Tag Archives: the pretty domestic

Trick & Treat! (Why Can’t It Be Both!)

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Halloween is right around the corner; and many of us will be attending parties this weekend, including yours truly. But, for those of you hosting Halloween parties, here are several great cocktail recipes to ensure your guests have a ghoulishly good time.

Dracula’s Kiss (Top Left)

Ingredients

  • 1.5 oz. SKYY Infusions Blood Orange
  • 1 oz. Blood Orange Puree
  • 1.5 oz. Blueberry Pomegranate Juice
  • .5 oz. Lemon Juice
  • .5 oz. Simple Syrup

Preparation. Combine all ingredients, shake hard, strain into a martini glass. Garnish with an orange.

The Creepy Crawler (Top Right)

Ingredients

  • 2 oz. SKYY Infusions Blood Orange
  • 1 tsp of passion fruit syrup
  • .5 oz. of orange juice
  • .5 oz. of pineapple juice

Preparation. Shake all ingredients, pour into a low-ball glass, and fill with ice. Top with a hibiscus flower and a teaspoon of hibiscus flower syrup.

Midori’s Spider Kiss (Bottom Left)

Ingredients

  • 1 part Midori Melon Liqueur
  • 1 part SKYY Vodka
  • Juice from half lemon
  • Chocolate syrup
  • Grenadine
  • Chocolate dipped orange slice for garnish

Preparation. Draw a chocolate web into a martini glass. Place in freezer and chill for a ghostly effect. Shake all ingredients and strain into glass. For a blood effect, drizzle grenadine down the side of the glass. Garnish with a chocolate dipped orange slice.

The Itsy Bitsy (Bottom Right)

Ingredients

  • 1 oz. X-Rated Fusion Liqueur
  • .5 oz. SKYY Vodka
  • 1.5 oz. Black Raspberry Liqueur
  • 3 blackberries

Preparation. Muddle 2-3 blackberries in a shaker. Place remaining ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled martini glass rimmed with black rimming sugar. Garnish with blackberries on a cocktail pick.

Cocktail Recipes and Images: Uptown Magazine

Now that your Halloween party bar will be stocked with chillingly delicious cocktails. Serve your guests a tasty Pie a la Apple dessert.

Image: The Pretty Domestic Kitchen (Smile!)

Pie a la Apple

Ingredients

  • 5-6 Granny Smith apples that can stand on their own
  • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Pie Crust (homemade or pre-made)

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees F.

Preparation. Cut the top of 4 apples off and discard. Remove the inside of each apple with a spoon or melon baller very carefully. Remove skin from remaining apple(s) and slice very thinly. These apple pieces will give you the additional filling needed to fill the four apples you are baking.

Mix sliced apples with sugars and cinnamon in a bowl. If you prefer more or less cinnamon make adjustments as desired. Same goes for the sugar. Scoop sliced apples into hollow apples.

Roll out pie crust and slice into 1/4 inch strips. I added a strip inside the top of the apple, which can be seen in the photo above.

Cover the top of the apple in a lattice pattern with pie crust strips. Place apples in an 8×8 pan. If your apples are big you may need a bigger pan. Add just enough water to the cover the bottom of the pan. Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until crust is golden brown and sliced apples are soft. Serves 4.

We are big on holidays at Maison Pretty Domestic; and never miss an opportuntiy to decorate with the appropriate theme. Check out our carved pumpkins from last year and this weekend.

You can pick up a Pumpkin Masters carving kit from Ace Hardware or your local grocery store. We’ve used the same set each year. Here’s a hint, purchase two kits, the tools are a little flimsy.

I hope that I’ve given you some fun ideas for your Halloween celebration. Leave me a comment and share your favorite Halloween cocktail recipes and decoration ideas.

Until Then, Trick & Treat … It really can be both!

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

Pretty Healthy Pt. Deux …

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In my quest to adopt a more healthy lifestyle, I continue to try different smoothies. I am quickly learning what tastes and textures appeal to my palette. Last week, I came across another smoothie recipe that sounded really tasty, and had all of the requisite nutrients to jump-start my day.

I purchased the ingredients and tried the recipe with a special young lady in my life, Miss Jordan. The smoothie turned out wonderfully; and with football season just around the corner, and the purple tint of the drink, we named it “Jordan & Miss Lynn’s Ravens Super Smoothie.”

Jordan & Miss Lynn’s Ravens Super Smoothie!

Ingredients

2 handfuls of spinach

1 handful of kale

1/2 – 3/4 cup of orange juice

10 to 12 baby carrots

1/2 cup of plain non-fat greek yogurt

1 cup mixed berries

Prep Time: 5 to 10 minutes. Method: In a reliable blender, puree spinach, kale and orange juice until only flecks of green remain. Add all other ingredients. Blend until smooth, about 2 minutes and serve.

Recipe: A Sweet Simple Life

NOTE: It’s hard to see the purple tint of the drink, but trust us, Ravens purple!

I’ve also added a healthy snack to my daily diet ~ almonds. They taste good and the benefits are endless. For example, almonds reduce the risk of heart disease; regulate blood pressure; are helpful in reducing the risk of cancer; and contain Iron and vitamins which are helpful in treating anemia.

There are also several “beauty benefits” of almonds.

Benefits of Almonds-Beauty

  • Almonds are rich in Vitamin E which is good for beautiful skin and hair.
  • Almond oil is the best massage oil which rejuvenates the body. It is also good for skin.
  • Almond oil can be applied as moisturizer for skin.
  • Almond oil can used to treat all types of hair problems.

Leave me a comment about your favorite healthy lifestyle tip and/or recipe.

Until Then,

~ The Pretty Domestic & Miss Jordan (BTW, she typed the recipe in this post!)

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sundays!!!

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It’s hot! Better yet sweltering! Every time I look at the weather report for “my neck of the woods” the temperature is approaching 100+  degrees. When it’s hot, I’m not much for “cocktailing.” My main goal is to keep cool and hydrated, and nothing does the job better than a bottle of agua!

However, I don’t want to put “Champagne Sundays” completely on the back burner during the summer months. Try a Mimosa Sorbet for a cool and refreshing cocktail alternative.

Mimosa Sorbet

Ingredients

2 1/2 c. water

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. orange marmalade

Zest from 2 large oranges

1 c. fresh squeezed orange juice (about 2 large oranges)

3 tbsp. lemon juice

Your favorite champagne

Directions. Combine the water, sugar, marmalade, and zest in a large saucepan. Heat over medium heat until it bubbles. Simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool completely. Mix in the orange and lemon juice and process in your ice cream maker according to manufacturing directions. Transfer to a container and freeze until set. Scoop sorbet into champagne flutes and pour champagne over the top. Serve immediately. Makes 1 quart.

Recipe: Cooking Light

Here’s to you, and a relaxing and cool “Champagne Sunday!”

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

Strawberries & Cream … AND ….

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I’m not normally a fan of milky or creamy drinks, particularly in the summertime, but I recently tried a Chocolate Strawberry Bliss at a soiree, and was sold. Probably not something you would drink in the middle of the day, but could be a nice cocktail for a girls night in. Let me know what you think.

Chocolate Strawberry Bliss

Ingredients

Directions. Pour ingredients in an ice filled shaker and shake for 30-45 seconds. Pour into a martini glass garnished with a fresh strawberry.

Consider serving it with chocolate covered strawberries from your local chocolatier; or if you are feeling brave, make them yourself.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces milk chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons shortening
  • 1 pound fresh strawberries with leaves

Directions. Insert toothpicks into the tops of the strawberries. In a double boiler, melt the chocolate and shortening, stirring occasionally until smooth. Holding them by the toothpicks, dip the strawberries into the chocolate mixture. Turn the strawberries upside down and insert the toothpick into styrofoam for the chocolate to cool.

Bon Appetit!

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

Summer Salads & Sweet Tea

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Being “pretty domestic” means being pretty practical; and with the sweltering weather, the kitchen is the last place a doll wants to spend her time, slaving over a hot stove. Yet, we still have to eat. That said, this is the perfect time for a wonderful salad. I’m not talking about throwing some iceberg lettuce in a bowl, with a few tomatoes and a slice or two of cucumber; but savory, healthy salads that leave you wanting more!

BERRY DELICIOUS SUMMER SALAD

Ingredients

  • 8 cups mixed salad greens
  • 2 cups fresh blueberries
  • ½ cup crumbled Gorgonzola or blue cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped and toasted walnuts or pecans
  • Bottled vinaigrette

Toss together first 4 ingredients; drizzle with desired amount of vinaigrette, tossing gently to coat.

LEMON~BASIL SHRIMP SALAD

Prep: 20 min., Chill: 8 hrs. Don’t skip the fresh lemon rind and juice in the marinade–it’s what makes this recipe special. These shrimp also make a terrific appetizer. The shrimp and dressing, as well as the Parmesan Baskets, can all be made a day ahead.

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs. unpeeled, cooked shrimp
  • 1 large red onion, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • ½ cup chopped fresh basil
  • 16 cups salad greens
  • 8 Parmesan Baskets (optional)
  • Fresh Lemon Vinaigrette ~ Ingredients: ¼ cup fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 large garlic clove, pressed; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ½ cup vegetable oil

Preparation: Whisk together first 5 ingredients. Gradually add oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking until blended. Note: To prepare ahead, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature, and whisk before serving.

  • Lemon-Basil Marinade ~ Ingredients: 1 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup red wine vinegar; 2 tablespoons grated lemon rind; ¼ cup fresh lemon juice; 3 tablespoons sugar; 2 tablespoons hot sauce; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 garlic cloves, pressed; ½ teaspoon salt

Preparation: Whisk together oil and remaining ingredients in a bowl.

Peel shrimp, and devein, if desired. Place shrimp and next 4 ingredients in a large zip-top plastic freezer bag. Seal and chill 8 hours or up to 24 hours, turning bag occasionally. Stir in basil 1 hour before serving. Drain and discard marinade just before serving.

Divide greens evenly between Parmesan Baskets or serving bowls; arrange drained shrimp mixture evenly over lettuce. Serve with Fresh Lemon Vinaigrette.

SUN SWEET TEA

Tie 14 tea bags together. Place in the bottom of a 4-quart clear container. Slice a lemon and squeeze in the juice from both halves. Put both lemon halves in your container. Fill the container with cold water, put the cover on and add three hours of strong sun.

Bring inside and take out tea bags. Add a cup of sugar, more or less depending on your taste. Chill for a couple of hours or pour over ice & enjoy!

If you want to make this your “Champagne Sunday” cocktail of choice, and for an extra kick, add 1 cup Bacardi 151 or other high-proof golden rum.

IMAGES & RECIPES: Linda Wagner Blogspot & Southern Living

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

Friday Quick Post ~ Win an Eye Shadow Palette by Two Faced Cosmetics!

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Happy Friday & Happy Father’s Day Weekend!

In an earlier post, I chatted about my love for Two Faced Cosmetics Eye Shadow Palettes. I love that they come with instructions on how to apply the eye shadow to get the look that you want. From a sultry smokey eye, to a shimmery bronze beach look, or a natural matte finish for your daytime office look, there’s something for every Doll’s taste. I also love the packaging ~ “pretty” and compact enough to throw in your bag and go! I’m taking three different palettes on my upcoming vacation!

Want to Win a Two Faced Cosmetics Eyeshadow Palette?!

Follow @1prettydomestic on Twitter and Tweet the following:

“I just entered @1prettydomestic Two Faced Cosmetics Giveaway & so can u! http://pretty-domestic.com/2012/06/15/friday-quick-p…aced-cosmetics/”

One winner will be chosen at random. Each Tweet counts as one entry. Enter as many times as you like. Contest ends Wednesday, June 20th at 5:00 p.m. and is open to U.S. Residents only. Good luck!

Two Faced Cosmetics is available at Sephora and online at http://www.toofaced.com/

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

God Save the Queen!

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I love royalty; and as such have been riveted to every moment of Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee! From the floatilla, to the concert, to the various changes of clothes, I haven’t missed a beat. With an eye on all things across the pond, I have been thinking of hosting a tea for my favorite dolls. But not just any tea, a fabulous tea with all of the accoutrements! These are all of the ideas I am considering, and want to share with you.

I have been coveting this Henri Bendel Tea Pot and Cup and Saucer set for some time. I think they would be perfect for a more modern setting for a tea.

tea pot

tea cup

Some time ago, I purchased a silver tea service similar to this one. Perfect for a more formal afternoon tea setting.

tea set

Image: Silver Collect

Now, what to serve. A tea sandwich is de rigeur for a tea party.

sh1a08_tea_sandwiches_lg

Image & Recipe: Food Network

Ingredients:

24 bread slices (recommended: white, rye, whole grain, pumpernickel, or a combination)

  • 1 cup guacamole
  • 2 cooked chicken breasts, thinly sliced
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons chopped chives
  • 1/2 English cucumber, sliced into thin rounds
  • 1/4 cantaloupe, peeled, seeded and thinly sliced
  • 1/4 pound thinly sliced prosciutto
  • Special Equipment: 3-inch round cookie cutter

Directions. Using a round cookie cutter, cut out the center of the bread, removing the crusts.

Guacamole Chicken Tea Sandwiches. Take a piece of the bread and, using a butter knife, spread 1 side of it with guacamole. Spread 1 side of another piece of bread with mayonnaise. Top guacamole with chicken and then the mayonnaise-smeared bread.

Chive Cream Cheese and Cucumber Tea Sandwiches. Mix chives into the softened cream cheese. Spread 1 side of 1 slice of bread with the chive cream cheese. Top with a few slices of cucumber and then with another slice of bread.

Prosciutto Melon Tea Sandwiches. Place prosciutto on 1 slice of bread. Top with some melon and another slice of bread

I have also been looking for ANY reason to make and serve these Shortbread Tea Bag Cookies. Aren’t they are simply to die for! In addition to serving these during a tea party, package them in a decorative box and present them to your guests as a party favor.

green-cup-wm-1024x731

Image: Paleo Sprit

My favorite Food Network star, Giada DeLaurentiis, shares these tips for setting up a Tea Bar, inclusive of Mint Tea, Amaretto Liquer, Candied Lemon Peels, and Whipped Cream. Additional teas to serve include Earl Grey Black Tea, Darjeeling Black Tea, Chamomile and Green Tea.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Pretty Domestic post, without the recommendation of a cocktail to serve at your tea party … why not a tea-infused cocktail!

Hibiscus Tea with Vodka and Citrus

091911-Hibiscus-Tea-400

Ingredients

  • 4 cups water
  • 2 cups (2 ounces) dried hibiscus flowers or dried rose petals*
  • 1 3/4 cups sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 cup vodka, chilled
  • 1 cup ice

Directions

*Can be found at specialty Latin markets

In a medium saucepan, combine the water, hibiscus flowers, and sugar over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool for 25 minutes. Add the lemon juice, lime juice, and vodka.

Place the ice in a tall pitcher. Strain the hibiscus tea into the pitcher and discard the flowers. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Image: InStyle

So, in honor of Her Majesty, your are cordially invited to a Pretty Domestic Tea Party!

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

Pretty Organized Pt. Deux …

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Several weeks ago, I posted about organizing the rooms in your home ~ everything from purging, storage options and filing. Since that time, I’ve come across several super stylish ways to organize your shoes, scarves, jewelry, etc. The fun here is that depending on the design aesthetic in your home, you can add your own flair to these ideas.

For us shoe loving dolls, storing multiple boxes of different sizes can be tiresome. Not to mention combing through and lifting the lids to find the perfect pair to match your outfit. How about storing your shoes in a glass-front armoire/cabinet! I love the idea of purchasing a fabulous piece of furniture for your dressing room to display your highest YSLs or Stubbs and Woottons.

creative-shoe-storage-ideas-1

Image: Furnish Burnish

Jewelry can also be quite cumbersome to store. The challenge, how and where to store “the good stuff” vs costume pieces. Adorning your dressing table with these glass covered silver pedestals and disks filled with your most eye~catching costume jewelry is tres magnifique!

cool-jewelry-storage-ideas-9

Image: Love Letters to Home

I am also scarf lover. They can be worn in numerous ways on your head; but I have been known to tie them on the handle of my bag to compliment a outfit. Some scarves however are nothing short of a work of art. Why not treat them as such by hang them in your home.

hermes scarf

Image: Hermes

You may also want to consider hanging your scarves on a crystal wall hook. Whatever your choice, just don’t stuff them in the bottom of a drawer.

crystal wall hooks

Image: Anthropologie

And, how about those numerous perfume bottles? Open shelving for your bathroom or dressing room keeps them out-of-the-way, yet accessible, making it easy to select your choice for the day or evening.

perfume storage

Image: This is Glamorous

So you see, storage and organizing doesn’t having to be a sterile and boring endeavor, but more of a true extension of your personal style. I’ll be on the look out for more stylish ways to store your “what-nots” to share with you.

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sundays …

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I love to cook. Quiet time in the kitchen trying a new recipe, music playing in the background on my iPad, and a wonderful smelling candle burning on the countertop is über relaxing to me. Now, I don’t consider myself a traditional cook. I like attempting more non-traditional recipes. I enjoy the challenge of shopping for ingredients I wouldn’t normally keep in my spice cabinet and recreating the presentation in the recipe picture. Recently, I tried a recipe that would be great for a Sunday afternoon lunch al fresco.

catfish-sandwiches-ck-l

Open-Faced Blackened Catfish Sandwich with Greek Yogurt and Cilantro Coleslaw.

1 3/4 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
3/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 (6-ounce) catfish fillets
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/3 cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon honey
2 cups packaged cabbage-carrot coleslaw
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
4 (1-ounce) slices sourdough bread, toasted

Preparation
1. Combine first 5 ingredients in a small bowl. Sprinkle both sides of
fish with paprika mixture. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat.
Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add fish; cook 4 minutes on each side or
until desired degree of doneness.
2. Combine yogurt, juice, and honey in a medium bowl. Add cabbage and
cilantro; toss well to coat. Top each bread slice with about 1/2 cup slaw
and 1 fillet. Top each fillet with remaining slaw.

Recipe and Image: Cooking Light.

The recipe was relatively easy to prepare and a huge hit in my home. But, Sundays wouldn’t be “Champagne Sundays” without the perfect bubbly to pair with your dish.  Try this Dibon Cava. It’s an awesome Spanish Wine. We tasted it recently at a local wine bar and have kept it stocked in our bar ever since.

cava

Image: Josh’s Wine Blog

Check back next week for a new “Champagne Sunday’s” recipe! Salut!

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic