Dear D'Arcy

By D'Arcy Vandenberg

12 Beauty Items I Used Up This Summer!

floral jacket

12 beauty Items I couldn't get enough of

Products I fell in love with and couldn’t get enough of this Summer!

1) Briogeo, Rosarco Milk Conditioning Spray, 2) Burt’s Bee’s, Herbal Insect Repellent, 3) Bloom, Hydrating Almond Scrub.

4) Nelsonj, Hair Mask, 5) Johnson’s Baby Oil.

6) Sklar Isle Candle, 7) L’oreal Revitalift For Eyes, 8) Hydrocortisone Cream.

Rosebud salve

9} Smith’s Rosebud Salve! I can’t live without this product! It’s not only for lips, you can use for cuticles, skin, blemishes and even diaper rash (I am way past that stage)!

Shades of Summer

10) Chanel Lipstick, Boy #54 11) YSL lipstick, Rouge Volupte 12) Mac, Mehr A46

Hello Beautiful’s,

Knowing you lovely ladies love tips and want to know about great products that I truly use, I thought I would share the products I couldn’t get enough of this Summer! I used so much, that truly these products shown are all empty, used up and I need replacements! First off I want you to know this post isn’t sponsored in any way! These are products that I can say I love and will continue to use! Who doesn’t want to know about helpful products that really work to fix a problem? So lets get to the problem fixers!

1)Briogeo Rosarco Milk Conditioning Spray

This leave in conditioning spray is lightweight that contains a nourishing blend of rosehips, argan, coconut oils, and Vitamin E to combat dryness, restore shine, heat protect, strengthen hair from root to tip. Use on damp hair, I loved that it helped with my tangles.

2) Burt’s Bee’s Herbal Insect Repellent

Living in the mountains, the bugs come out in full force on Summer nights! We love to sleep with our windows & doors open and entertain outdoors, so this product is a must! I love that it’s all natural and doesn’t have a horrible scent!

3) Bloom Hydrating Almond Scrub

The dead sea minerals in bloom products energizes, hydrate and nourish your skin inside and out. A rare blend of dead sea mineral salt and ground almond shells, this product gently exfoliates the dead layers and removes impurities for smooth radiant skin. So important for the Summers usual dry & tan skin! I love the glow of my skin after using!

4) Nelsonj Hair Mask

Oh.. The smell of this product is amazing, they need to make it into a candle!  So dang good! This hair mask is so important for Summer hair, it helps with tangles, controls frizz, prevents hair color from fading, seals split ends, and protects from chlorine & salt water. It also helps restore silkiness & shine, while enhances natural body. So you can see why this is a must have product for Summer!

5) Johnson’s Baby Oil

Not just for Babies! I’ve been using baby oil since I was a teenager. I love this product and its smell. I use it in shower after I have towel dried off. This helps keep the moisture in and keeps your skin baby soft! It states it locks in 10 times the moisture, I think it might be true!

6) Sklar Isle Candle

Ok, so not really a beauty product! It’s a home product but it feels like a beauty product to me! Candles are always sold in the beauty department, so this made my list! As you can see from the picture it’s almost gone. I have one in my bedroom and my bathroom, the smell is so light and almost powdery smelling! I adore it for Summer, don’t get me wrong it’s perfect for year round, I just switch to Fall scents come September! I was so excited they came out with a perfume, I grabbed the roll on!

7) L’oreal Revitalift For Eyes

They say you should start with an eye cream in your 20’s… Well I was late to that game, but I’ve been pretty dang good about it in my 40’s (giggle)! I love this easy to apply applicator and that you can use anytime of day. You only need a small amount and it absorbs fast, perfect to use right before your morning make up routine! I noticed it plumps up those tiny fines lines perfectly!

8) Hydrocortisone cream

This year I had a issue with a heat rash, sometimes on my chest or my back! I have never had an issue with this before and I am hoping I won’t keep having this issue as I age and when I go in the sun. I love the sun and Summer, I am very good about sun screen and always have been since I was a early teenager. I try really hard to keep my face out of the sun, but boy do I love to be tan! Anyway, I had this issue with this rash a couple times this Summer and the Hydrocortisone helped clear it up! Took those bumps out right away!

9) Smith’s Rosebud Salve

I can’t live without this product! It’s not only for lips, you can use for cuticles, Skin, blemishes and even diaper rash (I am way past that stage)! Utah is so dry and this product is a skin saver! This makes a great gift too!  A must have in every beauty drawer and nightstand!

10) Chanel Lipstick, Boy #54 11) YSL Lipstick, Rouge Volupte & 12) Mac, Mehr A46

These are my 3 favorite lip colors year round and look great with every skin tone. I love that it looks great with sun kissed skin as well as my winter pale skin. I do like a brown pinkish lip and these fit that bill! If you haven’t ever treated yourself to a Chanel or YSL lipstick, you really should! I can’t tell you how smooth and buttery they are! YSL is probably the silkiest lipstick I have ever put on my lips! This particular Mac lipstick stays on forever, like a lip stain. It doesn’t state it but I have several Mac lipsticks and this is the only color that does it, but it stays on almost all day! I replace these 3 colors all the time, but this summer I went through all three tubes at the same time, I used a lot of lip this hot summer! Yes, I have more on order as I type this!

I hope you enjoyed reading what I used up this Summer and had some suggestions you might not have heard about!  I really am happy to share my beauty treatments with you and happy to answer any questions you might have, just drop a comment below or send me an email! 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 your support, I greatly appreciate it!

 

 

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!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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

outfit of the Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My pick’s from Shopbop’s Spring Sale

One of My favorite time’s of the year SPRING…. And what a better way then to kick it off 

with Shopbop’s Spring sale…..Here’s what’s in MY cart….

Who doesn’t love a SALE?  20% off total order or if you spend over $500 you get 25% off USE code EVENT18  Here is just a few of my favorite Spring & Summer items that are in my cart.  There is so many cute items this season it was hard for me to pick just 20!

                                       ONE|TWO|THREE|FOUR|FIVE |SIX |SEVEN|                                       

                               EIGHT|NINE|TEN|ELEVEEN|TWELVE|THIRTEEN|
                        FOURTEEN|FIFTEEN|SIXTEEN|SEVENTEEN|EIGHTEEN

                                                          NINETEEN|TWENTY

I hope you enjoyed my picks and have fun checking out Shopbop. Hurry it’s only a 3 day SALE. I love if you have Amazon prime you get FREE shipping too.  Happy Shopping and please let me know your pick’s by commenting below!   

Do you have any styling questions for me leave a comment below and i’ll get answered in My Dear-D’Arcy Question and answer series! OX, D’Arcy

This post may contain affiliate links.All opinions are my own. I only promote brands that I believe in. Thank you for supporting me!

Nail art, Manicures and mugs!

Hello Beautiful’s

Today I thought I would share some of my nail art, manicures and some of my mug collection with you. If you have been following me for awhile on social media you know I love having cute nails and that I have an obsession with white, black and gold mugs. I hope you enjoy this quick little post and get some inspiration for your next manicure. (make sure to pin some idea’s to your Pinterest boards)

I have been collecting my manicure pictures for the last couple years with the idea of bringing you this post. It just so happened that several of my cute mugs I’ve been collecting also made it in. Seriously I can’t pass up cute mugs (my hubby joke’s we don’t need any more mugs! Although he’s the one that is always breaking my favorite ones!! (my Chanel mug…Missing)

My nail art over the years has been a mixture of Acrylic, Gel and nail polish. I have had 2 manicurist since moving to Utah 12 years ago. My First manicurist Sheridan I had for 10 years until she had to go and have babies! (cry) She did acrylic and hand painted the nail art. She is so talented and most of these photo’s is her work. I love how thin and natural she made the acrylic and I could throw any idea at her and she could paint it.  My Manicurist now is Tiffany, she does gel nails and keeps my nails and toes looking clean, polished and natural looking with on trend colors. She really is about color and your natural shape nail and doesn’t do much nail art. Both of their style’s I love and am happy to have been able to have found manicurist that can give me the looks I want while keeping my nails healthy & stylish.  

Do you love having cute nails? Are you a nail art girl or a simple polish look girl? Do you like natural shape, square or pointy and is your style short, long or pointy?  Gel, Dip, Acrylic or polish? I would love for you to comment your nail style! Tell me…comment below:)

Happy Good Friday….Go treat yourself to a manicure or pedicure! Wishing you a wonderful Easter weekend. Ox, D’Arcy

It’s almost Spring break I rounded up a couple of my favorite shops that are having BIG SALE’s so grab yourself some cute items to pack…. Need a cute bathing suit CUPSHE, Darling dresses, bags and shoes SHOPBOP, shorts, skirts and dresses BCBG  and my favorite tee shirts and tee shirt dresses Splendid,  Happy shopping!

mug collection

I thought since I brought up… I show you a quick little peek at some of my mug collection.