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.

The Pretty Domestic-3

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

 

What a Dolls Loves!

Hey, Dolls! I’m back! I know, I know! We can get to why I’ve been gone for so long at another time, let’s just jump back into the fabulousness!

Quarantine and ongoing stay-at-home mandates have led to some first world challenges, no salon services and what to wear during ongoing Zoom calls and social distance drive-bys. And, if you’re anything like me – super social – one’s spirits get a little low from time to time missing friends, family and colleagues. Miss Amazon and curbside pick-up have become my BFFs. That said, I want to share with you what a doll is loving during these of oh so uncertain times.

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(1) I’ve been grabbing and loving my wicker handbag for quick store runs. It’s reminiscent of an afternoon picnic or beach party on Martha’s Vineyard. I dress her up, giving her different looks by changing out the twilly on the handle. Until next year MV. …

(2) No nail salon visits, no worries. Ive perfected press-on nails. I swear by Kiss Nails. There’s something for every fancy – French, a summer pop of color, long, short, square, coffin – you name it. With a little practice, you’ll be mani perfect for two weeks. (Don’t forget to grab some acetone for the soap off.)

(3) I’ve never been the lash girl, nor jumped on to the lash extension trend. Give me a Chanel or Lancome mascara and I’m good. However, I was intrigued by magnetic lashes and, well, I’m hooked. When I say easy to apply … beyond easy and will give your eyes an instant pop! My go-to is Eylure. Trust me on this one.

(4) Sometimes I just want to dress up (with no where to go). Enter lounge wear – and not yoga pants and a tank. No shade, I do those too. However, I picked up this fuchsia and brown silk twill set from J. Crew. So pretty and just the perfect wardrobe pick-me-up. I plan on wearing it for outdoor social distance entertaining before summer’s end.

5 + 6 are are simple self-care loves.

For Team Selby, vacation is off of the radar … decking and porching it is. But, it’s been 90+ degrees daily on the East Coast. To cool off and refreshing while I’m outside sipping I’ve been spritzing with Little Barn Apothecary Coconut + Pear Refreshing Mineral Mist. It’s cooling, smells so good and will immediately transport to the beach.

Nothing is better than a good candle. I picked up these Lemongrass Tea Candles by Milk Honey Candles from Home Goods. When I say I grabbed everyone they had. The smell is everything!

Ok, the “Should I” is this the Le Nine Carol Tassel bag I’m eyeing. I mean it’s chic and  sparkles! Everything I love! Should I?

What are you Dolls loving + coveting these days? Drop me a comment below. 💋

Until then, keep sharing the pretty,

L.

The Pretty Domestic

 

 

You are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday!

Hey Dolls! It’s summer and sweltering. What better way to cool during afternoons and evenings than with two summer staples – champagne + ice cream! Enter the Champagne + Raspberry Ice Cream Float. Peep the mixology below.

Champagne + Raspberry Ice Cream Float

The Ingredients |

Floats:

  • 750 ml (1 bottle) your favorite champagne or prosecco
  • 1 pint vanilla frozen yogurt or ice cream
  • fresh raspberries for garnish

Raspberry Sauce: 12 ounces frozen raspberries, defrosted; 1/4 cup granulated sugar’ + 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

The Mixology |

Raspberry Sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, add raspberries and sugar. Stir and mash the raspberries with the back of a spoon until broken up and the raspberries have released their juices. Once the mixture is mostly smooth, remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Press the raspberries through a mesh strainer to remove the seeds and pulp. Chill.

Constructing the Floats. Add a couple spoonfuls of raspberry sauce to the bottom of each champagne flute, followed by a couple small scoops of vanilla ice cream on top of the sauce. Top off each champagne flute with champagne, fresh raspberries and a drizzle of raspberry sauce. Serve, sip + enjoy!

Be sure to chill the raspberry sauce and champagne before assembling the floats.

Serve, sip + enjoy!

Until then,

L.

TPD

Source: Recipe Runner

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday!

Hey Dolls! Happy Sunday! Life has been hectic; but in the best of ways. And because it has, today is all about the relax + recharge. What’s better to do so than sipping on the perfect champagne cocktail. Peep the mixology for the Lazy Sunday Mimosa.

Lazy Sunday Mimosa

The Ingredients |          

1/2 cup pink sanding sugar; 1 (750 ml); 4 tablespoons pineapple juice; 4 tablespoon blood orange juice; + 2 tablespoons orange liqueur (Grand Marnier)

The Mixology | Dip the champagne flutes in water, then dip in sanding sugar. Divide champagne between two glasses. Add half of both juices to each glasses and top with Grand Mariner. Serve, sip + enjoy!

Drop a comment below sharing how you relax + recharge.

Until then, keep sharing the pretty,

L.

TPD

Source | HGTV

Dollentine’s Day Gift Ideas!

Hi Dolls! Valentine’s Day is this week; and while it’s always fun to spend time with that special someone, I say spend the day showering yourself with love! Peep my ideas for your own “Dollentine’s Day” splurge!

Whether around your neck, over your shoulder, under your chin à la the fabulous Jackie O, or tied on the handle of your favorite tote, a stylish scarf always adds a little something extra as you head out for the day. (Hermès Fouets er Badines Tatoo Scarf 140)

Dolls, whether you are stepping out or staying in, channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw and don these stunning red satin Blahnik’s. Red + sparkle screams sexy! (Manolo Blahnik Hangisi 115mm Satin Crystal-Toe Pump)

What’s Dollentine’s Day without a good red pout? Dolls know my go-to is Chanel Pirate; but I recently stumbled on Revlon’s Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor Moisturizing Lipstick. “Romance” will definitely be in my clutch on Thursday. The coverage is great – matte, which I love – yet, moisturizing. Don’t sleep in a good drug store brand! (Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor Moisturizing Lipstick in Romance)

Brooches continue to be on trend; and this whimsical number by Mademoiselle Chanel is perfect for your Dollentine’s Day ensemble. (Chanel Heart Metal & Resin Brooch)

I admit to loving pretty packaging. Many a purchase has been made a result of a sleek, modern box or unique font. “MMM” was no different. The bottle caught my eye during the Christmas holiday and thankfully, the smell is as pretty as the packing. With noted of vanilla, Neroli, Sandalwood and Jasmine Sambac, a spray or two will take you a long way.

Did you really think I was going to leave you without some beautiful underpinnings? Of course not! I love this high-waisted pretty little lace up number. Leaves a little to the imagination, don’t you think? (Lace-Up Harness Detail Lingerie Set)

Set the mood over dinner or a hot bath with a sensual Diptyque Tuberose Candle or any candle of your choice. Voluspa and Votivo are also my favs. (Diptyque Tuberose Red Scented Candle)

Any nail lacquer named “Good Kisser” is perfect for a Dollentine’s Day mani and pedi! Enough said! (Mischo Beauty Nail Lacquer)

Happy Dollentine’s Day!

Until then, keep sharing the pretty,

L.

The Pretty Domestic

You are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday!

Hey Dolls! Sometimes you don’t need a mixed cocktail; just a most-fabulous glass of bubbly – undisturbed. Town & Country recently published its list of Champagne Bottles to Try; with UK blog, Country & Townhouse, sharing its list of the 10 Best-Selling Champagne Brands in the World. Does your favorite make the list? In my quest for the perfect grape, I also stumbled upon a great article on how best to choose a champagne. Peep the deets here.

Marasca Fizz

But in keeping with tradition, I am still bringing you the option of a champagne cocktail. This week’s recipe is compliments of Food + Wine. I admit to not yet having tried it, but was intrigued by the ingredients and the rimmed glass. I invite you to trying it with me and leave a comment with your thoughts. I will update my post with a my thoughts when I make it this week. Peep the mixology below.

The Ingredients |

  • 3 maraschino cherries, plus 3/4 ounce syrup from the jar
  • superfine sugar
  • 3 dashes of Angostura Bitters
  • 2 brown sugar cubes
  • 1/2 ounce Cherry Heering or cherry liqueur
  • 4 ounces chilled champagne

The Mixology | Moisten the outer rim of the flute with 1/2 ounce maraschino cherry syrup and coat with superfine sugar. Sprinkle the bitters over the sugar cubes. Add the Cherry Heering, maraschino cherries and the remaining 1/4 ounce of maraschino cherry syrup to the flute. Top with champagne and add the sugar cubes. Serve, sip + enjoy!

Until then, keep sharing the pretty,

L.

The Pretty Domestic

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday!

Hi Dolls! Happy New Year! Yes; I know, I know … I’ve been gone for quite a while, but I’m back. Please don’t think that I’d suddenly become lazy or didn’t care about my Dolls. Nothing could be further from the truth. I actually spent the last several months completing my MBA; while at same time interviewing for a new role as executive director of a non-profit – I began last week! In the end, I really missed my Dolls. I have some great posts and new features in store for you, so grab your favorite flute of bubbly and let’s chat.

Today’s champagne cocktail is perfect for the snowy weather we are experiencing on the East Coast – the Winter Champagne Cocktail. Peep the mixology.

Winter Champagne Cocktail

The Ingredients |

  • 1 ounce freshly squeezed clementine juice
  • 1 fat peel clementine
  • 2 dashes orange bitters
  • 4 ounces sparking wine, champagne or Prosecco, chilled

The Mixology | In a champagne flute add your citrus juice. Squeeze your citrus peel to express the oils around the rim of the glass. Drop the peel into the glass. Add the bitters and the rosemary sprig and pour in the chiller bubbly. Serve, sip + enjoy!

Until then, keep sharing the pretty!

L.

The Pretty Domestic

Source: Today

Here’s to the End of Summer!

Hey Dolls! Happy Labor Day! I hope that you are doing something fabulously fun. And really, whether it’s beaching, brunching or barbecuing, the day calls for a great cocktail. It’s still hot here on the East Coast, so I’m opting for a refreshing libation – the Le Grand Fizz with Vodka. Peep the mixology below.

Le Grand Fizz with Vodka

The Ingredients | 

  • 1.5 oz of your favorite Vodka
  • 1 oz St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
  • ½ oz freshly squeezed lime (approx. half a lime)
  • 3 lime wedges + 2 parts chilled soda water

The Mixology |Build in an oversized cabernet wine glass with lots of ice. Add Vodka and St-Germain. Then squeeze fresh lime and discard. Top with chilled soda water. Stir and garnish with fresh lime wedges and a stirrer. Serve, sip + enjoy!

Happy Labor Day! Here’s to the end of summer!

Until then, keep sharing the pretty,

L.

The Pretty Domestic

Source: Town & Country