The Father’s Day Gift Guide

Father’s Day is Sunday! Peep the Pretty Domestic Father’s Day Gift Guide for the special Dad in your life.

The Grooming Guy. Dad’s these days are into their appearance just as much as their better halves. No old shaving cream and after-shave lotion will do. Barber shops are seeing a resurgence and men are receiving more of a pampering experience, than an in the chair and out the door. Indulge your Daddy’s pinchance for looking good by treating him to a day at the Barber Spa.  Be sure to throw in some luxury grooming products from his favorite line, or pick some up from The Art of Shaving.

Barber Spa

The Fit Father. Maybe your Dad is obsessed with working out, like mine; or maybe he needs a jump-start getting in shape. Help him track his activities and fitness goals by gifting him a Nike+ FuelBand.

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The Music Man.  Most gentlemen I know, including my Mr. and my Daddy love to unwind after a long day. Whether it’s working out or listening to music in the quiet of his man cave, help him tune out the world for a few with Beats by Dre. He’ll love them even more because they are wireless. And make sure you select his favorite color.

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The Smooth Sipper.  Maybe your Dad enjoys nothing more than to kick back and put his feet up while sipping on a smooth single malt. Gift him a bottle of his favorite Single Malt Scotch and tickets to a local whiskey tasting.

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There you have it; the 2014 Father’s Day Gift Guide. Happy Father’s Day to your Dad, Mr. or special father in your life.

Until Then,

L.

The Pretty Domestic

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday!!!

Summer is days away Dolls, and if you’re like me you are feverishly working on a beach ready body. The challenge, great food from graduation parties and cookouts can curtail the best laid workout regimes. We all know that burgers and adult beverages equals calories; but what’s a Doll to do? I stumbled upon these low-cal cocktail suggestion from Town & Country, added the recipes and thought they could be perfect for Champagne Sunday! Peep mixology!

Classic Bloody Mary. At 125 calories, this is a cocktail that doesn’t need to be tweaked since it’s already fairly healthy. “The tomato juice offers a lot of vitamins and minerals, and the celery stick gives you some fiber.”

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Ingredients.

  • Celery salt
  • 1 Lemon wedge
  • 1 Lime wedge
  • 2 oz Premium Vodka
  • 4 oz Tomato juice
  • 2 dashes Tabasco Sauce
  • 2 tsp Prepared horseradish
  • 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 pinch Celery salt
  • 1 pinch Ground black pepper
  • 1 pinch Smoked paprika

Garnish: Celery stalk and lime wedge

The Mixology. Pour some celery salt onto a small plate. Rub the juicy side of the lemon or lime wedge along the lip of a pint glass. Roll the outer edge of the glass in celery salt until fully coated. Fill with ice and set aside. Squeeze the lemon and lime wedges into a shaker and drop them in. Add the remaining ingredients and fill with ice. Shake gently and strain into the prepared glass. Garnish with a celery stalk and a lime wedge.

Gimlet. “This is really just gin or vodka on the rocks with tons of fresh lime juice and sometimes fresh mint, too. Bartenders occasionally put simple syrup in it but you don’t need it. The drink doesn’t require the sugar if you have lots of fresh lime juice.”

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Ingredients.

  • 2.5 oz Gin
  • .5 oz Lime juice

Garnish: Lime wheel

The Mixology. Add all the ingredients to a shaker and fill with ice. Shake, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass or an Old Fashioned glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Margarita. “Tequila on the rocks with fresh lime juice, Cointreau, and a splash of soda. Skip the sugary mixers.”

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Ingredients.

  • .75 oz Fresh lime juice
  • 1 oz  Cointreau or triple sec
  • 1.5 oz Blanco tequila

Garnish: Lime wheel

The Mixology. Add the ingredients to a shaker and fill with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass or rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel. (For a slightly sweeter drink, add a dash of agave syrup—one part water, two parts agave nectar—before shaking.)

Dark and Stormy. “Use just a splash of ginger beer (consider using the diet version of Gosling’s if you’re mixing this up at home) with dark rum, a splash of lime juice, fresh lime, and fresh ginger, which has good anti-inflammatory benefits.

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Ingredients.

  • 1.5 oz Gosling’s Black Seal Rum
  • Stormy Ginger Beer or other ginger beer
  • 1 splash of lime juice

Garnish: Lime wedge

The Mixology. Fill a tall glass with ice and add the rum. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Moscow Mule. “This is a good equivalent to the Skinnygirl Margarita for guys. Just use vodka, fresh lime juice, and mint leaves with lots of ice and a splash of ginger beer (I don’t think you need sugar or simple syrup).”

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Ingredients.

  • 2 oz Vodka
  • 3 oz Ginger beer
  • Juice of half a lime

Garnish: Lime wheel.

The Mixology. Add all the ingredients to a Moscow Mule mug or highball glass filled with ice and garnish with a lime wheel.

There you have it; cocktail recipes that will keep your beach body goals in tact! Happy Champagne Sunday! Chin! Chin!

Until Then,

L.

The Pretty Domestic

 

 

 

Perfume Perfection

A while ago, one of favorite Dolls, Dr. Rachel, asked me to post on some of my favorite fragrances. It’s been on my “blog log” for a while now, but I simply hadn’t gotten to it. However, a series of recent compliments on a particular fragrance led me to get to it. Peep the deets.

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Jo Malone Lime, Basil and Mandarin Cologne

701-10020-PROD01111_LIMEBASILMANDARIN_MJo Malone Lime, Basil and Mandarin Cologne entered my life when a Doll gifted me a cute little goodie bag full of samples. The Jo Malone was one of the last I sampled, and it was love at first, well … smell. I am typically drawn to citrus scents during the warmer months, so I knew JM would be in my Spring/Summer rotation.  The Notes: Top notes are lime, mandarin orange and bergamot; middle notes are basil, lilac, iris and thyme; base notes are patchouli and vetiver.

Dipytque 34 Boulevard Saint Germain Solid Perfume

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I’m not exactly sure how I became aware of Diptyque 34 Boulevard Saint Germain Solid Perfume, but it is the fragrance that, when I wear it, grabs the most attention. The name originates from the street of the first Diptyque boutique. I am probably drawn to 34 Boulevard Saint Germain because of the currant notes. J’adore red and black currant. What even better is that it’s a solid perfume, making it perfect for travel and those pesky TSA stops. The Notes: Top notes: blackcurrant, green leaves, fir leaf, citruses, pink pepper, cardamom, cloves and cinnamon. Heart: rose, geranium, tuberose, iris and violet. Base: woods, resins, balsams and eucalyptus.

David Yurman Eau de Parfum

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While hard to find, this really is one of my favorites. I would say that its my daily ”go to” fragrance. Not too heavy or light, David Yurman Eau de Parfum can be worn all year long.  I love that the sculpted gold cap is reminiscent of the Yurman Cable Collection of jewelry; and the bottle neck is created in a form of Yurman’s wedding band. The Notes: Wafts of mandarin, and fresh green notes of black currant leaf and petals, followed by floral notes of peony, water lily, rose otto, patchouli, exotic woods and musk.

Tom Ford Black Orchid

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I always reach for Black Orchid for date night with my Mr. It’s simply sexy. But would you expect anything less from Mr. Ford. I wouldn’t necessarily consider it a heavy fragrance; but other than date night, I tend to wear this during the day in the cooler months. The Notes: The top notes are French jasmine, black truffle, ylang-ylang, black currant and effervescent citrus. In the floral-spicy heart, dwells the Tom Ford’s black orchid, imaginary more than real, and the base combines woodsy notes (patchouli and sandalwood), dark chocolate, incense, amber, vetiver, vanilla and balsam.

Chanel No. 5

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Need I say more … A classic!

Voila, my list of perfume perfection. What’s on your list?

Until Then,

L.

The Pretty Domestic

Source: The Notes: Frangratanica

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday!

Hi Dolls! I’ve been away for a minute. The hubby and I went on a mini-vacay to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where we stayed at La Posada Resort and Spa. If you are ever planning a trip to the Southwest, La Posada is really a wonderful resort property. And Dolls, the spa is to die for! I selected the Osmosis Medi Facial, which didn’t disappoint.

But I digress. We’re back and are full swing in Memorial Day weekend activities and cookouts. But a memorable cookout is incomplete without a great lemonade, with a “pretty domestic” twist. Here is an “adult” lemonade cocktail that your friends will be sure love.

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Champagne Lemonade

Ingredients
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice
  • 1 bottle Champagne or sparkling wine
  • Thin lemon slices, for garnish
Directions

Put the sugar and 1 cup water into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil. Cook for 1 minute until the sugar has dissolved, turn off the heat, and allow the sugar syrup to cool.

In a pitcher combine the cooled sugar syrup with the lemon juice and remaining 2 cups water and mix well. Fill a Champagne flute halfway with the lemonade and top with Champagne. Garnish with a lemon slice. Yields 8 cocktails. Chin Chin!

Happy Memorial Day!

Until Then,

L.

The Pretty Domestic

 

 

 

The Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Mother’s Day is Sunday! Peep The Pretty Domestic’s gift guide for the special Doll, I mean Mom, in your life.

THE BATHER. Sun bather, that is. Like the rest of us, Mom is so over the awful winter that was and can’t wait to hit beach. She also wants to hide in plain sight while sun bathing. Pick her up a pair of these super swanky Prada “Baroque” Sunglasses.

_6524793THE BAUBLE LOVER.  I don’t know a Mom that doesn’t welcome a pretty bauble. Let her know that this modern Choker with Pearls from Zara can be styled high or low.

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THE BEAUTY. Treat your Mom to a day at her favorite spa. Both Bliss and Ritz Carlton offer the ultimate pampering services for a day of R & R. Make it the total experience and include a facial, mani/pedi and full body massage. Oh, and make sure the spa serves a little bubbly.

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Does your Mom want to stay home and pamper herself? Gift her a basket full of her “go-to” beauty products. Don’t forget to throw in a luxurious robe and wonderfully scented candle.

THE BIBLIOPHILE. Maybe your Mom’s favorite pastime is curling up in her favorite chair under a cozy wrap with a good page turner, sipping a cup of tea, coffee or glass of vino. How about giving her a Kindle Fire?

et_160401-0610f_k01mNot a techie, pick her up a novel or two on the New York Times Best Seller List.

THE BAKER. Is Mom your family’s Martha Stewart, whipping up the most sumptuous goodies without breaking a sweat. How about this fabulous vintage looking Kitchen Aid Mixer from William-Sonoma?! No “I Love Lucy” incidents in her kitchen.

img81oTHE BRIDGE PLAYER. Does Mom enjoy an afternoon with her Dolls playing Bridge? Gift her a Caspari Bridge Setinspired by such museum collections as the Musée de l’Impression sur Etoffes, The National Gallery, Williamsburg and The Royal Horticultural Society.

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There’s you have it; the 2014 Mother’s Day Gift Guide. And remember, there’s nothing wrong with gifting yourself on Sunday.

Until Then,

L.

The Pretty Domestic

50 Shades of Red … Vol. VI

When we last applied our lipstick, I was transitioning to ZuZu Luxe Vino de Amor Lipstick. There’s nothing about Vino de Amor Lipstick I don’t like. The color – check; long wearing and moist – check, check; the ability to wear it without lip liner (something I rarely do) check, check, check! On a scale of 1 to 5, I give this 4 red lips. red lips isolated in whitered lips isolated in whitered lips isolated in whitered lips isolated in white VinoDeAmor What’s next? Rimmel Lasting Finish Matte Lipstick by Kate Moss. Yep, the one and only.

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The color? Kiss of Life! I immediately heard Sade singing “Kiss of Life” in my head, and couldn’t leave this pretty red tube in Ulta! Lasting-Finish-Matte-Lipstick-by-Kate-111-Kiss-of-Life-0 I’ll let you know how many red red lips isolated in white‘s Kiss of Life earns next month. And as a special treat!

Until Then,

L.

The Pretty Domestic

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday!

Today’s Champagne Sunday recipe is not your traditional champagne cocktail. It’s the drink I was having when my husband proposed to me. I’ve only seen it on the menu at one lounge, Pazo’s; but, I order it every time we go there for cocktails. It’s called La Vie En Rose, and I guess for sentimental reasons, it’s really is my favorite drink, but I’m renaming it, “The Proposal.” Peep the mixology below.

The Proposal

La Vie En Rose

 Ingredients.

  • Moscato d’Asti
  • Soho Lychee Liqueur
  • Rose Water
  • Fresh Rose Petal

Chin, Chin!

Until Then,

L.

The Pretty Domestic

 

 

 

 

 

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday!!!

Last week I traveled to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for business. It was super cold and windy when my business colleagues and I arrived, making the idea of venturing outside of the hotel for dinner a non-starter. Luckily, The Colcord Hotel had a restaurant attached, Flint, which made our dinner decision easy.

Dinner was great, but the piece-de-resistance was my St. Germain Champagne Cocktail. It really was wondeful. So much so, that I called the restaurant for the recipe when I returned home, knowing that it would be my next featured drink on Champagne Sunday. Peep the mixology.

St. Germain Champagne Cocktail

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Ingredients.

  • 1/4 oz. St. Germain
  • 1/4 oz. lemon juice
  • 1/4 oz. simple syrup
  • 1/2 oz. Hendrick’s Gin
  • Top with your favorite champagne

I hope that you enjoy it as much as I. Chin, chin!

Until Then,

L.

The Pretty Domestic

 

 

The Must Haves: The David Yurman 30th Anniversary Limited-Edition Renaissance Bracelet

must-have \ˈməst-ˌhav\n

1. an essential possession: the David Yurman 30th Anniversary Limited-Edition Renaissance Bracelet is a must-have for your fine jewelry collection

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2. essential: a must-have piece of arm candy

David Yurman is synonymous with classic style when it comes to jewelry; but for the 30th Anniversary of his line, he added a unexpected twist to his Classic Cable Bracelet – COLOR! The Limited-Edition Aluminum Renaissance Bracelet is available in Hunter Green, Amber, Gray, Champagne and Rose. Aren’t they gorgeous!

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I love the idea of remaining true to the Classic Cable style, but creating an instant signature look by adding color. This is truly arm candy; and the Hunter Green is calling my name!

 Happy Anniversary Mr. Yurman!

Until Then,

L.

The Pretty Domestic

 

50 Shades of Red … Volume V.

Dolls, did you think I forgot? I didn’t! Business and personal travel has left little time for blogging; but never fear, I remain committed to 50 Shades of Red.

Volume IV. found me in Sephora with a tube of Gloss Mirior ~ Extreme by Sephora in Femme Fatale in hand. Simply put, J’adore! On a scale of 1 to 5, I give this 5 red lips! red lips isolated in whitered lips isolated in whitered lips isolated in whitered lips isolated in whitered lips isolated in white

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As I shared, I’m not a gloss girl, but I love everything about Gloss Mirior ~ Extreme by Sephora in Femme Fatale. It’s super moist, without being sticky. I didn’t have to reapply very often, and the gold flecks are to die for – just the right amount to be appropriate for the office, while able to take you into an evening soiree. This little number is a top contender for my fav red lipstick.

What’s next? ZuZu Luxe Vino de Amor Lipstick. I love that name, don’t you?! Anywho, on a recent trip to Whole Foods Market I made my way to the makeup and skin care section for some playtime. I couldn’t resist leaving without a new tube of red lipstick and selected Vino de Amor. They had me at the name.

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ZuZu Luxe is part of Gabriel Cosmetics, Inc., and is Gluten-Free and Vegan  – pretty with purpose. I love it. I’ll let you know in the next edition of 50 Shades of Red how this rates.

Until Then,

L.

Red Lipstick Chick