I’m back! I didn’t realize it had been so long since I last post to Pretty Domestic. Frankly, I’ve missed my little creative outlet. All I can say is I’ve been busy.

I started to title this post “Strike A Balance,” but Sunday’s are always reserved for “Champagne Sundays.” Here’s the thing, I’ve recently admitted to myself that I take on too much, with very little time left for me. On some level “me time” sounds selfish, but maintaining a healthy body, mind and spirit is critical, and every once in a while we all need to stop and recharge our batteries. Now mind you, recharging one’s batteries is relative. My recharge may be different from your’s, but we all need to take the time. I don’t want to be the Doll who’s constantly proclaiming how busy she is, but is completely run down and always running late ~ you know this woman. (I hate lateness, but that’s for another post.) Anywho, I’m back and feeling good. I’ve done a personal assessment and made a list of which commitments and activities I will keep and those in which to let go.

Today is a recharge day. My family left the house in a whirlwind and here I am. I have everything I need, Gracie at my feet, my iPad, AppleTV, magazines, and so on and so on. It’s peaceful and I only have one committment this evening; but it’s one I enjoy. And yes, I’ll be home for the red carpet arrivals and Mr. Oscar.

On to the most important part of this post. It’s Champagne Sundays, and what will be my cocktail of choice. Today I’m thinking a simple Mimosa, but I’m going to use a Cava ~ Dibon is my favorite! Check out the champagne cocktail recipes below.

Mimosa
Typically half sparkling wine and half fresh squeezed orange juice  ~ for me it’s 70% sparkling topped with 30% orange juice.

Champagne Cocktail
One cube of sugar, 2 dashes Angostura bitters topped with sparkling wine.

Bellini
Typically 1 part white peach puree and 2 parts sparkling wine. The modern recipe by “Art of the Drink” calls for 2 oz peach puree, 1/4 oz peach schnapps, 1/4 oz lemon juice, top with sparkling wine. (Note: I am allergic to peaches, but far be it from me to keep you from enjoying.)

Here are two fun variations, Bobby Flay’s Grand Champagne and Freixenet’s Raspberry Delight:

Grand Champagne (serves 4) by Bobby Flay
4 shots of orange liqueur (Grand Marnier or sub Cointreau)
4 teaspoons of honey
4 fresh strawberries sliced thin
1 bottle of champagne
Mix orange liqueur, honey and strawberries in a pitcher well. (Flay recommends blending in a food processor.)
Fill glass with half of mixture and top with sparkling wine.

Raspberry Delight (serves 10) by Freixenet
1 cup of raspberries
1 pint of raspberry sorbet
1 liter of sparkling water or club soda
2 bottles of dry Cava (Freixenet or Seguras Viudas)
Mix sorbet and sparkling water or club soda in a bowl until it has dissolved. Add sparkling wine and fresh raspberries. Add ice if needed.

I’m so glad to be back. I’ve missed Pretty Domestic and the Dolls that read my post. Here’s to you!

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic