The Domestic Dandy

They Get My Vote!

2012-02-07T08:54:00.000-08:00

Not happy with your choices for the Republican nomination for President? From performing Off-Broadway in New York, to releasing seven albums and appearing in two feature films, The Kinsey Sicks have been entertaining audiences with their Dragapella Beautyshop Quartet since 1994. And now Rachel, Trampolina, Trixie and Winnie want to represent you and the American Ideal as President!

For a look into what the candidates have to offer, check out their campaign ad!

The Kinsey Sicks’ new show, “Electile Dysfunction: The Kinsey Sicks for President!” at TheatrJ will have you laughing along with their shock and awe medley of songs. Never have you heard a candidate being so candid!

To attend the rally in the Nation’s Capital go to theaterj.org or call 1-800-494-TIXS for tickets!

Knitting, Art and Yarn Bombing...

2012-01-31T09:49:00.000-08:00

My friends at Looped Yarn Works are joining forces with The Phillips Collection for a fun and fashionable event!
Join fellow knitters and crocheters on Monday, February 13 at Looped Yarn Works between 5–9 pm to celebrate Valentine’s Day and the opening of Alyson Shotz’s "Intersections project" at The Phillips Collection.

Alyson Shotz: EclipticFebruary 16–May 27, 2012 - Brooklyn-based artist Alyson Shotz creates Ecliptic, three interrelated, monumental drawings made of yarn and nails that investigate spatial perception and engage the architecture of the gallery

To join the fun come to Looped and knit hearts, and then help yarn bomb Dupont at 9 pm! You bring the needles, they provide the patterns. Bring your own yarn, or get a 15% discount when you purchase yarn for the yarn bombing at Looped. All experience levels are welcome. Free and open to the public.

If you’re unable to come to the event, but would like to contribute, create as many hearts in the pattern of your choice as you please and drop them off or mail them to Looped (1732 Connecticut Avenue, NW #200, Washington, DC 20009) by February 13.

Below are some free pattern ideas from Ravelry!

A Literary Dandy

2012-01-26T11:52:00.000-08:00

The Dandy needs you!

I recently finished reading books about Marie Antoinette, a witch's daughter, and Catherine the Great. They were all fantastic reads, but now I find myself searching for something fun, chic and exciting to read; something along the lines of "A Devil Wears Prada" by Lauren Weisberger or "One Fifth Avenue" by Candace Bushnell.

Have you recently read a book that you would recommend? If you have a suggestion, let me know and I'll blog about your suggestion and what I thought of the book!

Not Your Mother's Stencils

2012-01-25T09:01:00.000-08:00

Gone are the days of stenciling country hearts and ribbons on your walls...well at least it should be. But for those who enjoy putting a little creative and personal touch to their homes, don't fret.

These modern stencils from Brooklyn-based designer Ed Roth at Stencil1, can you give your home a modern personalized touch. Some favorites of mine include the...

Six Foot Birch Tree Stencil...

and the Houndstooth Stencil

Need an edgier vibe? Ed has you covered with stencils like this Turntable...

or the Jolly Roger!

So if you want to create a space with personality take a look at Stencil1! Hurry, sale ends soon!

A Dandy Idea

2012-01-19T08:26:00.000-08:00

As the days turn colder, our thoughts turn to work that we can do inside the home.

This past weekend, my husband and I did just that as we tackled a creaky floor that has been bothering us for quite awhile. We were unsure how to fix it, other than calling a repairman, until I discovered this fantastic little kit in a catalogue.

The “Squeeeek no more” is an easy to use kit that eliminates annoying floor squeaks.

Containing a plastic molded alignment and depth control fixture, 50 specially scored 3-inch x 1/8-inch diameter screws, a customized driver bit to regulate the depth at which to drive the screw, and two joist-finding screws to help find the joist from above, the kit has everything you need!

Simply find your joist (this may take a couple of attempts…ok…maybe several) and then proceed per instructions.

The result in our house was a collective sigh of relief!
Purchase your kit here!

The Beginning of A Dandy New Year

2012-01-12T07:42:00.000-08:00

The Dandy likes to keep his figure fit and trim both for himself and his public. However, after all the wonderful sweets and treats he enjoyed this holiday season he wasn’t feeling…optimal.

Enter Timothy Ferriss’ book, The 4-Hour Body. Chock full of advice and an easy to follow slow-carb diet the new year is off to a dandy start!

Eating three meals a day, consisting of a protein, legumes and vegetables, one steers clear of carbs for 6 days a week. Thankfully…because the Dandy loves his cookies, brownies, chocolate, peanut butter…yum, ice cream, whoopee pies….oh, how I LOVE whoopee pies……oh…uh…sorry, I digress…one can eat to their heart’s content on the 7th day…..cheat day! So far it’s been a great way to eat and I’m feeling better already (It helps that one can have 2 glasses of red wine each evening. )

However, a recipe that has become a favorite of mine is one given to me by a friend. I was lamenting the loss of a good pasta dish in the evening and so she introduced me to spaghetti squash.

Cut in half and baked in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 – 45 minutes (don’t forget to oil your pan), just scrape the inside of the squash with a big spoon and the meat of the squash comes out like spaghetti.

I didn’t believe how easy it was until I tried it, and now I’m a faithful follower. Once all the meat is removed one can add anything to the spaghetti squash including olive oil (or a fun light dressing of your choice), fresh vegetables, tuna, chicken or salmon; or take the easy route and add a jar of your favorite tomato based sauce. We used a jar of puttenesca sauce and loved it!

So the next time you’re craving a nice pasta dish, try spaghetti squash. It’s not only healthier, but it’s delicious as well!

Scents and Sensibility…

2012-01-05T09:50:00.000-08:00

This past holiday weekend, my husband and I had a wonderful time in Rehoboth, DE. We spent time with friends, walked on the beach and returned to Baltimore Avenue for some retail therapy.

As we returned to a favorite boutique of mine, Boxwood Home, I revisited a candle that I had fallen in love with the last time we were in town.

The "Fedora"

Created by PATCHNYC the “Fedora” candle is described as a most stylish fragrance reminiscent of a Circa 1920’s debonair gent strolling the countryside. Imbued with aromas of citrus, vetiver, nutmeg, and patchouli, it is a perfect scent for these dark winter nights.

If you’re in Rehoboth, stop by Boxwood Home and pick up the “Fedora” or any of the other PATCHNYC candles including the brisk pine scented “Stag” candle or shop their online store at Boxwood Home. Tell them The Domestic Dandy sent you!

For more information on the PATCHNYC designers, Don Carney and John Ross, go to www.patchnyc.com!

Wishing You A Dandy New Year!

2011-12-31T06:23:00.000-08:00

The Dandy is busy making his list for the new year!

See you in 2012!!

A Dandy New Year

2011-12-30T08:49:00.000-08:00

Looking for something bold to wear this New Year's Eve?! Take a look at Cotton Treats and choose how you want to ring in the new year!

My favorites so far of Founder, Diana Pham's collection include...

The Dominic

and...

The Nathaniel

Were you naughty…

2011-12-29T08:18:00.000-08:00

and forgot to get something for your friends and neighbors this Christmas?

No worries, check out these adorable personalized “Happy Holidays” popcorn sets at Oriental Trading! I ordered several of these for myself to give to friends and neighbors and it was a big hit.

When it arrives, simply remove the personalized label and adhere it to the included popcorn bag…

and give out as an alternative to holiday cards, as a great stocking stuffer, or as a party favor!

Too late for the holidays? They are also great for

Halloween…

parties…

or family events!

From Our House to Yours…

2011-12-22T11:21:00.000-08:00

Wishing you a Merry Christmas...

and a very Dandy New Year!

Love,

The Domestic Dandy

Christmas Cakes

2011-12-20T13:22:00.000-08:00

I enjoy baking and decorating a cake each year for our Christmas Dessert Party. Some of my past cakes include…

…a poinsettia cake

and a gift cake.

This year, in honor of our recent trip to Paris, I decided to try my hand at making a traditional Buche de Noel.

After finding a simple recipe on cooking.com, I collected my ingredients and began making my “Magic Forest Yule Log Cake.”

While the mixing and baking part was simple, I was a little nervous about rolling my completed cake. I had 30 people coming to our house that night, what if it crumbled to pieces?! Just in case, I had Brian at the ready to make an emergency cake run to the store.

Thankfully, just as the recipe said, it rolled beautifully and I was ready to begin decorating.

To begin, I sliced the cupcakes (made with the same batter) at an angle to use as cut-off branches. I then iced my cake with the homemade chocolate icing and placed the cupcakes on the “log.”

Once, the limbs were in place, I began scoring the icing with a fork to create a bark effect.

After finishing the cake, I turned my attention to making some decorative mushrooms. To create my mushrooms, I used white chocolate malted milk balls and mini marshmallows.

Cutting the milk balls in half, I “glued” the mini marshmallows onto the “mushroom cap” and then placed them around my cake.

To complete the look, I decorated the cake with fresh holly and greenery from around the garden.

When ready to serve, sift some confectionery sugar on the top of the Buche de Noel to create a soft snow effect.

The results are a delicious and beautiful cake to warmly greet your guests.

Happy Holidays!

Center of Attention…

2011-12-15T09:20:00.000-08:00

After I finished decorating our living room for Christmas… with lots of glitter and gold…it was time for the Dandy to give our dining room a little holiday cheer.

Everything is so shiny!!

I desired a fun…and of course golden…centerpiece for the dining room table, so off I went to take an inventory of the house to collect items that I thought might make an interesting centerpiece.

Out of the various odds and ends I discovered around the house, I chose a pair of silver candlesticks, a large silver tray, two glamorous reindeer and a rich golden table runner.

Using the runner as my base, I placed the silver tray in the center, set the two reindeer on top and scattered faux snow among their hooves. I then placed the silver candlesticks on either side and…instead of using traditional white candlesticks…added black tapered candles for a glamorous edge.

Once I hung wreaths on our French doors, and gave Diana, the Huntress, a little evergreen crown, the dining room was ready to greet our guests!

Christmas at Your Fingertips…2.0

2011-12-13T12:40:00.000-08:00

Last week, I posted about my Dandy idea of putting all of our indoor Christmas lights on remote controlled outlets.

Reading the article, you may have asked yourself, “Where does the Dandy keep all of those remotes?” After all, one doesn’t want to clutter up their coffee table…where ever would one set their drink?!

ugh...clutter

Thankfully, I found this faux book box that neatly holds all of our remotes.

ahhh....a place for everything...

Now, they are discreetly out of the way, but always close at hand.

and everything in it's place

Find your faux book boxes here!

Christmas at Your Fingertips

2011-12-08T07:15:00.001-08:00

This past summer, as my readers may remember, I purchased two remote controlled outlets for our water fountains. This ingenious device enabled us to turn our fountains on and off without having to climb into the bushes to unplug them.

In true Dandy fashion, as we were winterizing our fountains, I realized that the remote controlled outlets would be perfect for our indoor Christmas lights.

Before, on a cold winter evening...when I wanted a little Christmas warmth, I would have to walk over to the tree and turn on those lights, then walk over to the mantel and turn those lights on. Finally, I would then turn each of our individual lamps on around the room. It was a hassle…. But never fear, the Dandy is here! Now with a simple click of a button, all my Christmas lights come on in a glorious instant.

Before...

After!

Before...

After! It's very exciting!

Now thanks to this Dandy idea, there’s more time for Christmas cheer!!

Purchase your set of remote controlled outlets here!

Amazon.com Widgets

The Christmas Fluffer…

2011-12-06T06:59:00.000-08:00

What any good Christmas tree needs is a good fluffing.

This past weekend, my husband and I put up our Christmas tree. Brian was anxious to put together all the layers of our faux tree and begin decorating. However, as I patiently explained to him, each branch needs to be fluffed in order to create a beautiful tree…and the time to do this is before you place each layer on top of the other. That way you can get to the back branches with less difficulty.

Now, you may not think the back branches are that important as no one will see them up against the wall. However, when properly fluffed these branches help to make your tree look more dense and full.

Unfluffed :(

Fluffed and ready to go!

Fluffed properly each branch will stand up and make your tree look thick and full!

When putting up your own faux tree, don’t forget that fluffing is the most important job of all!

FRM...The December Issue

2011-12-02T07:22:00.000-08:00

The December issue of Front Row Monthly is out! Check out the Domestic Dandy's article and while you're there read up on Holiday must-haves, Crazy Hot Clothes and Men's Fashion.

Open publication - Free publishing - More arts

It’s that time of year…

2011-12-01T08:42:00.000-08:00

I love decorating for the holidays. The greenery, the sparkling decorations and the lush accessories make a wonderful glowing home for the holidays.

This past Sunday, I began decorating our home. Unfortunately, after 3 hours I didn’t get much further than my mantel...but isn’t that why we begin decorating so early for the holidays… so we can get everything just so!

This year I really wanted a lush look for our mantel, complete with greenery cascading down the sides of our fireplace. Unfortunately, none of our garlands were long enough to create the desired effect. I didn’t want to purchase new greenery, so after a consultation with the husband, we decided to snip one of our pre-existing garlands in half with wire cutters and attach each of those ends to our smaller garland to create a long luxurious look.

Once, the greenery was in place, I began adding golden apples and ornaments to the garland to add some glitter and gold. I loved the look, but it needed something to give it texture and depth. To achieve this, I added pheasant feathers and pinecones.

The brilliant golden browns of the feathers work really well with the shine of the gold ornaments and the gleam of the golden apples and adds a warm and natural touch.

When I was satisfied with the garland, I added golden glass candlesticks and orbs to catch the light and captivate the eye.

Note: To give myself enough room to place items on the mantel, I wired the garland to the front of the mantel using small nails and floral wire. This gives you a nice wide flat surface to work with.

To complete the look, I added classic urns filled with pheasant feathers at the base of each side of the hanging garland and hung strings of golden beads under the mantel.

Now that the mantel is complete, I’ll sip some wine in front of the fire and think about my plans for the rest of our home!

Not by the hair on my…

2011-11-29T09:54:00.000-08:00

I love these knitted hats by LauraDesign!

Gift your little one a burly beard and they won’t be chilly this winter!

This adorable knitted hat and “beard” chin strap is sure to keep your baby warm and toasty while surprising the in-laws with how quickly junior has grown up!

Purchase your bearded beanie at burlybeard.com.

While you’re at it, get one for Dad as well!

A Dandy in Paris

2011-11-24T12:16:00.000-08:00

Loved the Chanel windows at Printemps. Karl Lagerfeld marionettes take over Paris!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T11:48:00.001-08:00

Thinking of my friends and family back home in the States. Happy Thanksgiving! A' Bientot!

Dandy Travel Necessities

2011-11-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

As we all head off to various parts of the country and the world for the holidays, I thought I would share my top travel necessities.

1. A Good Travel Bag or Carry-On
The number one item, I always carry with me is a traveling or carry-on bag. This contains all of the essentials I need at my fingertips to make my travels, if not easier, then at least a little more enjoyable!

My favorite bag for traveling is my Eagle Creek guide bag. It has seen me through many adventures and has never let me down. It's compact size and various pockets are ideal for carrying anything you might need.

2. An E-Reader

My second essential is my kindle. I love my kindle! Filled with books to read and word games to play, it keeps me occupied on my way to my destination. And now that the new Kindle Fire is out, I’m hoping Santa will upgrade me this Christmas .

3. A Good Facial Cloth
My third necessity is a small package of Biore Cleansing Cloths. This is a wonderful item to take with you on a long flight or road trip. Just before arrival, simply pull out a sheet and freshen up. Not only does it feel wonderful, but because of your fresh faced glow your hosts will never know you've just spent 5 hours in the car!

4. Oral B’s Brush-Ups

My fourth top travel necessity are packets of Oral B’s Brush-Ups. These perfectly sized teeth wipes are great for quickly brushing your teeth before saying “Hello” to your hosts. Just tear open the package, place on your pointer finger and brush your teeth clean. Wallah….no more Doritos and coffee breath…come on you know you’re guilty of it too…

5. A Travel Journal

Next on my list is my travel journal. Used mostly on longer trips, I love not only writing about my new travels, but also reading my past vacation entries on my way to my destination. For an idea on how to create your travel journal see my post here.

6. A Warm and Cozy Scarf

The final essential, I take with me on my chillier travels, is a scarf. This is an essential in a car or on a plane where space is at a premium. Feeling a bit chilly? Don’t lug your bulky jacket around with you. Simply pull out your scarf and drape around your neck. Getting to warm? Simply pack it away, until needed once more. And there are several ways one can wear one’s scarf. To see which style is right for you see my post on winter warmth with style!

Well, that does it. My top travel necessities. Make sure to take them on your trip, and see how they enhance your life.

Safe Travels Everyone!

An Organized Life….

2011-11-17T07:31:00.000-08:00

As my readers know, I love to be organized. Nothing makes me feel more calm and relaxed than when everything is in its proper place.

Well, imagine my delight when, as I was browsing the aisles of the Container Store, I discovered this wonderful new product called the “in.bag.”

This wonderful organizer not only keeps everything in my bag in place and within easy reach…

before...

after...

but I no longer have to waste precious time in the morning switching items in and out of my work bags. I simply pull out the “in.bag” organizer from one bag and place it in the “bag of the day.”

It also works great for those bags that I purchased that do not work as well as they should….you know the ones that look great on the outside, but are really just big totes with no organizing pockets. Now I can put those bags back into circulation!

Grab your “in.bag” today
and feel your world come together!

Design it to Win it!

2011-11-08T13:44:00.000-08:00

Here is a fun and creative contest! DC’s very own I. Gorman Jewelers is giving you the chance to design and win your own piece of jewelry. You can submit designs until November 28, when three finalists will be selected for public voting. The winning piece will be produced and presented to the talented designer. So start sketching, and submit your design by November 28!

I. Gorman has always been a favorite of the Dandy. My husband and I purchased our wedding rings from the wonderful people at I.Gorman and I was surprised with a 10th Anniversary ring from I.Gorman as well. They have always been very supportive of the GLBT community and my husband and myself as well.

For more information and to submit your design click here!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T07:43:00.000-07:00

Here’s a Halloween treat you can make yourself!

As guests retired from our Halloween themed dinner party, each received a tiny treat box filled with candy.

To create this adorable box, simply downloaded the template from Martha Stewart.com and using scissors and scotch tape assembled the boxes.

Finish off with ribbon and fill with candy and you have a wonderful parting gift!

As a bonus treat this Halloween, I wanted to share a friend’s recipe for her Zombie Virus Potion! It was a delicious cocktail and a big hit at her party. Mix ingredients carefully, you don’t want to accidently spill any of this lethal potion!

Zombie Virus Potion Champagne (one bottle) Diet Orange Soda (a two liter) 2 cups Grape Fruit juice Vodka (to taste) Eyes of a Newt (Whole Foods Maybe?)

Happy Halloween!!