And the Oscar Goes to …

26 Tuesday Feb 2013

Posted by 1prettydomestic in Pretty General, Uncategorized

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2013 Oscars

Hi Dolls! And the Oscar buzz continues. Not so much about who won, but for who wore what? Although, how about that sweet redemption for Ben Affleck!

Anywho, here is my Oscar Red Carpet Quick Post.

Guliana Rancic’s New Hair Cut. Love it much more than extensions. I also like the warmer color. It is much more becoming, and she looks younger.

Credit: Zap 2 It

The Mani Cam. The mani cam is just a cute little red carpet feature. My Sunday night fav, Miss Pope. I’m sorry, Kerry Washington. Love the bauble!

Credit: E. Online

Miss Q. ~ Quvenzhane Wallis. Need I say more. What a fabulous little Doll in training. Loved the up-~do with the pearl headband. She was just too cute with the Sammy Puppy Bag. That will be all of the rage with the younger set.

Credit: Us Weekly

Jessica Chastain a la Veronica Lake. I have to admit that I wasn’t a fan of her dress, although it received raves. But, her hair was everything. The red lip was also a compliment to the red hair.

Credit: Just Jared

Zoe S. Up to this point in the show, Zoe Saldana was my pick for best dressed. From the Alexis Mabille Couture dress, Neil Lane jewelry, Roger Vivier shoes, to the Salvatore Ferragamo clutch, she was so hollywood! Absolutely stunning!

Credit: Pop Sugar

And Then Charlize Theron Graced the Red Carpet. I died! Not everyone can don this pixie blonde style. It was the perfect accessory to her Dior Couture two piece number and Harry Winston jewels. Love the slight hint of beading on the peplum and the perfect length train. My hands down favorite of the evening. (And she dances beautifully!)

Credit: Tom and Lorenzo

The Runner-Ups …

Melissa McCarthy. I thought the vintage ’60 style hair was fab, as well as the draping of her gray dress. Some bashed her. I thought she looked lovely.

Credit: Huffington Post

Halle Berry. I didn’t like how the dress presented on the red carpet (a little to Vegas for my taste), but was sold when she blessed the stage. She represented the Bond Girl franchise extremely well.

Credit: Tom and Lorenzo

And not to overlook the men, I thought Chris Tucker looked super handsome in his navy blue tuxedo.

Credit: Yahoo Movies

Well Dolls, that’s my Oscars Red Carpet Quick Post. Who were your favorites?

Until Then,

~ The Pretty Domestic

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sundays!!!

24 Sunday Feb 2013

Posted by 1prettydomestic in Pretty Pleasing

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champagne sundays

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,

~ The Pretty Domestic

21 Days & Counting ..

04 Tuesday Dec 2012

Posted by 1prettydomestic in Pretty General

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DVF Harper Connect Bag, Holiday shopping

Ok Dolls, this fab gift was brought to my attention by my wonderful Step-Mother! It’s the Harper Connect Bag by Diane Von Furstenberg. What make this bag so “haute” you ask? Well, not only is it stylish, it’s practical because the back side holds an iPad! Sounds too bulky and utilitarian to be fly; but trust me its super cute.

I’m not normally a fan of shoulder bags, and have traditionally been a tote or top handle girl, but I would definitely carry this bag. I think it’s the perfect gift for the tech savvy Mom.

Red Robin Harper Connect Bag Red Robin Harper Connect Bag 2

Until tomorrow, happy shopping,

~ The Pretty Domestic

Day 22 & Counting …

03 Monday Dec 2012

Posted by 1prettydomestic in Pretty General

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Holiday shopping

If you are like me, invariably someone in your family will give you gloves for Christmas. I have enough practical gloves to keep my hands warm until the end of days. What I don’t have enough of are fashion gloves. You know, those that add that extra umph to your outfit, but don’t serve as hand warmers.

Here are some tres chic glove gift options.

These gold Intrecciato Leather Gloves from Bottega Veneta are to die for! They only have limited sizes remaining; but if you are lucky, you can get the size of your intended gift recipient on Net-a-Porter.

These studded leather gloves by Burberry at Nordstrom are also super hot.

And finally, long black leather gloves, a la Ms. Hepburn (Audrey, that is), are a perfect gift.

Until tomorrw, happy shopping,

~ The Pretty Domestic

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sundays!!!

02 Sunday Dec 2012

Posted by 1prettydomestic in Pretty General

≈ 1 Comment

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eggnog, Holiday shopping, luxurymonogram pillowcases, markandgraham

The holiday social season is in full swing, and nothing says a holiday soiree like Eggnog. Not just any recipe will do. The best Eggnog recipes have a little kick.

Ingredients

12 eggs, separated
1 1/2 cups superfine sugar
1 quart whole milk
1 1/2 quarts heavy cream
3 cups bourbon
1/2 cup dark rum
2 cups cognac
Freshly grated nutmeg

Directions: In a very large bowl, beat egg yolks until thick and pale yellow. Gradually add sugar to yolks. With a wire whisk, beat in milk and 1 quart cream. Add bourbon, rum, and cognac, stirring constantly.

Just before serving, beat egg whites until stiff. Fold into mixture. Whip remaining 1/2 quart heavy cream until stiff, and fold in. Sprinkle with nutmeg and add a festive cinnamon stick. Yields 26

Lest you think I’ve forgotten about the Pretty Domestic “Countdown to Christmas” gift suggestions, I haven’t. This whirlwind of a weekend has me a little behind. To pick up where we left off, here are my suggestions for “Days 25, 24, 23 and Counting …”

Anybody that knows me, knows I love all things monogrammed. Here are few of my favorites to put in your wish list, or to pick up for a friend or family member.

I love these Initial Necklaces by Nashelle from South Moon Under.

Southmoon Under Necklaces I like a lot of layering so I wear the “L” on a 17″ chain, the “R” on a 20″ along with another favorite necklace.

I also like to give monogrammed items for the home as gifts. These monogrammed pillows from luxurymonogram.com add a certain “je ne sais quoi” to a bedding suite or add the perfect touch to a living room sofa.

Finally, every Doll needs a great leather tote. This monogrammed tote from Mark and Graham is stylish, yet roomy enough for all of things we “need” to carry on a daily basis. It also comes in black, red, blue and cream.

Until tomorrow, happy shopping (and sipping),

~ The Pretty Domestic

26 Days & Counting …

29 Thursday Nov 2012

Posted by 1prettydomestic in Uncategorized

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Bond No. 9, Holiday shopping, thisthatbeauty

Ok Dolls, today’s gift suggestion is a fragrance selection ~ Bond No. 9 New York. I’ve seen the bottle, but wasn’t familiar with the scent. After viewing an Instragram post earlier this week from über beauty blogger @thisthatbeauty, I dashed out and took a spritz of several of the scents! Love it; and it is now on my wish list!

Picture Top L to R: Central Park West and Saks Fifth Avenue for Her and Him (Alas, something for the guys, too!)

Pictured Bottom L to R: Andy Warhol Montauk and Bond No. 9 Signature Perfume

The bottles are fabulously designed with New York City landmarks. You certainly won’t want to throw these beauties away, even after they are empty.

Now you know this Doll loves a little sparkle, check out the Harrods Swarovski Limited Edition ~ swoon! Santa, I promise I’ve been nice!

Finally, if you can’t decide on just one, pick up The Perfect 10!

Bond No. 9 is available online at Bond No. 9 New York or Saks Fifth Avenue.

Until tomorrow, happy shopping,

~ The Pretty Domestic

“Link Love” from Pinch Provisions!

29 Thursday Nov 2012

Posted by 1prettydomestic in Pretty Cool

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Holiday shopping, Pinch Provisions

Check out the Pretty Domestic “Link Love” shout out from our friends at Pinch Provisions! Remember their mini emergency kits if you need a last minute holiday gift!

Image: Pinch Provisions Blog Link Love Issue Two

27 Days & Counting …

28 Wednesday Nov 2012

Posted by 1prettydomestic in Pretty General

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Deux Lux, Holiday shopping

What are the holidays without a little sparkle and glitter?! Today’s gift selection provides a little of both. I love the Felix Weekender Duffle from Deux Lux. Practical, yet stylish, it also comes in Steel, and Midnight.

The Felix Weekender Duffler was also featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things! If it’s good enough for the big “O,” it’s good enough for me.

Until tomorrow, happy shopping,

~ The Pretty Domestic

28 Days and Counting …

27 Tuesday Nov 2012

Posted by 1prettydomestic in Pretty General

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barnes and noble, coffee table books, Holiday shopping, New York Times Holiday Gift Guide

It’s post Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but for many of us there is still more shopping to do. A gift that I like to give and receive is a beautiful coffee table book about a subject of interest. As I have accumulated a collection over the years, I change which ones are displayed in different rooms of my home.

For example, your fashionista friend and lover of all things beautiful will enjoy The Hermes Scarf: History & Mystique from Barnes and Noble.

Image: Barnes and Noble

This is just one of my favorites. To help with your selection, the New York Times published a list of the best coffee table books as a part of its Holiday Gift Guide 2012 ~ Heavyweights for the Holidays A Roundup of Holiday Coffee Table Books.

Until tomorrow, happy shopping,

~ The Pretty Domestic