Monthly Archives: February 2014

50 Shades of Red … Vol. 4

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I know Dolls, I know. I’m four days late; but trust me, as promised, I’ve transitioned to a new shade of red for Vol. 4 of 50 Shades of Red.

To recap, last month I went for a “dark days of winter” look by rocking MAC DIVA, with its complimentary Currant Lip Pencil.

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I tried to like it, I really did; but it was very severe. In the tube, it was a beautifully rich, deep burgundy, but it played really harsh on me; needed frequent reapplication, and the liner was a bit too dark. It could also be that I changed by hair style at the beginning of the year. It’s my feeling that this shade should be reserved for a sleek more polished look. I’ve been wearing natural curls. On the other hand, my husband loved it. Hmmm … Anywho, moving on.

It’s a new month and a new red. I’m not a gloss girl, but until March 17th I’ll be sporting Gloss Mirior ~ Extreme by Sephora in Femme Fatale. I picked up this little number one day for $7.00 as I was passing through. It’s super glossy, with a subtle hint of gold sparkle. We’ll see what the next month brings.

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Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic ~ #redlipstickchick

 

Healthy Start, Healthy Body, Healthy Mind

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Hey Dolls! Coming off of a Valentine’s weekend of decadent food and plenty of champagne, I need to recommit to eating healthy and exercise this week. I really fell of the wagon! I have my exercise routine mapped out, now what will I eat this week. I have never been a person who eats breakfast, but have come to believe that feeding your body with nourishment in the morning is great way to jumpstart your day. Then there is always the notion of having enough time, or making enough time to eat in morning. But as my Mom says, “you make time for what you want to make time for;” and she is correct. That said, I am going to make time to eat breakfast.

I am not a person who is going to cook in the morning, but we purchased a new blender, and I can definitely make a breakfast smoothie. I came across the recipes below and am going to try a couple. I hope to adopt the habit of drinking a breakfast smoothie daily; one because it’s good for me, and two because veggies and fruits provide the nourishment my mind and body need for me to be the best me everyday.

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Image: Gloverstreet Market

Watermelon Mist Juice

  • 4 to 5 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
  • 1 cup cucumber, trimmed and cut into chunks
  • 3/5 cups fresh squeezed orange juice or store-bought
  • 2 tsp fresh squeezed lime juice
  • Fresh mint leaves optional
  • 1 Tbsp. Agave Nectar

Go Green Juice

  • 1 green apple diced
  • 4 celery ribs chopped
  • 1 handful of baby spinach
  • 1 piece of Ginger Root
  • 1 cup cucumber
  • 1 stalk of brocoli (stem and florets, optional)
  • Tbsp. Agave Nectar
  • Tsp. Flaxseed Powder
  • Tsp. Hempseed Powder

Cool Cucumber Pear Juice

  • 1 large pear or pear juice
  • 1/2 cup honeydew melon
  • 1 Granny Smith Apple
  • 1 cup cucumber
  • juice of 1 lime
  • Mint
  • 1 Tbsp. Agave Nectar

Feeling a Little Tropical Smoothie

  • 1 cup chilled orange juice
  • 1/2 cup lemon sorbet
  • 1/2 cup chopped bananas
  • 4 strawberries
  • 1/2 cup diced pineapple chunks
  • 1/2 cup mango chunks
  • 1/2 cup yogurt (plain or vanilla)
  • 2 tsp. Agave Nectar
  • 1/2 cup crushed ice

There you have it! I am going try incorporating a couple of these recipes into my breakfast routine over the next several weeks. Leave a comment and share any recipes you may have! Here’s to a healthy start, healthy mind, and healthy body!

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday …

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Hey Dolls! Welcome to Champagne Sunday, the 2014 Olympics Edition!

The Opening Ceremonies commenced Friday night with much pomp and circumstance; and Sage Kostenburg won the first USA Gold Medal on Saturday for Slopestyle Snowboarding. What better way to celebrate Champagne Sunday, than to sip on a libation that pays homage to the spirit of the games. Chin! Chin!

Gold Medal Martini

Ingredients

1.5 oz Old Tom Gin
0.5 oz Dolin Blanc Vermouth
2-3 large ice cubes
Edible gold stars

Recipe

1. Place ice, gin and vermouth in a mix glass. Add ice and stir 40 times to get very chilled.

2. Strain into a martini glass and add gold stars as a garnish.

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Image: Cupcakes and Cashmere

“Citius ~ Altius ~ Fortius … Higher ~ Faster ~ Stronger.” Go USA!

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

The Must-Haves: The Classics

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must-have \ˈməst-ˌhav\ –n

1. an essential possession: the pump, a stylish shift or sheath dress, the perfect bag, a crisp white blouse, tasteful go-to earrings, and a DVF Wrap dress are the must-haves for every Pretty Domestic Doll

–adj

2. essential: a must-have wardrobe

Recently I had a conversation with one of my Dolls, who shared that the most stressful part of her day was deciding what to wear in the morning. I was taken aback, because she is perfectly coiffed head to toe whenever I see her.

I soon realized that a lot of women feel this way. However, with the addition of some must-haves in their closet, and they can start the day with a little less angst and a little more confidence. So here it is, my list of 5 must-haves. Let’s go.

1. The Pump.

The pump is a true fashion classic and is associated with style and glamour. A Doll needs many pairs for many reasons; but the true must-have is a classic black pump in leather (and patent).

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Image: Christian Louboutin Pigalle 110

2. The Shift Dress or The Sheath Dress.

A shift is commonly confused with a sheath. Both refer to uncomplicated-looking dresses that end somewhere around the knee. The difference is that a shift tends to be less fitted around the waist and hips.

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Images: Net-A-Porter

3. The Bag.

The Celine Trapeze Bag might be so Twenty-Thirteen, but it’s still a great tote. It comes in solids and prints, leather and suede; but more importantly is stylish, yet sturdy.

Celine Trapeze Bag

A great clutch is also a must-have wardrobe staple. I love the soft-clutches being shown on the runways.

Sift Clutch

4. The Perfect White Blouse.

There is nothing like a perfectly crisp white blouse. In my mind it takes a skirt, suit or pants from 0 – 10 in a matter is seconds. I particularly like a white blouse with a french cuff. If you don’t have cuff links, borrow your hubby’s or S/O’s.

Now, nobody, I mean nobody does a white blouse like Carolina Herrera. I love that it is her signature look. (Every Doll needs a signature look, or signature piece.)

CH_1

CarolinaHerrera

Images: TallSkinnyRich & The Post_Gazette

5. The Earrings.

There are some days, and evenings, that call for a more ornate earring; but for everyday, a Doll needs a go to pair that fit every outfit, for any occasion. The go-to designer, David Yurman. His classic cable hoops never fail. They are simply a classic.

David Yurman Earrings

I know I said that these were my five must-haves, but the ultimate go-to frock for those mornings when you can’t decide what to wear is the Diane Von Furstenberg Wrap-Dress. This looks great on women of all shapes and sizes.

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Peep these pictures of DVF from 1974 in her original wrap! PS ~ She’s doing iPad and iPhone cases and covers now!

diane-von-furstenberg-vintage-collection-diane

Images: SheFinds

There you have it, my six must-haves. Leave me a message with the go-to staples in your wardrobe.

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

Get Your House in Order Pt. Deux

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Hey Dolls! I am calling this a “Wednesday Quick Post.” Several weeks ago, I posted the first edition of “Get Your House in Order,” with helpful hints from the ultimate domestic guru, Martha Stewart. Madame Stewart shared a daily checklist for keeping our homes needy and tidy sans outside help, or for between weeks when your help is not scheduled.

I have since found another helpful daily schedule to follow. Yes, I like lists and to-dos; and love the idea knowing exactly what I am going to tackle on a daily basis.  I hope that you also find it useful.

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Image: classyclutter.net

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

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