Passports in the Time of Covid

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Hey, Dolls! I initially posted this on Instagram, but received so many questions, thought I would bring the information and conversation to The Pretty Domestic. Peep the story below.

So, rookie mistake y’all …. I let my passport expire!

The backstory. Team Selby’s favorite cousin calls, literally three week ago, and says he’s found a most fabulous place in Cabo

April 1st – 5th – let’s go. We were in immediately. I checked our passports (my gut must have told me something), and mine was expired. Ok, no problem, I’ll pay a little extra + expedite the process. Well, y’all, the State Department was not making it easy on a Doll. 

Fast forward, I’ve been to Cabo and back , so I give you my primer “passporting” in the time Covid.

✈️ Start early.. The usual places that provide the services outside of the State Department cannot do anything less than 4 to 6 weeks.

✈️ Make sure you have every document you may need – including proof of travel. 

✈️ About that proof of  travel, you can’t even schedule an appointment if your travel is not booked. Travel insurance is a must! 

✈️ Don’t expect to get an appointment right away. Take multiple approaches – try scheduling online and calling. Don’t take no for an answer. Call + call again. 

My take – the State Department is trying to discourage travel. Don’t be discouraged!

✈️ Be prepared to travel elsewhere for your appointment. Appointments + staff are extremely limited, so you may need to hop in the car, or on the train, to get to your appointment in another city. I’m in Baltimore, fortunately got an appointment in DC – but was prepared to hit I-95 North + South if necessary. 

✈️ Be early, have ALL of your documents + be prepared to wait. I was told the wait would be fours – it was 2.5. But, I left with passport in hand! 

Have you traveled internationally during Covid? What was your experience? I’m no expert, but will answer any questions you have based on my experience.

Until then, keep sharing the pretty!

TPD

Hair Candy: The Namjosh Headband

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Hey, Dolls! Who doesn’t love a great statement piece?! I’ve always tried to incorporate one piece, some wow factor accessory that stands out, but being careful not to overdo it, for fear of being tacky. In the words of one Mademoiselle Chanel, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take off one accessory.” 

In many instances, I don a beautiful cocktail ring worn on my index finger, gifted to me by my Mom. It’s oversized and the perfect statement piece. 

Lately, my new red eyeglasses make a statement unto themselves. Paired with a good red lip, a look is instantly elevated. 

But, a Doll also likes a good hair accessory. Enter Namjosh headbands. I discovered the brand about two years when I was looking for a little something to spice up a leopard dress – as if leopard needs spicing! Any who, Namjosh makes the most fabulous, perfectly embellished headbands in every color of the rainbow. They’re like hair candy. 

I started with a purchase of the leopard, and have since added black + red jeweled. I’m eyeing an emerald green, blue + pink. Obviously, I’m obsessed!

Peep how I’ve styled them below!

Namjosh Arabella Black Headband | $50 – Paired with a Black Off-the-Shoulder Top from Zara.

Namjosh Leopard Crown Headband | $50 – Paired with a Leopard Maxi Dress for Banana Republic.

Namjosh | Arabella Red Headband | $50 – Paired with a Black Turtleneck from Theory.

What’s your statement piece? Are you a fan of the jeweled headband? Drop a comment below!

Until then, keep sharing the pretty!

TPD

My 2020 Gift List … The Home Edition

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Hey Dolls! Happy Holidays! This year, gift shopping and giving is challenged by the need to social distance, wear a mask, and simply keep ourselves, loved ones, and even those we don’t know safe and healthy. While online shopping has been de rigueur for as long as we can remember, this year it just may be lifesaving. That’s my plan. As much as possible, I’m staying clear of malls and boutiques, pouring a glass of bubbly, and shopping online. Peep my curated 2020 gift list below. First up, the home edition. Happy shopping!

Source Images | Michael Aram Twist Hors D’Oeuvre Board, Tom Ford F’ing Fabulous Candle, Pampa Bay Titanium Plated Serving Bowls, Signature Cocktail Napkins, Corvin Wine Preservation System, Smeg Kettle, Vitruvi Stone Diffuser

Until then, keep sharing the pretty!

The Pretty Domestic

You are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday!

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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

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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