Monthly Archives: November 2012

26 Days & Counting …

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Ok Dolls, today’s gift suggestion is a fragrance selection ~ Bond No. 9 New York. I’ve seen the bottle, but wasn’t familiar with the scent. After viewing an Instragram post earlier this week from über beauty blogger @thisthatbeauty, I dashed out and took a spritz of several of the scents! Love it; and it is now on my wish list!

Picture Top L to R: Central Park West and Saks Fifth Avenue for Her and Him (Alas, something for the guys, too!)

Pictured Bottom L to R: Andy Warhol Montauk and Bond No. 9 Signature Perfume

The bottles are fabulously designed with New York City landmarks. You certainly won’t want to throw these beauties away, even after they are empty.

Now you know this Doll loves a little sparkle, check out the Harrods Swarovski Limited Edition ~ swoon! Santa, I promise I’ve been nice!

Finally, if you can’t decide on just one, pick up The Perfect 10!

Bond No. 9 is available online at Bond No. 9 New York or Saks Fifth Avenue.

Until tomorrow, happy shopping,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

27 Days & Counting …

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What are the holidays without a little sparkle and glitter?! Today’s gift selection provides a little of both. I love the  Felix Weekender Duffle from Deux Lux. Practical, yet stylish, it also comes in Steel, and Midnight.

The Felix Weekender Duffler was also featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things! If it’s good enough for the big “O,” it’s good enough for me.

Until tomorrow, happy shopping,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

28 Days & Counting …

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It’s post Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but for many of us there is still more shopping to do. A gift that I like to give and receive is a beautiful coffee table book about a subject of interest. As I have accumulated a collection over the years, I change which ones are displayed in different rooms of my home.

For example, your fashionista friend and lover of all things beautiful will enjoy The Hermes Scarf: History & Mystique from Barnes and Noble.

Image: Barnes and Noble

This is just one of my favorites. To help with your selection, the New York Times published a list of the best coffee table books as a part of its Holiday Gift Guide 2012 ~ Heavyweights for the Holidays A Roundup of Holiday Coffee Table Books.

Until tomorrow, happy shopping,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

29 Days & Counting …

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No surprise here, today’s post is nothing but Cyber Monday deals! Here are some of the sites I’ll be surfing today. Are you ready? Point and Click!

And here’s a little holiday music to get you in the shopping mood!

Video: Courtesy of YouTube

Kate Spade. Enjoy up to 75% off and, when you spend $200 or more, free shipping, Kate’s treat! Exclusively online.

@thisthatbeauty for all the beauty products a Doll needs.

Starbucks. Cyber Monday only: $20 off + FREE two-day shipping.

Amazon. Need more be said!

Nordstrom’s. Free shipping and free returns.

Effie’s Paper. 20% off today only. Enter CYBERMON at checkout.

Shop It To Me. Spend $300 get 20% off; $500 get 25% off; $750 get 30% off w/ code GIFTFORYOU.

Best Buy. 2-Day Cyber Sale; Free $25 savings code with store pickup on purchases $250 or more.

Saks Fifth Avenue. Free Shipping & Free Returns with code: HOLIDAY FREE GIFT BOX & BOW

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

30 Days & Counting …

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Every Doll has her “go to” fly pair of boots. Color ~ check; heel height ~ check; pointy toe ~ check; fits calf perfectly ~ check; great for bad weather ~ not so much. I have pair that I can’t live without, but when the weather turns cold, and sidewalks and streets becomes slushy, they just aren’t practical  A cute option, and holiday gift idea, Wellies by Hunter Boots.

Hunter Wellies are stylishly classic, and come in a multitude of colors. I love the tall high gloss Regent style. And while you are at it, pick up a Hunter Bubble Umbrella to add to your gift.

Check out the history of Hunter Wellies here.

By the by, I didn’t say don’t wear your fly boots at all; just throw them in your tote and put them on when you get your destination. 😉

I hope you are enjoying the countdown to Christmas gift idea suggestions!

Images: Hunter

Until Tomorrow,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

31 Days & Counting …

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Today’s gift selection is a warm and cozy Dreamie Wrap, Mask and Slipper Relaxation Set from BCBG Maxaria. Perfect for your friend, or family member, who enjoys lounging fireside at home or who travels a great deal and could use some R & R.

The set includes one gel eye mask with embroidered detail, one aromatherapy wrap and a pair of slippers. Why not add one to your online cart for yourself at checkout.

Image: BCBG Maxaria

Until tomorrow, happy shopping,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

32 Days & Counting …

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The Christmas holiday is just around the corner, and Black Friday (err Thursday, for those that went last night) begins today. That said, it’s time to begin holiday shopping ~ if you have not already done so.
To inspire your shopping, each day between now and Christmas Eve, I will be posting a gift idea. Some will require an online purchase, others an in store visit, but all will reflect my tastes.
Today’s find is from Pinch Provisions. Every Doll has been out for the evening and experienced a minor “wardrobe malfunction.” These emergency kits by Pinch Provisions have all the necessary accouterments for the Doll in need. And what’s better, they are monogrammed, so that you can personalize them for your girlfriends and family members.
Over the next 32 days, stop by Pretty Domestic, and share your holiday shopping finds!
Image: Pinch Provisions

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

It’s the Harvest Season …

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And the “Harvest Season” requires harvest food. Recently, we attended the wedding of one of our favorite couples. The wedding and reception were held at a beautiful location, with red, yellow and orange foliage serving as the perfect fall backdrop. The meal was fabulous, but the piece de resistance was the Butternut Squash Soup ~ the perfect Harvest Season soup! It was so rich and yummy that I committed to making some within the next week.

Here’s the recipe in time for you to prepare and serve with your Thanksgiving meal.

The Perfect Butternut Squash Soup

Image: The Pretty Domestic Kitchen

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 large butternut squash (about 4 1/2 lbs.) or 4 lbs. peeled and cubed butternut squash
  • 2 medium onions
  • 3 cloves garlic (optional)
  • 3 Tbsp. butter or vegetable oil
  • 1/2 tsp. salt plus more to taste
  • 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Preparation:

  1. Halve, seed, peel, and cube the butternut squash. Set aside.
  2. Halve, peel, and chop the onion. Mince the garlic, if you like.
  3. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the butter or oil and the chopped onion. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft, about 3 minutes.
  4. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the squash and the broth. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until the squash is very tender, about 20 minutes.
  5. Transfer small batches to a blender. Hold a kitchen towel over the top (to prevent burns) and whirl until completely and utterly smooth, 2 to 3 minutes per batch.
  6. Return the soup to the pot, add more salt to taste and ¼ cup of brown sugar.

Makes 4 to 6 servings Perfect Butternut Squash Soup.

Here’s a tip. Unless you purchase the squash pre-cubed, the prep time is longer than 50 minutes. I suggest purchasing it already cubed. Other than that, the recipe is simple and the soup turns out wonderfully.

We enjoyed the soup with a glass of Prosecco. I know, not a very Harvest Season libation, but we wanted to try these cute Villa Jolanda Presseco splits found at our local winery.

Leave me comment and as Donna Brazille says, let me know “what’s on your menu.” Have a Safe and Blessed Harvest and Thanksgiving Season!

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic