Tag Archives: pretty dometic

Where Fashion Meets Fitness

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Hey Dolls!

I have been working diligently on amping up my fitness game. Earlier this year I began running, May 5th to be exact. And, am proud to announce that I ran my first official 5K on June 22nd. Yep, I finished and with a respectable time. I have definitely become addicted to running, and of course shopping for running gear.

My go-to running gear is Under Amour, compliments of an early summer haul from their sample sale. Even still, I always have an eye out for stylish workout ensembles. Enter Net-A-Porter.

Net-A-Porter is an online luxury retailer. A fabulous repository of high-end/designer ready-to-wear. Recently, scrolling through their Instagram page for some mindless entertainment, I stumbled across a video post entitled The 7-Day Body Reboot under the #netasporter.

The 7-Day Body Reboot is a series videos from Nike Master Trainer Joslyn Thompson and nutritional expert Rosemary Ferguson. These Dolls partnered with Net-A-Porter to create a week of workouts and health-boosting recipes designed to train and tone the body.

Of course, Net-A-Porter is going to ensure you stay fashionable during your workouts, so they also introduced Net-A-Sporter. Net-A-Sporter is “sportswear as chic as everything else in your closet. Smart tennis looks that are anything but traditional, precision running pants, yoga and dance clothes you can really move in and a dedicated area for après-workout – this is sport with style.” Love! Finally, they’ve also included the best in health and beauty products.

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A love that Net-a-Porter recognizes that beauty is an inside out proposition. No need to look good, if you don’t feel good! Bravo Net-A-Porter!

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Until Then,

L.

The Pretty Domestic

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday!

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Sadly, tomorrow is the last day of Summer. It’s a little overcast in my neck of the woods, but I am determined to send the season out in style. We are grilling this evening and I have the ingredients on hand for the perfect end-of-Summer cocktail.

I recently sipped on a Cucumber Martini when my Doll Rebecca whipped up a batch during our vacation to Martha’s Vineyard. It’s the perfect drink for a warm day, crisp and refreshing. Peep the mixology.

Cucumber Martini

Cucumber Martini

  • 2 oz. vodka
  • 3 slices of cucumber
  • 1/2 oz. simple syrup
  • Lemon or lime

The Mixology. Muddle the cucumber really well in shaker. Add vodka, simple syrup, and lemon. You can substitute for lime. Add ice and shake well. Strain into a martini glass and enjoy.

Chin, chin!

Until Then,

L.

The Pretty Domestic

Do the Clothes Make the Doll?

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Or, does the Doll make the clothes? We will find out soon enough. Why? Because Kerry Washington has teamed up with “Scandal,” Costume Designer, Lyn Paolo and Elliot Staples, Head of Design for The Limited, Inc.  to create a line in homage to the beautiful clothes worn by our favorite “fixer,” Olivia Pope. Check out Ms. Washington and the designers talking about the inspiration for the collection.

What to expect? 78 polished Olivia-esque pieces ranging from $49 to $250, including chic capes, coats, and smart pants suits. Here’s a sneak peek at the Scandal collection, to debut in The Limited stores and online next week.

adco1-master495Scandal Clothing Line

So for you “gladiators in suits,” do the clothes make the Doll; or does the Doll (Kerry Washington) make the clothes? What say you?

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Don’t forget to tune into the season premiere of Scandal on Thursday, September 25th!

Images: The Limited & The New York Times

Until Then,

L.

The Pretty Domestic

 

The Hiatus is Over! 50 Shades of Red … The Recap

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Hey Dolls!

You thought I forgot, didn’t you? Of course not; but I did take a much needed summer detour. The hiatus is over, so let me give you a quick recap of 50 Shades of Red, Vols. I – VI.

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50 Shades of Red … Vol. I

The Shade: Rouge Coco Shine “Dialogue,” with Framboise Precision Lip Definer, and Levres Scintillantes Glossimer 04, all compliments of Chanel. I could never fully commit to the color ~ just too much pink/magenta undertone. I would probably rock the gloss sans lipstick. red lips isolated in whitered lips isolated in whitered lips isolated in white

50 Shades of Red … Vol. II

The Shade: L’Oreal Infallible Le Rouge Lipstick in “Target” Red ~ ironically a quick purchase from said Target ~ with a MAC Lip Pencil in Brick. “Target Red” is the perfect shade of red, and lasts “foreva.” It has somewhat of a matte finish, which I love, but my lips still retained their moisture. red lips isolated in whitered lips isolated in whitered lips isolated in whitered lips isolated in whitered lips isolated in white

50 Shades of Red … Vol. III

The Shade: MAC DIVA, with its complimentary Currant Lip Pencil. Very severe. In the tube, it was a beautifully rich, deep burgundy, but it played really harsh on me; needed frequent reapplication, and the liner was a bit too dark. red lips isolated in whitered lips isolated in white

50 Shades of Red … Vol. IV

The Shade: Gloss Mirior ~ Extreme by Sephora in Femme Fatale. I’m not a gloss girl, but I love everything about Gloss Mirior ~ Extreme by Sephora in Femme Fatale. This little number is a top contender for my fav red lipstick.red lips isolated in white red lips isolated in whitered lips isolated in whitered lips isolated in whitered lips isolated in white

50 Shades of Red … Vol. V

The Shade: 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! red lips isolated in whitered lips isolated in whitered lips isolated in whitered lips isolated in white

50 Shades of Red … Vol. VI

The Shade: Rimmel Lasting Finish Matte Lipstick by Kate Moss. Tried to like it, but didn’t. It was extremely transparent and required a lot of reapplication. It also felt very gritty. Nope! red lips isolated in white

Le Confession
I traveled to La Posoda Resort & Spa mid-May disappointed by my experience with my Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick a la Ms. Moss, yet still committed to following through with 50 Shades of Red … Vol. VII. The highlight of my trip was going to be spending time with friends, as well as my Mother and Aunt Mary Kay, both of whom are of the world of Grande Dolls. These women are always dolled up. It doesn’t matter where they are going – ensemble, hair and makeup are always just right! As we shopped, ate, and chatted, Aunt Mary Kay pulled out a tube of the prettiest pink lipstick. It was gorgeous and matched her perfectly glowing tan complexion. I had to have it. GASP! But, what to do, what to do? Could I abandon 50 Shades and the disappointment from Ms. Moss, make myself happy and ask Aunt Mary Kay the details of this beauty? You know where I’m going, I did the latter, and for the past several months have been wearing Make Me Pink Lipstick 135 by Maybelline. You heard me right, Maybelline! (Clutch the pearls!) I’ve never received so many complements. I love the color, texture, it’s moisturizing, long-lasting and looks good with a tan. On a scale of 0 to 5, I give it 5 pink lips! Pink LipsPink LipsPink LipsPink LipsPink Lips

maybelline color sensational lipstick make me pink swatch

But a commitment is a commitment. Here’s where we are. Make Me Pink Lipstick is being retired today! After all, Summer is almost gone and we can now return to our regularly scheduled program with the Bobbi Brown Red Alert Edition of 50 Shades of Red … Vol. VII. Yep, I’m trying all four!

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Image: Instagram

Whew, that’s off of my chest. At least you can say a Doll is honest. Glad to be back!

Until Then,

L.

The Pretty Domestic

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday!

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Today’s Champagne Sunday recipe is an homage to my BFF and ultimate Doll, FT! She introduced me to this cocktail during a marathon Dolls’ evening at Wit & Wisdom at the Four Seasons. It’s true name is The Aviator, but I have renamed it, “Have A Little Faith.” Peep the mixology below.

“Have A Little Faith”

The Aviator

Ingredients.
2 ounces of Hendricks Gin
1/4 ounce Maraschino Liqueur
1/2 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice
Dash of Creme de Violette

The Mixology.
Pour ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and strain. Lately, I am crushing on the Nambe Infinity Cocktail Shaker.

Nambe Cocktail Shaker

Garnish with a flamed lemon peel, Luxardo Cherry and serve.  Chin! Chin!

Until Then,

L.

The Pretty Domestic 

 

The Father’s Day Gift Guide

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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

Perfume Perfection

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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!

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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

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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 Set, inspired 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

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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