hem spliced with a soaring side slit. Because everyone needs a Perfect little black dress!
Original Price $89.00 Price $53.40 40% off Free Shipping
The right amount of ripping makes these jeans on-trend, and the pair you’ll choose on the regular. You guy know my favorite jeans are by Kut from the Kloth, so grab these cuties at a great deal! Perfect All year round!
Original Price $35.00 Price $21.0040% off Free Shipping
Get on the roadway to rocker-cool style with this weathered jersey tee featuring the iconic cover photo from AC/DC’s ’79 album. One of my ALL time Favorite Rock bands! You can never own to many concert tee’s!
 
 
I hope you enjoyed my SALE picks and remember you don’t have to be a card holder to shop the SALE above! Make sure to watch my instagram stories later today to see Some of my Anniversary picks! Instagram Here
If your shopping Nordstrom anytime and want to use my link to shop Here (which gives me a teeny tiny commission)  I appreciate it and thank you in advance, as this is how I can do what I love to do and share what I share.   Have a perfect day beautiful! OX, D’Arcy
 
 
 
This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. I promote brands that I truly love and believe in! Thank you for your support!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Pumpkin Chocolate chip cookies, A family favorite!

Home baker

white kitchen, butcher block top, kitchen aid mixer

Pumpkin spice chocolate chip cookie recipe with 3 ingredients, so easy to make and low fat!

butcher block top, white kitchen

Happy Friday Beautiful’s!

I wanted to hop on here and share a quick family favorite cookie recipe with you! Pumpkin Chocolate chip cookies, that is so easy to make you’ll whip up a couple batches so fast you’re family will love you like mine does when I make these yummy little treats! I always make a double batch and freeze some or take a plate to a weekend gathering. It’s 3 ingredient’s… Yes 3 ingredient’s and it’s low fat, I am telling you these are so yummy, my family can truly eat a whole batch in a day, if I don’t freeze some or make a plate for a gift. I make these a lot in the fall but my family really likes them no matter the season!

You’ll need:

1 box of your favorite Spice cake mix

1 regular size can of Pumpkin 

2 cups of chocolate chips

A small Ice cream scoop, mixer, bowl, cookie sheet or two…. 

Mix all the ingredients together, Scoop up with a ice cream scoop ( I use the small scoop) place on a greased or lined cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 9-12 minutes depending on your stove. makes 2-3 dozen 

Truly the easiest cookies you’ll ever make and nobody would know you didn’t sweat over them! 

I hope you make a batch soon and tell me how you and you’re family liked (loved) them! Ox, D’Arcy

Father’s Day Gift guide & Dessert Bar

Pintrest worthy cookies

Every yummy dessert needs a glass of milk! How cute is it served in mustache cup and a paper straw! Dad will be so happy to have this cute little dessert bar served at your BBQ!

Pintrest worthy brownies

Bacon & Bourbon Brownies, My hubby ate 3 in a minute! Needless to say he loved them! A Father’s day dessert bar serving, party cookies and brownies!    You know I love to entertain and putting this together with the help of  The Coco House made it super easy, she created all of the desserts, Bacon and bourbon brownies, #1 dad, Top pop & beer mug cookies! Shipped to my door for a darling and easy to put together dessert bar, the men in your life will love! All I had to do was grab some serving pieces, the DAD blocks my son made in kindergarten, a pom pom garland & straws that matched the baked goods. Simple and so festive.

Pintrest worthy cookies

The Coco House 
A Los Angeles Pastry Chef, Erica Kelly (that happens to be my cousin!) is so talented and everything taste amazing, helps to make any dessert bar to look perfect! She’ll ship it right to your door! Make sure to go follow her on instagram &
shop her on instagram @thecocohousela Here or shop her cupcake toppers Here

Pintrest worthy cookies

Pintrest worthy cookies

Gift Guide for Dad’s of all kinds

Gift's your men will love

Father’s Day Gift Guide… Trying to make your gift ideas easy & will  still make it in time for Father’s Day. Something for every type of Dad! The traveler, The foodie, The cool dad, Sporty dad and dad’s with hair:)

                             {1} {2} {3} {4} {5} {6} {7} {8} {9}

                                    Shop The guide by clicking on the number.

I kept in mind all types of dad’s, when I created this fun shopping guide. I love Shopbop and that, they really do have something for everyone. My hubby and our dad’s would love everything on this list. I also put in items for every budget.  Really hoping I could help inspire you to give something the Father’s in your life would love. 

Shopbop is having an extra 25% off sale item’s with code SCORE18 at check out, if shopping their sale section.

Do you have a fun Father’s day tradition? Or do you have any fun plans? Both our parent’s live out of state, so we don’t celebrate with them any more, but they’re celebrated for sure! We’re lucky to have such great men and role models in our lives for our boys. My hubby is happy to go to the lake or have a BBQ, so no big plans here yet. I have to say all the boys at our home already enjoyed the dessert bar, I joked to my hubby “Happy Father’s day!” we’re celebrating tonight! He’s so easy going he’d be ok with that!   

I hope what ever you do or how you celebrate the father’s in your lives, that you have a great time and that they realize how important and loved they are! Enjoy your day! OX, D’Arcy

This post was in collaboration with The Coco House and may contain affiliate links. I only promote brands that I love and believe in! Thank you for the support!

Kitchen Remodel from Before to Dream!

white kitchen

After Remodel… Opened up 3 walls, took out 2 walls in kitchen 1 in dining room and the pantry to make 1 large kitchen.

small kitchen

Before photo: The kitchen before we remodeled! This is the view standing in kitchen dining & the french doors!

metallic tile 12x14

The View from the Kitchen looking out before cabinets went in!

stove cabinets

I could sit and stare at this section of the kitchen all day! I adore the Custom hood with secret storage and large corbels. The custom glass doors I designed came out better then I dreamed! White subway tile finish off the look, giving it a farmhouse feel, yet traditional you can change out the accessories to change the look. A pot filler faucet was a must, as where the 2 side cabinet pull outs on each side of the stove for spices.

farm house kitchen

close up of the details

super white granite

I really can’t tell you how beautiful the counter tops are. The veins of the Super White quartzite looks like Marble without the Care or scare of easy staining. I love the look of marble, its classic, clean and stunning! But having to worry about the maintenance and hubby with a coffee cup or a girlfriend with a glass of wine…Yikes! I really wanted that look without the worry! Galaxy Tops and Tile had a huge selection from granites, quartz and quartzite that could fit the look of marble with all budgets in mind. I chose the Super White quartzite, coming in at about $80 a ft, not manufactured or installed, which is the same cost as marble or a little under depending which marble you would chose. I am telling you their customer service and knowledge will wow you! Miguel (the owner) wants to make you happy and makes sure to give you what you want and see’s your vision for the space. Kayla the office manager, is just a pleasure to work with, calls you to keep you informed, scheduled and walks you through the process, from template measurement appointment to the install. I always felt up to date and informed.  Working with Galaxy Tops and Tile  was a pleasure and I would recommend them to anyone in need of any counter tops, tile and flooring. They have an amazing selection, are very knowledgeable and can work with every budget.  
They showed up on time for measurements & gave very helpful tips and asked me multiple questions to make sure I was getting what I wanted on edges, corners, and how I wanted the finish to look around the farmhouse sink. They even fit me in faster then I expected, in this crazy busy construction market. The installing day went smooth, professional and gave the kitchen the perfect finishing touch! Check out their site here and go follow them on instagram here. Please is you go check out their show room in Ogden, Ut. make sure to tell them you saw their beautiful work here on my blog.

super white granite

stainless steal farm House sink

stainless steal farm House sink

White Custom European inlaid cabinets with self closing doors and brushed nickel bar hardware. (European inlaid cabinets are flush with the cabinet and do not have doors sitting on the frame.) Also known as Frameless!                   The grey wall to the right of the photo did get tiled in white subway tile as well…. Just not in time for this photo shoot & that is just the way life works:)

white subway tile

A view of the Baking island With a butcher block top and the range wall!

large Kitchen

A two island kitchen, sink island with Super White quartzite and the Bakers island with a butcher block top and seating.

serving tray for entertaining

Entertaining is one of my favorite things! Come enjoy our kitchen with us!
White dress=Standards and Practices, White blazer = Downtown Chic, Earrings = Victor & Marc

Drum shade chandeliers with a touch of bling

A view looking in! ( I am looking for the perfect barstools…So for now these will do!)

kitchen view

Just another look, looking into the hall and the dining room from the french doors looking in. Also a view of the flooring. I wish the beauty of this bronze & silver metallic 12X14 tile flooring would show in the photo’s, it is really stunning and something everyone comments on when they walk into our home. It’s very unique!

white wood kitchen

Custom designed glass doors to show off my special pieces. 4 total in the kitchen.

stainless steel

Stainless steel farmhouse sink, with a Moen faucet

coffee mug collection

If you’ve followed me for a while you have seen my mug collection. I had a cabinet designed to hold all of them, it sits right next to the Coffee & tea built in cabinet garage which has above storage to hold all of our coffees, teas and flavorings! And…it’s all hidden!

coffee & tea lovers

A cabinet also known as an appliance garage. with above cabinets to house all of our coffees, teas and flavorings.

Hello Beautiful’s and welcome to our kitchen!

This huge remodel took 4 years! Yes… 4 years! (we started when our oldest graduated High school and finished when he graduated college!) But hey… we paid cash for both, so we say it was a sacrifice well worth it!  I am sure your asking your self, how did we cook? We’re lucky to have a second kitchen downstairs or we would have never been able to undertake such a huge remodel, specially for that long of a period.

Now, that you know a little of the back ground, heres some of the details you don’t see. The kitchen was closed in and very small, with a in kitchen dining space. We also had a formal dining space on the other side of that closed off wall (dumb…you had to walk clear around through the living room to get to it!)  Our first plan of attack was to gut the kitchen and take it to the studs including the floor to the joist’s, then remove two kitchen walls and the formal dining wall. This allows us to open up the space for an open floor plan, with architectural arch details. We chose to add more arches (we had 1 in kitchen and 1 in dining room already) and I didn’t want to remove those because we loved the Architectural element and we didn’t want to raise the kitchen ceiling (that would have opened another can of worms!) This gave us the in kitchen dinning space to double our kitchen space. Our 2nd plan of attack was relocate the water lines, gas lines, central vacuum system and all the electrical, to fit our new kitchen floor plan. This was not an easy task and was more involved & costlier then we would have liked. (remember I have a contractor hubby and is good with a budget) After accomplishing all the rewiring and plumbing, we were able to put in the new flooring and had the Arches built, our Friend Billy is a talented wood worker & owner of Studio H matched our existing arches perfectly!  NO more dust and now we have one hell of a large dance floor! 🙂 That was our budget and some of our budget for the next year! With going over budget and having a kid in college, (that I was determined he would graduate without having a single bill!)  This meant 2nd year had a smaller budget, so we started to purchase our appliances 1 by 1, ( did you know most warranties on Appliances don’t start until install date?) then we purchased the lighting and came up with a plan to attack the cabinet issue. I had really wanted European inlaid cabinets and their about double the cost of regular cabinets. Inlaid cabinets are a frameless cabinet which creates full access cabinetry because it offers greater accessibility by eliminating the face frame. Inlaid fit flush with the cabinet, not on top of the cabinet.  This is a very precision process and no room for error. European cabinet is becoming more popular among American homeowners seeking simple, more contemporary cabinet design. I love the full access & the flush sleek look of them, no bar in center of doors and the concealed hinges are attached directly to the sides of the cabinet box. I also wanted real wood, even thought I wanted white cabinets, I love the feel of real wood and the weight of it. Another must, was soft close drawers. With a house of boys, this eliminates scratches and slamming!  We decided to wait on doing all the custom cabinets in one full sweep, and came up with a 4 section stage. Our Cabinet guy (Billy)priced out each section (4 sections) Island 1, Island 2, fridge wall and stove wall, broken down by purchasing each section 1 at a time. knowing I could fit sections into the budget for the remaining years instead of 1 large payment. We squeezed in Island 1 into year 2….oops… on the budget!

We had an estimated budget set for each year and I knew going in what the total project was estimated to cost and that it was going to take us 3-4 years! I wanted what I wanted and would rather wait then to cut any corners or change the quality of the kitchen. Now, do I wish I didn’t have the gift of always picking the most expensive of anything….Yes! Yes I do!!!  Telling myself “great things are worth waiting for!” 

Year 3… Cabinets…. Goal is to get the last 3 section built and installed! We did it…Boy it looks like a kitchen and we’re so close!   Life get’s in the way…. our down stairs kitchen appliances all need to be replaced, our washer and dryer broke….You named it, it happened…. Kitchen is gonna have to go into year 4… Bright side, our kid is on track to graduate in four years and with no debit!  

Year 4…Our lighting is all installed, all the hardware is installed, counter tops installed thanks to Galaxy tops and Tile, faucet & pot filler have running water, back splash is installed (hubby and I up until 1am installing it for this shoot!)  Don’t mind the one wall….it didn’t get done in time for this photo shoot but I can proudly say we got it done that weekend!   It’s done…It’s really done and it was worth the journey! I have tears as I write this because it now feels real, I have sat and stared at my dream kitchen… while having a cup of tea and I couldn’t believe it was really mine and it’s done it’s really done!  (I had more tears, when my baby boy graduated with honors on the deans list!) Yes… He did it:) Graduated from the University of Utah, both goals accomplished!  

As for what’s next? For me I’ll be cooking in my kitchen and sharing some of my favorite receipts with you. As for Hudson, he’s finishing up his summer class and then he’ll be looking for a career…He wants to cook in the new kitchen! (maybe i’ll let him!)

I hope you enjoyed my kitchen journey and can be inspired in some way. I also hope you take away from this, that not everything has to happen overnight. It can be a process & a journey if you have a dream, a goal or even a remodel, plan & budget and work towards it every day until it gets accomplished! Yes, you will have set backs, you will have hoops to jump, you might even have tears wanting it to be over but let me tell you when it’s accomplished, it’s all worth it! (sometimes I would just stare at my kitchen plans wishing it was done and I would tell myself “it’s gonna be beautiful and worth the wait!” 

Warning: I will be posting a ton of photo shoot’s in this space…. So get ready for kitchen over load!

If you have any budgeting questions or design questions leave a comment i’ll be happy to help. OX, D’Arcy

Hudsons graduation

University of Utah graduation on May 4th! I thought you would like a peek at that exciting and emotional day! OX

This post was a collaboration with Galaxy Tops and Tile and may contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own. I only promote brands that I truly love and believe in! Thank you for your support!