You are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday!

Hey, Dolls! Happy Sunday! I’m so excited to bring you a little Champagne Sunday lifestyle hack. We’ve all been there, particularly during the quarantine. The bar cart is insufficiently stocked, what’s available is somewhat random and you can’t seem to figure out how the randomness will make for the perfect late afternoon/evening cocktail. Enter, Make Me a Cocktail. Peep the details below.

Make Me a Cocktail is an online platform that allows you to enter the ingredients you have on hand (spirits, liqueurs, wines and champagnes, beers and ciders, mixers, etc.), select the ingredients you want to see and then have a cocktail recipe recommended to you. 

Of course, I put it to the test. To my online bar cart I added Brandy, Cognac, Bourbon, Whiskey, Vodka, Creme de Violette, Chambord, Cava, Champagne, Prosecco, Rose, Chardonnay, and Bitters. I then selected “Make Me a Cocktail” and voila – seven cocktails from which to select – Champagne + Chambord, The Royal, Cognac Pick Me Up, Threesome, Kickin’ Chicken, Brandy Pick Me Up, and the Late Night. Oh, the choices!

But of course, it’s Champagne Sunday, so I opted for the The Royal. Peep the oh so simple ingredients and mixology below.

Serve, sip + enjoy!

When the Mr. comes from the golf course, I’ll have him try the Brandy Pick Me Up.

The Ingredients |

  • One shot of your favorite brandy
  • Your favorite champagne

The Mixology | Shake brandy and crushed ice together (3-4 ice cubes crushed) then pour into tumbler and top up with champagne.

Another online platform that my bestie KMG share with me is Drizly. So, your bar cart isn’t stocked enough to even use Make Me a Cocktail or you just don’t have time, head over to Drizly and your libations are on your doorstep in under an hour.

What are some of your favorite lifestyle tips and hacks? Leave a comment below.

Until then, keep sharing the pretty,

L.

The Pretty Domestic

Travel Essentials for Your Staycation

Hey, Dolls! I don’t know about you and your family, but we canceled our annual vacation. We just weren’t willing to risk the yearly August sojourn to Martha’s Vineyard. Sadly, we would have arrived this week. Feeling a little maudlin about not going anywhere, RS and I decided to do a local staycation and book some time at the Four Seasons in our city. It doesn’t hurt that this is our anniversary week. I don’t need to pack much, but plan on bringing a little luxury with me. Peep my “must-have” travel essentials for a much-needed staycation.

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Voluspa Bourbon Vanille Petite Tin Candle. I am obsessed with candles, and whenever possible like to bring one with me when I travel. The Voluspa travel size candles are perfect for adding to the corner of your tote and  bringing a yummy scent to your hotel sanctuary. 

Sleeper Feather Loungewear. The drama of loungewear from the old Hollywood speaks to my soul – think Dorothy Dandridge … Elizabeth Taylor … Betty Davis. I mean what’s more screen siren than feathers. This set from Sleeper really amps up the glam.

Introval Wireless Changing Station. My motto – ABC – Always be Charging! How cute and practical – charging all of your Apple products at one time. Go to bed, wake up and everything is ready to go.

Free People Starry Eyed Sleep Mask. I like a dark room while I sleep and then to let the light in at my own pace in the morning. (The irony, I sleep with the TV on. I know, I know.) That said, the Free People leather sleep mask is super luxe, comfy and guaranteed to block out the light.

Birdies “The Songbird” Slipper. I mean if your loungewear has feathers, you certainly need an equally appropriate glam slipper. Enter Birdies “The Songbird” jeweled slipper. They may be a little heavy for year-around, but my feet are always cold. And, what’s a staycation without a pair of sandals in your tote if you need to change. But, aren’t they fabulous!

Diptyque 34 Boulevard St. Gertmain Solid Perfume. We all have our favorite perfumes, but sometimes they’re just too bulky with which to travel, even on a local staycation. Diptyque’s solid perfume is the perfect answer. So petite and easy to throw in your tote. The smell is heavenly with notes of Amber/Patchouli Accord, Rose. Cinnamon and Blackcurrant Buds.

Frette Spa Slippers. Your hotel will provide a pair of spa slipper/sandals, so these are a nice to have, but surely not a necessity. But if you like to have your own, ensuring a nice fit, these are your go-to. 

Louis Vuitton Keepall 55 or 60. It’s a staycation, you’re not going far, so no need to overpack – says the person who always overpacks. Everyone’s favorite go-to, the Louis Vuitton Keepall. Easy to carry, just enough space for an overnight or two and forever stylish.

What are your favorite travel essentials? Drop a comment below and don’t forget to subscribe to The Pretty Domestic.

Until then, keep sharing the pretty,

L.

The Pretty Domestic 

You are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday!

Hey, Dolls! Happy Sunday! Today I’m bringing a whimsical Sunday cocktail, totally reminiscent of childhood days eating slushies, but with an adult twist – The Vodka Lemonade Slushie. Perfect for these sweltering end of summer days and so much fun! Peep the mixology below.

Vodka Lemonade Slushies

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The Ingredients | 

  • 5 lemons, halved
  • 1/3 c. vodka ( I used Tito’s)
  • 1 c. lemonade (For a little more whimsy, use pink lemonade. Pro tip. Use a little red food coloring to bring out the color if you use pink lemonade.)
  • 2 c. ice
  • 1 bunch mint

The Mixology | Using a spoon, scoop out the fruit of the lemon, leaving the peel intact. In a blender, combine vodka, lemonade and ice. Blend util smooth.

Use a small ice cream scoop to scoop vodka mixture into the lemons. (Pro tip. Place each lemon in the freezer on a platter while you continue constructing the others. That way they won’t melt before you finish.) Garnish with a sprig of mint. Serve + enjoy!

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For an added touch of sophistication, I decided to serve mine in martini glasses.

Until then, keep sharing the pretty,

L.

The Pretty Domestic

You are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday!

Hey, Dolls! Happy Sunday! What I’m bringing you today is not exactly a champagne cocktail; but perfect for a hot summer day. Inspired by Mrs. Ayesha Curry in her new magazine “Sweet July,” I bring you Cucumber Vodka Lemonade. Peep the mixology below.

Cucumber Vodka Lemonade

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Image from the kitchen of The Pretty Domestic

The Ingredients |

  • 3 cucumbers
  • 4 to 6 sprigs of mint
  • 1 1/2 cup of Tito’s Vodka
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 1 c fresh lemon juice

The Mixology | Cut 2 1/2 cucumbers into half moon pieces and set aside. Roughly chop the remaining half. Place half of the chopped cucumbers into a large martini shaker, with 4 to 6 sprigs of mint. Add 1 1/2 cup of vodka and muddle. Strain into a pitcher, add 4 c. hot tap water, 1 c. sugar and 1 cup fresh lemon juice. Add the remaining cucumbers to your pitcher. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and refrigerate for one hour. I let mine refrigerate overnight. Pour in your favorite glass, serve, sip + enjoy!

Until then, keep sharing the pretty,

L.

The Pretty Domestic