Category Archives: Lifestyle

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

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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You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday … The SAG Edition

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Today’s Champagne Sunday is a nod to the SAG Awards Red Carpet; so aptly named, why not try “Gina’s Red Carpet Cocktail.”

Red Carpet Cocktail

Image: Food Network

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups vodka, chilled
  • 1 1/2 cups pomegranate juice, chilled
  • 1/2 cup lime juice
  • 1 bottle Champagne or other sparkling white wine
  • Chilled maraschino cherries, for garnish

Directions. Add 1 1/2 ounces of the vodka to each champagne flute. Top with 1 1/2 ounces of the pomegranate juice and 1 tablespoon of the lime juice. Add the Champagne or sparkling wine and a cherry to each flute for a sweet garnish. Salut!

RED CARPET RECAP

My initial observation, the SAGs didn’t bring as much glamour and glam as the Golden Globes; but still there were some standouts. Let’s go.

THE MANI CAM

My fav was Miss Lupita. The gold Deborah Lippmann polish, paired with the Fred Leighton ring, against the turquoise Gucci gown was simply beautiful.

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Image: E! Online

WHO ARE YOU WEARING?

Sarah Hyland. Pretty and fresh was the first thought that came to mind when I saw this young Hollywood starlet. I love the strapless light pink/blush Pamella Roland, with the gathered empire waist. What you don’t see is that the dress has pockets! I love pockets. The dress works well with the Jimmy Choo’s and the Neil Lane clutch. Also, loving the deep part, side sweep hair a la Veronica Lake.

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Image: E! Online

Gretchel Mol. I only caught a brief glimpse of Gretchen Mol as she arrived on the red carpet; but loved her dress. Not everybody can pull off white, but she does it well. This J. Mendel with the mesh top is modern and clean.

20th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards - Arrivals

Image: becauseiamfabulous.com

The Big O! Oprah Winfrey looked FABULOUS! She was wearing that deep purple Badgley Mischka! And, love the big hair! She is indeed the queen of all media!

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Image: Onetheredcarpet.com

Camila Alves. Mrs. McConaughey was simply gorgeous in this jeweled-toned vintage Donna Karan Atelier. She looked absolutely statuesque and stunning!

camila alves

Image: FashionAwards.com

Lupita Nyong’o. This Doll is batting 100% this awards season. The turquoise Gucci silk crepe column dress, with embellished collar was sick! So far, she can do no wrong in my book.

Lupita

Image: BellaNaija

AND THE WINNER IS!!!

Kerry Washington. I chose soon-to-be Mommy, Mrs. Asomugha, because she was an absolute risk-taker last night in custom Prada. Most Dolls would stay away from showing their baby bump, but not Kerry. I loved the pink sequined cropped top, with the high-waisted black skirt. The cute bun and black satin headband were perfect. The Twitter-verse lit up with comments. I loved it.

Kerry

Inmage: Hollywood Reporter

THE OLD GUARD

Two of my favorite actors looked grand last night and earned a well-deserved “shout out!” They gave old Hollywood glamour! Standing ovation for Michael Douglas (even with the scruffy beard) and Dame Helen Mirren.

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Image: E! Online

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Image: Perez Hilton

There you have it; my SAG Edition of Champagne Sunday! Who caught your eye last night?

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday!

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Many of us, in quest to be healthier in 2014, have limited our alcohol intake. We all know that alcohol equals calories. But this week’s Champagne Sunday combines the best of both worlds ~ a little healthy, mixed with a little fun!

Sparkling Champagne Smoothie

Sparkling Champagne Smoothie

Image: Sur La Table

Ingredients:

  • 1 c. plain or fruit flavored yogurt
  • 2 c. fresh or frozen fruit of choice
  • pinch freshly grated nutmeg
  • 6 oz. chilled champagne

Directions. This recipe is for a blender with standard 64 oz container. Place yogurt, fruit, and nutmeg into the blender in the order listed and secure lid. Turn machine on and slowly increase speed to High. Blend for 30 seconds or until desired consistency is reached. Pour into champagne flutes, filling ¾ full. Top off with champagne and gently stir to combine.

Here’s a toast to your good health!

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

Get Your House in Order

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Eight days into the new year and most of us have our healthy eating plan in place; exercise routine mapped out; and commitment to being a better manager, employee, entrepreneur, wife, mother, S/O, daughter, friend, etc. on our radars ~ check, check, check. (Not an all-inclusive list, of course.) But what about getting your house in order? Literally!

I’ve been told that I’m a neat freak, and maybe I am. I like order. Each month I do a little purging and a little organizing. I throw things out, find new storage options, consign and donate to Goodwill; but sometimes I get stuck on how to tackle a particular organization problem. The answer for me ~ WWMD ~ What Would Martha Do?

Several years ago I stumbled across the book, Martha Stewart’s Homekeeping Book: The Essential Guide to Caring for Everything in Your Home. I picked up a copy for me and my Mom, and it really has become our housekeeping/organization bible. Yes, yes, I recognize that Martha can be polarizing, and I’m not asking you to like her; but she’s my girl and knows her stuff.

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Now I believe in having a little help. As my Doll FT says, “Housework never killed anyone, but why risk it?” I love this quote, but sometimes we have to get down and dirty and get and our own homes in order; and Martha gives us the blueprint.

The first tip I want to share is Martha’s checklist for “6 Things to Do Every Day.” I love this list because it maps out a simple plan for keeping your house in order on daily basis.

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This list is do-able, definitely not overwhelming and nor too time consuming. I plan on sharing a few more organization tips in the weeks to come. Leave me a comment if there is particular topic you want me to tackle. Here’s to a “pretty organized” 2014!

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

Nik’s 12 Days of Cocktails … Days 9, 10 & 11 …

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Here we are, Christmas Eve; whatever is not done, probably won’t get done. House decorated, gifts wrapped, table set, meal preparations underway, and warm greetings for out of town family and friends. What’s left, the perfect cocktail to wind down the evening and await Santa!

Nik has given us some more holiday cocktails sure to please the palette. Chin Chin!

Nik’s 12 Days of Cocktails ~ Day 9

The Elf

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Nik’s 12 Days of Cocktails ~ Day 10

Gingerbread Man

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Nik’s 12 Days of Cocktails ~ Day 11

The Wine Selection

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Merry Christmas,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

Nick’s 12 days of Cocktails … Days 6, 7 & 8 …

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Holiday prep, not to mention the “day job,” has this Doll as busy as ever! I am so looking forward a weekend full of festive fun! Just in time for your weekend holiday plans is Nik’s 12 Days of Cocktails ~ Days 6, 7 & 8! Select your fav to serve to your guests, or heck, treat yourself to a “sip!” Chin! Chin!

Nik’s 12 Days of Cocktails 2013 ~ DAY 6!!!

Christmas Island

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Nik’s 12 Days of Cocktails 2013 ~ DAY 7!!!

Ciroc Amaretto

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Nik’s 12 Days of Cocktails 2013 ~ DAY 8!!!

Sugar Plum Martini

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Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

Nik’s 12 Days of Cocktails ~ Days 4 & 5

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Nik is on the case, and just like clockwork has given us two new yummy recipes for her 12 Days of Cocktails! Here’s to you!

Nik’s 12 Days of Cocktail’s ~ Day 4

Champagne with Candied Kumquats and Cranberries

12 Days of Cocktails_4

Nik’s 12 Days of Cocktails ~ Day 5

Gingered Coconut Martini

12 Days of Cocktails_5

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday …

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Christmas is all about the glitz and sparkle. There is nothing better this time of year when sitting back and taking in the beauty of your holiday decorations than a “glass of sparkle.” But don’t think that you have to drink it as is, there are so many options for enjoying your favorite Champagne, Prosecco or Cava. Here’s one with a name that is fitting for the season ~

Christmas in a Glass

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Image: Food Network

Ingredients

  • 1 bottle Prosecco, or other sparkling dry white wine, well chilled
  • 1 bottle gingerbread flavored syrup (or cranberry flavored syrup)

Directions. Pour the Prosecco into glasses. Add a capful of the syrup to each glass of the Prosecco, to taste.

As an extra special treat on Champagne Sunday, our very own clean eating expert, Nicole Nichelson, is sharing with us her annual Nik’s 12 Days of Cocktails. We are a couple days behind, so we will use today to catch up. But for the next 10 days, you can enjoy a festive holiday cocktail with your family or to select one of her swanky libations to serve at your holiday soiree. Click the links to peep the mixology.

Nik’s 12 Days of Cocktails ~ Day 1

Pomegranate Pear Holiday Punch

12 Days of Cocktails_1

Nik’s 12 Days of Cocktails ~ Day 2

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Nik’s 12 Days of Cocktails ~ Day 3

 Mulled Wine

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Leave a comment and let us know which recipes you tried, and which is your favorite. Chin Chin!

PS ~ It’s not too late to enter the Pretty Domestic Stella & Dot Holiday Jewelry Give-Away. The winner will be announced on Wednesday! Bon Chance!

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

Countdown to Cyber Monday … The Beauty & Style Edition.

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Cyber Monday Pic 3

Alice + Olivia. 25% off the entire site.

Ann Taylor. Take 50% off of all purchases. To receive the offer online, code SHOP50 must be entered during checkout.

Anthropologie. Cyber Monday customers will receive 50% off of all red-lined sale items from 6:00 a.m. ~ 11:00 a.m.

Athleta. Take 20% off select items in-store and online.

Banana Republic.  40% off of all merchandise. To receive offer online, use code CYBER. Offer ends 12/2.

BaubleBar. BaubleBar invites you to play Cyber Savings Smash. Using the mallet to bop crazy shoppers out of the way, customers can score one of four amazing deals: 20 and 30 perfect off sitewide, $25 off (orders of $50+), or a $100 gift card.

Bliss. 20% off Elemis and Remede skincare products. (Two of my favs!)

Bluefly. From December 1 to December 3, take 80% off of original retail prices.

Bobbi Brown. Get a duo of deluxe-sized samples, a specially-sized lip gloss, free shipping with every purchase, plus your choice of five samples.

The Body Shop. 50% off site-wide and free shipping with any purchase of $30 or more.

butter LONDON. You know I love this polishes! “Butta” will be gifting customers with 20% off site-wide (excluding product marked at “last-call”) and 50% off “last-call” items. Use the code CYBER13 for online purchases.

Effie’s Paper. 15% off personalized stationery. Use promotional code THX2013.

Gilt. The name itself speaks exuberance and luxury. Cyber Monday started at 9:00 p.m. tonight with free shipping on everything. “Marquee Monday” brings sales, sales, and more sales (including designer shoes) and a sweepstakes with high-end luxury prizes for 12 winners.

GO SMiLE. GO SMiLE Smile Whitening Light System will be $69 (from $129) and comes with a free Jet Set Kit

Hunter. The tall original gloss boot in Lagoon for $78, only on December 2.

Intermix. 20% off sitewide plus free shipping.

Intimacy. Buy two items, get one sale item for free. Deals on lingerie, swim, nightwear and accessories are up to 70%. In stores only.

Miss Jessie’s. Take 40% off sitewide through December 31.

Moroccanoil. Ok, I am not one for putting oil in my hair, wet or dry. It weighs it down too much. “Howeva,” I visited Haute Blow Dry Bar on Saturday morning, and the stylist added a drop or two in my hair before styling, and let’s just say, I am sold. So much so, it had to make the Cyber Monday “must have moment” list. Shoppers will receive a complimentary full-sized products with the purchase of e-Gift Cards. Plus, free shipping on all purchases $55 and up.

Shopbop and East Dane. Spend $250, save 15%, spend $500, save 20% and spend $1000, save 25%.

Starbucks. Get $25 off purchases of $60 or more. Online only.

Tracy Reese. Use code CYBER30 to take 30% off your entire online purchase.

Trina Turk. Use the code CYBER13 for tiered savings: spend $200, get 20% off, spend $400, get 25% off and spend $600, get 30% off.