You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday!

Posted on May 30, 2015 by 1prettydomestic

Summer cocktailing calls for lighter libations. It’s nothing worse than drinking a harvest-worthy drink in the heat and humidity. I tend to stick with a crisp white wine or glass of champagne during the warmer months; but for a mixed cocktail, I love a Mojito.

The Mojito is a traditional Cuban highball consisting of white rum, sugar (traditionally sugar cane juice), lime juice, sparkling water, and mint. Havana is the birthplace of the Mojito, although the exact origin is a matter of debate. The original Cuban recipe uses spearmint or yerba buena, a mint variety very popular on the island.

I tried to find an English translation of the word Mojito, but could only find one. “The name mojito stems from the African word of “mojo ” which means to place a little spell.” I like it!

Peep the mixology.

The Mojito

Ingredients |

2 sprigs mint
1 oz simple syrup
0.75 oz lime juice
1.5 oz rum
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
Soda Water

The Mixology | Muddle one sprig of mint with lime and syrup. (I love the traditional wooden muddler). Add rum, bitters and ice and shake. Strain into an ice-filled high ball glass and top with soda water. You must not forget to garnish with sugar cane. Salud!

Image | Tafari’s Mindspull

Until Then | Keep Sharing the Pretty,

The Pretty Domestic

The Beauty Experiment

Posted on May 29, 2015 by 1prettydomestic

My guilty pleasure is beauty products – skin + body care, make-up, fragrances, nail polish – I’m in! My recent obsession has been on creating the perfect skin care routine. Ok not recent, this has been an ongoing quest. My skin is not bad, but could be better – hyper-pigmentation be damned! I’ve tried all types of creams, potions and lotions, everything from Prescriptives to La Prarie. On a recent jaunt to Sephora, for an angled eyeliner brush, I spied an end-cap of face and eye masks, something for every skin malady. My choice, the Perfecting & Brightening Pearl Mask in the pretty pink packaging. You should know that I am also drawn to packaging, the more minimal the better. A lot of products come home with me because of the packaging, but I digress.

It was a week or so before I made time to try the mask. Honestly, I was somewhat leery, but let me say, I had a change of heart. Wednesday was a free night, perfect for a “pretty party.” I carefully read and followed the directions. Unfold the mask – check; apply the mask to a clean and dry face – check; and after 15 minutes remove the mask and gently massage, allowing the product to penetrate the skin, no need to rinse – check.

My first concern was that the mask would be flimsy, meaning that it would tear while trying to remove from the packaging; but nope, it’s made of fiber, no tears. It was also easy to apply, and covered the entire surface of my face with a little extra mask for under my chin. I have to say that I looked like The Mummy, but that’s the price of beauty. You can find a pic on Sephora’s Beauty Board, I don’t want to scare you away.

But what I loved that most is that you could “feel” the ingredients working – natural origin white pearl, which is said to even out skin tone, and broccoli extract for clarifying. Personally, I like to feel a little tingle in my products. There was also a cooling/soothing sensation. Once I removed the mask there was product left on my face which, following the directions, I massaged into my skin. I immediately looked in the mirror and my skin looked healthier and brighter (glowing) – pores significantly smaller. Now I’m no fool and know that bathroom lighting is not true lighting. But since it was not yet dark on the East Coast, I took my hand mirror outside on the deck to take a look, still pleased.

The very next morning I awoke and went to the mirror to see if I was still pleased with the results, and yep. Is my skin cured of its ails? Of course not. But, 48 hours in am I still pleased? Yes. I will certainly add this to my weekly skin care routine. And by the way, the price point is $6.00. Yesterday, did a supermarket sweep through Sephora and picked up the companion Perfecting & Brightening Eye Mask. I will post a follow up review on the eye mask in the next week or so.

This is only one of several face masks available at Sephora. Peep the selection here – Sephora Face Masks.

Do you mask? If so, leave a comment and share your experience.

Until Then | Keep Sharing the Pretty

The Pretty Domestic

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday!

Posted on May 24, 2015 by 1prettydomestic

Hey Dolls! Nothing says summer like lemonade. So, for the Memorial Day edition of Champagne Sunday, I give you lemonade with a twist – the “Mrs. Lemonade,” compliments of the one and only Mrs. Lilien. Peep the mixology below.

Mrs. Lemonade – A Blended Lemonade Cooler

MIXOLOGY | Combine 4 lemons (peeled and seeded), 1 cup of Vodka, 1/4 cup of simple syrup, and 6 fresh mint leaves in a blender and blend on high for 30 seconds. Stop the blender, add 3 cups of ice, and puree until smooth. Serve in chilled glasses and garnish with straws. Chin, Chin!

Until Then | Keep Sharing the Pretty!

The Pretty Domestic

Straight Shade.

Posted on May 21, 2015 by 1prettydomestic

Hey Dolls! Memorial Day is upon us and with it the beginning of summer. The list of must-haves for the season is endless, but at the top of mine is the perfect sunglasses. What defines perfect? Style and substance. They must look fabulous – for me, the bigger, the better. But equally as important – that they must keep those pesky UV-rays at bay. Yep, vanity be thy name.

My choice? Chanel Signature Oversized Square frames in homage to one Mrs.Kennedy-Onassis.

But for my Dolls, I want to share my other faves for the season. I’m giving you a little of everything from a Classic Rayban Aviator, a trendy take on the Wayfarer in tortoise, to an avante-garde shield frame from Chanel. Whatever your taste, peep the haute-ness below!

The Celine Marta.

Prada Oversized Glam.

The Classis Rayban Aviator.

Dior Lady Lady 1.

And for you more daring Dolls …

The Chanel Butterfly Acetate Frames Embellished with Pearls.

Have a fun-filled holiday!

Until Then | Keep Sharing the Pretty,

The Pretty Domestic

The Must-Haves: Snob Essentials Jewel Box

Posted on February 17, 2015 by 1prettydomestic

must-have \ˈməst-ˌhav\ –n

1. an essential possession: the Snob Essentials Jewel Box Bag

–adj

2. essential: a must-have spring bag

Hello Dolls! So, I stumbled across this “must-have” during a recent Instagram binge and immediately fell in love. A quick search and voila, the Snob Essentials Jewel Box, from Snob Essentials.

It’s the absolute cutest cross-body bag with a chain, available of all places on HSN! (I know! I too was surprised.)

It’s also available in yellow, pink, and white. Swoon!

Will you be ordering one for Spring? It’s a MUST-HAVE!

Until Then, Keep Sharing the Pretty! | The Pretty Domestic

You are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday!

Posted on February 14, 2015 by 1prettydomestic

Happy Sunday Dolls! You know what day it is; and in keeping with the “love month” theme, I’m sharing one of my favorite Champagne Sunday libations. Piper-Heidsieck Champagne.

These deep red, little lovelies are packaged in fours; and yes they are sold with the adorable sipping straws.

Piper has also merged with world of fashion, when in 1999, Jean-Paul Gaultier made a stir by dressing the bottle in a red vinyl corset, with delicate lace detailing on its curves. Its curvy silhouette, more sensual than ever, became an iconic object of daring luxury, boldly on-trend. The face-to-face with creativity continues at the regular rhythm of inspired collaborations. The most audacious designers are invited to challenge the established order with, always, the same standards of excellence.

Je t’aime! Chin, chin!

Until then; keep sharing the pretty!

The Pretty Domestic

Source: Piper-Heidsieck Champagne

Je T’aime!

Posted on February 14, 2015 by 1prettydomestic

Hello Dolls! It’s Valentine’s Day! So, whether you being pampered, or pampering yourself, do so in grand style!

And, if you’re doing a little last minute Valentine’s Day shopping, peep The Pretty Domestic Love List:

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour Rouge Rubis

Tom Ford Scarlett Rouge Lip Color

Hunter Original Tall Gloss Rain Boots | “Wellies”

Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Zippy Wallet

Jo Malone Red Roses Bath Oil

‘Japonica – Goji Tarocco Orange’ Three-Wick Candle

Until Then,

The Pretty Domestic

The Must-Haves: Mischo Beauty Nail Lacquer

Posted on September 30, 2014 by 1prettydomestic

must-have \ˈməst-ˌhav\ –n

1. an essential possession: the Mischo Beauty “Brave is Beautiful Collection” is the must-have fall nail lacquer

–adj

2. essential: a must-have luxe nail lacquer

Hi Dolls! You know I love beauty products and when I find a good one, I’m loyal. If you recall, last November I introduced you to Mischo Beauty, a luxe nail lacquer, after attending the DC launch of the line – Pretty New ~ Mischo Beauty Luxury Nail Lacquer. The inaugural line, Fashion Week, was so fab with colors aptly named The Tents, Front Row, Invite Only, and #NYFW that I wanted to check back in almost a year later to see what’s new in nails.

I reached out to beauty brainchild, Kitiya Mischo King, who graciously agreed to give us a peek into what going on with Mischo Beauty and fall nail trends. Peep the deets below.

PD. Last time we saw you was in November at the Washington, DC launch of Mischo Beauty. Tell us what’s been going on with your line since then?

K. We’ve been working tirelessly to grow the brand! We are now available at The Emerald Door (www.emeralddoorsalon.com) in Silver Spring, MD – which is our first retail account. We’ve also launched two new collections – “The Icons Collection” for Spring 2014 and “The Brave is Beautiful Collection” for Fall 2014.

PD. If I recall, Mischo Beauty Nail Lacquer is “5 Free.” Remind us what that means and why it’s important?

K. The term “5 FREE” means that the nail lacquer formulation does not contain the following toxins: formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, DBP, toluene or camphor. These toxins can cause some ugly side effects such as nausea, light-headedness, headaches, and more. They’ve even been linked to cancer and birth defects.

PD. Let’s get to what’s important. What’s on trend for nails this fall? Colors, shapes, lengths? Is the long pointy nail still in?

K. Our favorite trends for Fall 2014 include winter pastels, tonol dressing (from head to toe), metallics and knits in every variation (dresses, jumpsuits, jackets, pants, etc) and the new Fall 2014 collection pairs well with them all! As far as nail shape and length are concerned – yes, we’re definitely still seeing the “stiletto” nail!

PD. What about a couple of tips for maintaining healthy nails.

K. Our absolute favorite tip is the fact that a healthy body results in healthy nails! It’s important to make sure you’re exercising, maintaining a balanced diet full of green vegetables, drinking a minimum of 8 glasses of water daily, taking a multivitamin and getting adequate sleep!

PD. I know that all of the Mischo Beauty Nail Lacquer colors are your babies. But do you have a favorite? What are you featuring in your line for the fall?

K. Honestly, I love them all! The Fall 2014 “The Brave is Beautiful Collection” includes four new, daring, 5-free shades which are a tribute to the bold choices of women who curate fabulous lives in the face of challenge. Determination never looked so good.

PD. Will you be expanding Mischo Beauty to other beauty products in the future?

K. Yes! We are working on launching a full collection of color cosmetics to be released in the very near future. Please stay tuned!

Thanks Kitiya! We sure will! We look forward to chatting with you again soon!

L to R: FAIT ACCOMPLI (NUDE): Boss babes never sleep since luxury does not come cheap. #youdidTHAT; CATWALK (CONCRETE GRAY): Calm, cool and fearless. Life is your runway. The world steps aside for a woman who knows her mission; RUN THE WORLD (BLACKEST BLACK): You never tire of the beautiful life and you are not afraid to grab it by the horns. Shape shifting and magic are your specialties; and PHENOMENON (METALLIC RED BLACK): Your favorite position? CEO. Naturally, the world hangs on your every extraordinary move.

About Kitiya.

Until Then,

The Pretty Domestic

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday … I’ll Have What She’s Having!

Posted on September 28, 2014 by 1prettydomestic

Today’s Champagne Sunday comes to you with a twist. I thought it would be fun to try some cocktail recipes courtesy of our fav stars. In other words, over the next couple of weeks, we’ll have what she (or he) is having. First up, “The Big O,” Oprah Winfrey!

Oprah has about five “go-to” libations, the Moscow Mule, Pomegranate Martini, Frozen TangOrita, Oh Mai Mai Juice, and the Legends Lemon Drop Martini, which we are featuring today.

Aptly named the Legends Lemon Drop Martini because “O” served this cocktail during her 2005 Legends Ball. Peep the mixology below.

Oprah’s Legends Lemon Drop Martini

Serving Size: 2

Ingredients:

Juice of six lemons
4 tablespoons of sugar
6 fresh mint leaves
4 shots of vodka
Ice in shaker
1 sugar rimmed martini glass

The Mixology. Mix lemon juice, sugar and vodka in a martini shaker filled with ice. Shake well and pour into a sugar-rimmed martini glass. Garnish with mint and enjoy! Chin, chin!

While you are sipping on your Legends Lemon Drop Martini, enjoy scenes from Oprah’s Legends Ball.

Until Then,

The Pretty Domestic

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The Pretty Domestic | Life with Elle

A Lifestyle Blog Musing On All Things Luxe, Lifestyle + Beauty

Tag Archives: pretty dometic

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday!

The Beauty Experiment

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday!

The Must-Haves: Snob Essentials Jewel Box

You are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday!

Je T’aime!

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday … I’ll Have What She’s Having!