Sorry to those of you that bought my Jenni Bowlin year in review kit!

I forgot to post March & Aprils Pages!! Here are the pictures!

I hope you are having fun with the Album....

I hope you all had a great Easter!
Ours was nice ! We were in Las Vegas and Happy to go to the pool and have sun!
Hamps got another double ear infection!!! So sad He gets everything!!! Then Yesterday stepped on a nail! (had to have a shot and more medication!!!) Next week we go to the Ear specialist to see what we can do!! Poor kid! A few pictures of Easter!!!

Reminders My Spring Open House is May 1st and 2nd!! Fun projects, Prizes, Shopping and Yummy food!

My next all day crop is May 23rd!!!

Happy April!
My lap top has been having problems!!!! What a bummer!! So a lot has been going on since I last posted... Hampton had his 6th birthday (star wars) with 21 kids attending he had a blast! I had my first retreat at the new location and the ladies loved it and everything went smooth......Yea!
Went to Ca. for a girls trip with my friend Kim who has never been to Ca. (but Disneyland)
We had a blast! Stayed with my girlfriend Carol in Calabasses, My mom and Sister came up to visit and we painted the town red!!!!! Lunch at the Ivy, Hollywood blvd. Beverly Hills, Rodeo Dr, Santa Monica, Venice beach.... Way fun! Thank you Carol!!! The weather was perfect 75-80 sunny and everything green.... I needed that!
Now back to the real world!!! Get home to find out a friend from High school Died 38 years old and mother of a little girl. I am so sad Suzi was a beautiful person inside and out and will be greatly missed......Life is so short and can be taken at in time.... Remember to live each day as your last because you never know when it will be!
Easter break starts Thursday- Monday And we still have no plans! My Hubby has been trying but he waited just a little to late! We are always good for last min! Well see what happens! I hope all of you have a wonderful Easter and remember he died on the cross for our sins and he rose on the 3rd day! God bless! Happy Easter, D'Arcy
My top 5
#1 Walmarts color coordinating Easter basket fillers (love)
#2 The Juicy store on Rodeo drive
#3 Dear Lizzy's cupcakes!! ( We tried every cupcake in Ca. and they are still the best!!)
#4 the big hair hair spray from target!!!! Awesome
#5 fresh strawberries (there in season..)
Have a wonderful week and a great Easter!

Happy Spring! I am so looking forward to long warm days and a garden full of flowers! How about you? I can't believe how fast the weeks go by!!! Tomorrows St. Patrick's day don't for get to wear green!
Jr. High Basketball is officially over! The season was good 3rd place and same with the tournaments! Spring Basketball starts on Wed. (It never ends!!)
Hamps Birthday party is this sat. (star wars) Turns 6 on wed. the 25th, Happy birthday Buddy!
Family Starts arriving on Friday... YEA! We always love that!
I have been working like mad on the retreat house for all of my scrapbooking retreats! It's looking so good. A new tool bar station, Mini store in it's own room and the crop room is all dialed in! I even got a new stove for the kitchen and all of the Bedrooms are finished down to the smallest detail... I will post pictures soon! First group comes at the end of the month. Wish me luck! (and prayers!)
Thanks to my hubby for all his help! Love him!
On another note My Jenni Bowlin Monthly 8x8 album kit is so cute you will want one! $25.00 for the first kit book, cover, back and 2 pages each for Jan. And Feb. Then each month after $5.00 per month for two pages! (mar is Ready) by the end of the year you will have finished a book with the highlights of each month through the year! Love it! (photo's Coming) Sorry I have missed place my camera!!! (so sad!!)
I love this easy recipe you have to try it!
Lemon Velvet Cake
1 lemon cake mix
1 pkg instant lemon pudding
4 eggs
3/4 cup oil
3/4 cup water
Mix all together bake 45 min. @ 350 in a 9x 13 pan
Icing
1/3 cup oj
2 cups powdered sugar
2T veg. oil
mix together use long fork stick cake all over spoon juice over cake while hot, cool serve!
Enjoy!!! Yummy

My top 5 favorite things last week
#1 Fresh fruit smoothies!! (ya the taste of spring!)
#2 Gold canyons Orange vanilla candle! ( Smell of spring !!)
#3 Costco's fresh Tulips!! (look of spring!) I love their fresh flowers!!! My weekly spurge!
#4 The New nordstroms at Fashion place in Salt lake! Wow were not in Utah anymore!!!!
#5 The Latest issue of Scrapbooking etc. What great Ideas!
Try some of my favorites! Have a great week ox, D'Arcy

So My week started out with my computer crashing!!!!! So this would be why I am updating today! My boys had their teacher conferences this week. Both did great, Good job boys! Hampton lost his second top front tooth! (now a window!!) He was happy to have the tooth fairy come. This is his 4th lost tooth! I have been busy with decorating projects this week. Finishing up my 3rd floor, doing a home project for a client and doing spring displays for my girlfriends store (Dottie Beck) Busy week! Speaking of spring, I can't wait I am tired of winter! I want to see flowers and work in the yard! (fill up my new window boxes!)

Our 13th wedding anniversary was this week! We had a nice evening out...(no kids!) I am very lucky to have married such a wonderful man!

Top 5 this week

#1.Antique hunting love it! This week I found a pair of kid skies, Old camera, Crystal decanter for my bar! If you have not gone hunting in awhile do it's fun!

#2. Bubble bath! I looooove the MILK line smells so good and gives lots of bubbles! Go take a bath and relax!!!! (you deserve it!)

#3. Making cards out of my left over scraps! After I finish a page , whatever is left I create a card with the scraps. I then add a cute embellishment and ribbon and voila a card for my stash!! Try it next time your crafting it's a great tip and you won't have to by cards anymore, Plus you will always have a card on hand for that special someone.....

#4. Costco's Strawberries!! Yea! They are almost back in season.... I have been able to pick up big flats for $7.00 and my boys and I love them!!!! Yummy!

#5 Rent a geek! 1888-for-geek He saved me! Dell Customer support sucks and you can't understand them!!!! So if you every need computer help that is convenient and reasonable! call them!

Have a great weekend, D'Arc

What I missed another week of blogging!!!! Were does the time go!!!! He is some pictures from Valentines day and the month of Feb. (so far!)

My 12 year old Hiking to ski powder! My Men for Valentines dinner After a day of Skiing! The 7th grade boys Basketball all dressed up before the big game!!! mine is the 2nd one in the white shirt!

Here is some fun little video clips of the guys skiing! Valentines day 2009!

I hope you all had a Happy Valentines Day! Remember to Have love one in your life is the greatest gift! ox

My calendar of events should be posted on my web site this week! Note the all day crop is Feb. 21st I have fun classes and events coming up so check it out! www.darcysretreats.com

Scrap Studio has a ton of great scrapbooking product coming in and already here! Come over and check it out! Product from the New releases of Teresa Collins, Jenni Bowlin, Mark Richards, Fancy Pants, Yellow Bicycle, Making Memories, 7 Gypsies and Maya Roads! I love it all and can't wait to play with it!

I promise I am going to post more often!!

Happy Birthday to My girlfriend Melissa! For her birthday we had a girls night Dinner and a movie a treat from her Mother in law Judy! We went to see Twilight! I loved it! Most of the girls had already seen it multiple times! (but not me, I did not get into the rage!) I did buy all of the books , but did not read them!!! I am going to now!!!!

Last week my Hubby and I had a date!! Rare!(lately) We went to dinner at Zucca's in south Ogden if you haven't gone it's yummy! Then to the Movies for the Opening night of (He's just not that into you!!) Way cute and funny! Great date night! Note have more date nights!!!

This weeks top 5

#1 $3.00 movie theater on 12th street! Plays currant movies no longer playing at the Top movie theaters! Right now they have, Twilight,Bride wars, Australia, Valkyrie, plus 2 others I can't remember... Very cool!

#2 Mac make up! Their New Hello kitty line! So fun.... Get it now it's limited time only!

#3 The March/April Memory Makers Pick up a copy! Has tons of Ideas and features a ton of the latest product!!!

#4 Basketball is down to 1 game a week!!!!

#5 Girlfriend outings (make plans for one with your girlfriends!) We just went to Dear Lizzie's, then off to Nordstroms and Lunch at the Cheesecake Factory! What a fun day! Even if you can only go to lunch, do it! Time for yourself makes you a better wife, Mother!!!

Hope you find the time to do one of my Favorite things,ox D'Arcy

Ben's birthday dinner!

Hampton hitting a rail! Opa skiing after 2 strokes!!!!! Way to go OPA!

Wow! It's been a long time!!! So sorry time

just gets away from me.

Superbowl 43!

Alot has been going on my way! I helped my girlfriend redo her her store Dottie Becks! (way fun for me since I owned a store for 10 years.) I just love playing with the stuff! The store looks AWESOME if I don't say so myself! If you are in the neighborhood please check it out! Next to the old General store in Eden! (the Victorian house!) this took up one week of my time! I loved it!

Then we had a great super bowl party on Sunday! A blast! Then my In laws came into town on Monday. Hudson has had 3 basketball games and 2 more to go this week. Plus Ben's Birthday was yesterday! Happy Birthday honey!!! Nobody would guess how old he is!!!!!

This weeks top 5

#1 Living everyday as your last!

#2 Having active Boys!

#3 The New Close to my Heart Catalog!!!

#4 Jasoh Restaurant on 25th street!! YUMMY!

#5 The New Fabric Flowers from Prima! I love the bright colors!! Can't wait to play with them!

receipt of the week is easy so try it!

Pigs in a Blanket!!!! MY BOYS LOVE THESE!!!!

package of hot dogs or turkey dogs

1 package of Pillsbury crescent rolls

8 slices of cheese of your choice

Open the crescents lay them into their triangles place cheese on top of crescent then add the Hot dog on top of cheese then roll up! Bake at 350 for 10 to 12 min or until roll is golden dip in sauces of your choice. Yummy! Have a great week! D'Arcy

Snowmobiling over the Holiday weekend with our friends the Lewis family, We had a blast! I hope you all had a great weekend! It through me off to remember what day it is! So this is just a little up date till I can get it together! Coming this weeks top 5 faves and the Valentine album photo's plus a couple of decorating tips! Talk to you this week end! ox D'Arc

Hello! I am a day late! Sorry the day's just fly by! This is a little family photo from Christmas eve! SnowBasin Ski resort had a event, Santa a tree lighting, fireworks and torch parade! The whole family enjoyed the event! ( it snowed so it was a white Christmas!)

My boys skiing at Wolf Mnt. During the Christmas break with their cousins!

Here is a couple of photo's for 2 of My January Classes! 3 12x12 winter pages $15.00 and 6 vintage valentine cards for $25.00 There is alot of detail you can't see glitter, flocking,painting etc. You can purchase these classes via email or phone call in kit form! darcyscrapper@aol.com

Who wouldn't love these beautiful cards! A gift from the heart!!

On another note I have been ordering fun new product from the CHA show! It should start arriving soon, I will keep you posted as it arrives. My FEB-April schedule will be posted The 1st Feb. with fun classes and kits ready for spring! My next popular all day crop is Feb. 21st sign up soon as this class fills up! (calendar of events is posted on my web sight under classes) Shopping is on my web sight as well! www.darcysretreats.com

This weeks faves

#1 Our WEATHER! It has been sunny and clear blue skies and above normal temperature! love !

#2 HGTV Color splash! What a fun creative show!

#3 Cherry licorice! It's fat free and 20 bite pieces is 100 cal. YUMMY!

#4 Date night! I can't wait for this weeks night out with my Hubby!

#5 The New Janet Evanovich Book! (Plum Spooky!) Half way through ! It makes me laugh!

Hope you will enjoy a couple of my favorite things! ox D'Arcy

Happy 2009!

Leave it to my Boys & the Dowtey Boys to want to ski out of Bounds or any where it can be Danger!!!! ( In Utah this year we have already had 4 death's due to Avalanches ! Don't worry we have talked this over with the boys on many occasions and they understand the Dangers!!! They just like to joke......

We Started out the New year Great! Our Family was all here for the Holiday's and we had a great time! Then they rolled out and our good friends the Dowtey's came into town to help us celebrate the New year! ( We had not seen them for 3 years!) The Boys acted like it was just Yesterday! What a great time & we hope it will not be another 3 years before we see them again!!!! We love to have company so family and friends come on over!!!! FREE place to stay!

Skiing in Park city!Right before Christmas. Notice I do not have a helmet!!! I my son did and he mentioned several times that day! Well I got one from my boys for Christmas! It's pink and white with flowers & they were very proud!!! Got to love it! (If you know me you are laughing right now!!! I just starting skiing again after 4 years of watching My oldest race and having a little guy on my hip then having a little guy on ski's that was easier for me to not be on ski's to help him!) So I am back in the groove & now with a helmet!

My 5 Favorite things this week!!!

#1 My Sewing Machine! I made my first set of curtains!! So Martha of me... (not)

#2 Gym ball I am loving this ball. You can do the exercise in front of your morning news show and kill 2 birds with one stone! Try it!

#3 The new crush line from T. Collins! I just got it in and I am working on a mini book for a class at the end of the month. (check back for the photo's next week!)

#4 My Carrot Muffins! So yummy try them today! Recipe

1/4 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

2 eggs

1 cup sour cream

1 cup shredded carrots

1/4 cup raisins

1/4 cup craisins

1 1/2 cup all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

In mixing bowl, cream butter and brown sugar add eggs and sour cream beat well add carrots and raisins. Add in all the dry ingredients, fold in nuts. Fill muffin tins with paper cups add mix 3/4th full Bake at 375 for 20 to 25 min. Or until tooth pick come out clean! Let cool 5 to 10 min. before placing on a wire rack... Makes 12 to 18 muffins! Love these, Yummy!!

#5 Lollia (wish Sugared Pastille) Shea Butter Hand cream WWW.lollialife.com My girlfriend Heather gave it to me for my birthday and I saved it tell I finished a different cream! I started using it last week and my hand are so soft! (even in this dry winter weather!!!) Thank you Heather!

Was one of your New Years Resolution to Scrapbook more or get caught up on a project!!! My Calendar of Events is listed on my Web sight www.darcysretreats.com I have a All day crop This sat. 11:00am tel 1:00am 14 hours of scrapbooking time!!!! Sign up today!

Photo's of classes for this month will be posted next week on both sights.. Check back! Have a wonderful week! ox D'Arcy

Happy New Year Everyone!!
I hope you all had a wonderful CHRISTmas!!!
I am so sorry I can not add pictures or change fonts
My tool bar with the quick editing is gone and I can not fix it!
I have looked it up all the ways I could think of and it is GONE!
If anyone out there knows how to help me please leave a comment to help me fix it!!!!!
I am so sad! Thank you, D'Arcy

Merry CHRISTmas I hope Everyone is ready For This Glorious Day!

A day late on my weekly post! So sorry... Today December 23rd and the last day of school, It is still snowing like crazy ( It has been for 2 weeks now!) Guess we got our White Christmas! I have all of my Family coming in from California Tomorrow and I pray the all arrive safe!

This is what our Home looks Like as of this morning! Too bad you can't see all of the Holiday Decor....

Our Little Dude Riding Today in Our snow covered yard!!! Too cute! He loves to ride...

I had my annual Christmas luncheon Yesterday, It was a wonderful time with girlfriends... Take a peak at my Holiday Table setting, We had a Tea!..
So lucky to have a great group of friends! Love ya! I Hope you have a wonderful CHRISTmas full of loved ones , D'Arc

PS. Here is the photo of our Christmas ornaments! Recipe below in old blog...

Merry CHRISTmas....ox

Hello Friends and Family!
First off I have to Give a cheer to my 12 year old! He made the Jr. High Basketball team...
This is a big deal... 54 boys tried out for 18 spots 7th, 8th, and 9th graders....While still getting straight A"S!! Great job Son!!!
I hope everyone is READY or almost ready for the Big Day! CHRISTmas day is only 8 days away!!!! My family all rolls in on the 24th! With a 2nd wave on the 29th! What a wonderful time of the year... I love all the hustle and bustle and a house full of loved ones...
My little dude and I have been busy trying to do one fun Christmas thing a day, together since Dec. 1st. Even as small as watching a CHRISTmas cartoon! (tonight Charlie Browns CHRISTmas is on)On Sunday we made Cookie Ornaments! So fun, I hadn't done that since I was a little kid myself!
Recipe Cookie Ornaments
2C Flour
1C salt
1C water
blend together and knead until the dough is smooth. Roll out dough on wax paper and use Holiday cookie cutters to form shapes. Use a straw to make a hole at the top of each orn. Bake at 325 for 1 1/2 hours or until dry. Decorate with paints, glitter and ribbon! We had such a good Time! (My 7th grader does join us in CHRISTmas cheer when he is home...)
I will post some photo's later on our orn.s My son needed the camera for a school project!
This weeks top 5 Favorite things!
#1 Quite time with my Husband! ( While the boys were at school, we only have until 12 We have a kinder! We have been going on a long walk then stopping off for a warm drink!) I have been loving this time to chat and Get exercise too!!!
#2 Mervin's Going out of Business sale!!! I was able to pick up Dress clothes for my boys! You don't need dress clothes every week so to pick up some great dress shirts and slacks for 50% off Yea! Great for the holidays but think ahead for a school dance, event or even a family Cruise!
They close in 7 days.....
#3 Olive Dahlia on 25th street! I have always loved this home decor and floral shop but for CHRISTMAS it's awesome! Great fresh floral's and little treasures to decorate or give as gifts!
#4 Food networks holiday programs on parties and recipes...
#5 Manicures!!! If you haven't scheduled one for the Holiday, do it ! Do it now.... I truly love this little bit of time to myself! If you have time treat yourself to a pedicure as well. You deserve it!
I hope you Have a wonderful week and take some time for yourself, Spend some time with your kids, and Remember Jesus is the reason for this wonderful season!

Classic Rock Christmas - on WindowsMedia

Classic Rock Christmas - on WindowsMedia

I promised Pictures so Here are a few! Hope you enjoy!
My Darling Scrapbook room tree! So cute I made the crown orns. And most of the orns. on the tree! (from scrap supplies!


A The cookie candy tree dresses up my guest kitchen! I did a fun Candy land theme in there!

My Mantel in the Main living room and my kitchen

Candler! My main Living room, Kitchen and entry I decorated in Woodland Forest theme! (Gold,Browns, Winter White!) My vintage tea cups, filled with little treasures!(Guest kitchen!)

My Formal Dinning! Reds And Browns! !

I hope you enjoy my Christmas Decor Photo's! Plus maybe get some ideas! I Just love this beautiful Season! Merry Christmas...

Our Main (live Christmas Tree 13ft. High) My Boys picked it out! I think it turned out Beautiful!

Dining Room!

This weeks Favorites!

1# A great clothing store in Salt lake Called Chic Boutique! Great prices and darling clothes, Shoes and accessories! www.chicboutiquestlye.com
#2 Blogspot Layout Designer Allie Browns-Such Cute Designs I am going to have her do mine! WWW. Alliebrownslayoutsblogspot.com!
#3 Decorating A gingerbread House with my Boys! I by the one at Costco

Plus some extra candy and such! Then we bake cookies drink hot coco and put together and decorate the house! I love that time with my boys! ( I think it's one of the only time's they don't Fight!)

#4 Making little Scrapbooks! I love this way of scrapbooking... You can do a whole event in such a short time and use your scraps (in the same color theme!) Plus it makes a great gift! Love

#5 The Store Buckle...... Love this store! Where Have I been!!! I know I have Walked by one a thousand times and final went in... If you haven't been to a Buckle you must stop in... You can get something for everyone one your list! This store carries Cool Clothes for both sexes! Teenagers, Husbands, Brothers, Sisters, moms and Friends! The Jeans are awesome and I love the accessories!! Check it out!
Have a great week! God Bless, D'Arcy

The Start of the busiest month of the year! December!

In these economic times please don't forget the people less fortunate! Photo of My boys making bears for toys for tots! My boys had the enjoyment of building a bear (they have $10 and $12 animals) then when finish they have a toys for tots bin right in the store! Killed two birds with one stone! My boys had a ball and learned a valuable lesson!(to give)

Happy Holidays to all! In the spirit of the season here is my favorite things for the week! #1Short bread cookies! This recipe is so fast and soooo yummy, Make 2 batches 1 for your home and one to give away!

Brown Sugar shortbread

1 cup butter (no substitutes)

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

2-1/4 cups all purpose flour

In a mixing bowl, cram butter and sugar. Gradually stir in flour. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, about 3 min. Pat into a 1/3 in thick rectangle measuring 11in. x 8in. Cut into 2-x1 in strip. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheet. prick with a fork. bake at 300 for 25 min. or until bottom begins to brown. cool for 5 min. remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Yields 3 dozen


2nd Favorite thing


Everyone who knows me knows I love Crowns! I found this cute little store on 25th street (25th street Boutique) A great store with fun bling tattoo art thermal shirts with of coarse Crowns, Fleur DE Le's, wings, sculls, Great prices! Fun jackets for $40.00 and way cute bling Jewelery!!! If your in the Neighborhood check it out!


Favorite thing #3


Bath and Body's Aloe Socks!!! love them and they make a great stocking stuffer or girlfriend gift! $7.50


#4


Teresa Colin's new paper line Crush!!! I will have it in stock in a couple of weeks! Love it!!!


#5 Ti Pan's Christmas tree displays! Wow what a decorators play house! This store has all the things to get your house ready for the Holidays! If you haven't been you must head on over! Clear field and St. George in Utah and in Rancho Cucumunga in Ca.


Hope you enjoy a few of my Favorite things! Don't forget to keep checking back for next weeks fav's!


December's All day crop Is the 13th! Take time out for yourself or finish Holiday gifts!

Pre order my monthly party cookbook special price of $19.99 due out in the Spring! All of my retreat and party recipe with tips and party themes!
Enjoy, D'Arcy

Photo's of My Thanksgiving table and family!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

So sorry I have not had any post lately! I promise I will post more!

My web sight is all updated and fun picture, plus the 2009 retreat dates are posted and my class calendar and workshop events! http://www.darcysretreats.com/

My Open House was a hit! Lots of fun products, Yummy food and of course festive cheer! If you missed it this year make sure you head over next year. I will be holing it for 2 days next year.(always in November!)

For the first time ever I did Black Friday!!! Wow it is all everyone says it is!!! So fun and great deals! We left the house at 7:45am (not the crazy stand in the cold at 4:00am) It was perfect timing to still get the door busters and sales but no pushing and fighting!!! Even all of the lines were fast moving! I am definitely hooked!!!!

The Damage! The whole back and I even remembered to use my "Green" Bags!!! (Note the costco bags are great for hiding gifts!) We did are part to help the economy!!!!!

I have started my decorating for Christmas and hope to be done by the 3rd! (I am only doing 6 trees this year!!) I will post photo's as soon as I am finished! Mean while take time to enjoy the season and Take time for yourself! A hot bubble bath with Peppermint oil or read a great Christmas book! In the hustle of the season don't forget the real meaning of Christmas.
Jesus birth , is the reason for this joyous holiday! God bless

October Retreat 2008!

My October retreat went great and the ladies were Awesome!!

Above photo pj party, then Bus tour at achievers, Tour at Mom and Me's

then a group photo! So sad we did not get everyone in the photo's!

I am so sorry I have not posted in a while. After the retreat was Crazy busy then Halloween! This time of year the day's just fly by, as you know!

My web sight should be updated be the end of next week, So please check it out for all the Great new changes!

Most of you know I am changing the location of my 2009 Retreats to a Bed and Breakfast style home a mile up the road from the hotel to better serve my clients and my needs. I am very excited about these changes and am positive everyone will love the more intimate setting and the attention to detail! 2009 dates will be posted on the web sight by the end of next week!

On another note My annual Holiday Boutique is November 14th from 5:00-9:30pm with more then 6 vendors, yummy food, prizes and free gift wrap! Always a fun night of holiday shopping, from clothes to candles and home decor! Hope to see you there!!
I have been working on a ton of handmade gift wrap container, cards and mini scrapbook albums that I am selling at the Boutique make sure you check back to see pictures.

Today is election day so hope you got out and voted!!!!

I hope you all have a wonderful fall and month of November and that god sends you all of his blessings! ox