Wolverines in Texas – Vacation Recap

September 21, 2017 by 7 Comments

Over Labor Day weekend, John and I traveled to the great state of Texas to see our Michigan Wolverines take on the Florida Gators in the Advocare Classic. A number of friends came along to cheer on Michigan and we had such a blast so I thought I would share some of the fun highlights.

Our first stop on Friday was a trip to Delaney Vineyards in Grapevine, Texas.

I was surprised to find a winery in Texas because it is so hot, but apparently they have a few regions that mimic the California coast and actually produce some fantastic grapes. They had a nice facility and have been around for more than 20 years. They have a few of the vines onsite and you can walk through them and taste some grapes right off the vine. My friend Chandra (who recently joined us for a guest post) was also on the trip:

After our tasting we were able to purchase bottles and sit outside which was a fun afternoon activity. Safe to say we thoroughly tried a nice selection…

Saturday was game day and we decided to purchase tickets to the official alumni tailgate which turned out to be a great idea mostly because of the air conditioning. It also included food and drink and they had a fun lineup of former players and music to keep it exciting.

The game was so exciting and we won making the whole experience even better. AT&T Stadium is huge!

On Sunday we visited the historic Fort Worth Stockyards.

We did some shopping and were right on time to see the cattle drive.

Of course I found a winery for us to stop in at. Cowtown Winery was the perfect refresher on a HOT day.

We stopped by Cooper’s Old-Time BBQ for all the meats before we hit the rodeo. Make sure to bring your appetite. The Stockyards Rodeo was the main attraction. There were barrel races and all kinds of tricks. At the end they had bull riders and one of them almost got trampled! We thought he broke his ankle, but his boot had just come off. It was intense!

I really needed to invest in a cowboy hat to protect me from that Texas sun. I am not built for that kind of heat! We had a fantastic time in Texas and I wish we could have spent more time exploring. Who knows maybe Michigan will play there again soon.

What are your favorite spots in the Dallas/Fort Worth area?

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That Skin Tho……How To Get The Glow – Part 1

September 7, 2017 by 8 Comments

As you may have noticed from this blog and my social media channels, I have some fantastic girlfriends in my life, all thanks to my experience with Phi Sigma Sigma. Many of my post ideas and topics come from chats with my friends and my sincerest hope for my blog is that it feels like a fun conversation (maybe with a glass of wine) with your girls. Well today I have a special treat for you. My friend Chandra has gone through a complete holistic transformation and has been my health and beauty guru. Some of her tips and tricks are working wonderfully for me and I thought it was high time to share them with you. So I’ve asked Chandra to contribute a post today and hopefully many more in the future.

Chandra, Me and our mutual bestie, Jen at last week’s Michigan Alumni Tailgate in Texas.

Without further adieu, welcome to the blog Chandra!

 

Hey everyone!

I’m really excited to join Detroit Duchess in her blogging adventures! I want to tell you about my experience of getting glowing radiant skin. It happened accidentally but the results have been amazing!

I had some health issues earlier this year and as result I started on a quest for more holistic / natural life and started changing everything in my diet, in my exercise plan, in my stress levels, etc. I’ll be telling you more about that in the future but for now, let’s focus on the surprise result I got which is radiant glowing skin. Now before I tell you my secrets, I must confess that I do have some fantastic products and skin routines that I follow which I will tell you about in Part 2 next week.

Ready to learn how to get the glow???? Here’s a day in the life for me!

I start my day with ½ of fresh squeezed organic lemon juice added to 1 cup room temp filtered water. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for added boost. I take the weekends off from making this as I find that too much lemon will hurt my teeth so doing this 4 – 5 days a week keeps that from happening. I’ll be honest this doesn’t taste the greatest so I take almost like a shot. Bottoms up!

Next up is coffee!!! I make my morning coffee using organic medium roast coffee and when I am at home, I throw it in the blender with 1 tsp of coconut oil and 1 scoop of Great Lakes Collagen Hydrolysate. The results are a frothy latte like coffee with amazing skin boosting powers and no artificial ingredients or chemicals. As a bonus, you get a healthy dose of protein from the collagen. Trade in your sugary coffee drinks for this protein packed coffee and watch your skin glow! When I travel, I skip the coconut oil (no blender) and use Collagen Peptides travel pack from Vital Proteins.

Let’s talk about collagen in case you are not familiar with it. Collagen reduces cellulite and adds elasticity back to your skin. It also is healing for your stomach and joints and strengthens your hair and nails. In my mind, it’s a MUST HAVE addition into your daily routine! The brands I mentioned above do not have any flavor or smell so you can add it to your tea, soup, oatmeal, whatever and reap the benefits. Your skin will thank you every day!

I end my day with an after dinner drink of 6 oz of bone broth. Okay, you may be going EWWWWWW right now but trust me it’s not bad at all. It has amino acids, collagen and minerals in it. Like the collagen powder, it is great for your skin and has been touted as creating youthful looking skin. Bone broth has many other health benefits. It too provides a protein boost to keep you feeling full. I have it after dinner and it keeps the late night cravings away.

This is something you can make on your own (there are plenty of recipes online) or buy. I LOVE Kettle and Fire Bone Broth! If you order from their website kettleandfire.com you get some great entertaining welcome to the family emails.

My skin is soft and glowing after following this routine now for weeks. Not to mention the benefits of following this for my health and the increased protein which results in less hunger which means…..weight loss!!! Yes, while working on your skin you may even lose a few pounds.

Stay Tuned for Part 2 of That Skin Tho….How To Get The Glow and I’ll tell you about some amazing skin care products, facials and detoxes.

Do you have any questions for Chandra? Let us know in the comments.

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Every Story Has a Bead

August 29, 2017 by 5 Comments

Disclosure: I received sample products from Trollbeads in exchange for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

A few Saturdays ago, I hosted a party at the Trollbeads store in Twelve Oaks Mall. Trollbeads only has seven storefront locations in the United States and Michigan is lucky to have one of them.

I didn’t know a lot about Trollbeads before the event, but after six hours in the store, I feel like I’m an expert! I love that every piece is so unique an each customer can create something that expresses their individual personality.

Trollbeads was founded in 1976 in Copenhagen, Denmark. In Denmark the word “troll” is used to refer to all mythical creatures. The first Trollbead, Faces, included six troll faces as you turn the bead and is still part of the collection today:

I had a lot of creating all of my own pieces at the event, one of my favorite looks was this tiara. There are so many fun and different ways you could adorn this. This would be great for a wedding, shower or any special event.

I’ve talked about upping my bangle game before and I just loved these gold bangles and could have a lot of fun creating a stack of them.

I also did a silver stack and I just adore the butterfly stoppers on these bangles. In the silver you have three different choices of bracelets, the bangle, the twisted bangle and the traditional foxtail bracelet:

I tried my hand at creating a pendant necklace. Some of the beads were so unique and beautiful.

They also had this pendant on display in the store and I thought the combination was beautiful:

I ended up leaving with my very own foxtail bracelet and my first “Unique” bead:

If you’re interested in starting your Trollbeads collection, visit the store at Twelve Oaks Mall and mention DetroitDuchess for 10% off your order. Make sure to post a picture of what you get!

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Wine of the Week: Gothic Nevermore

August 16, 2017 by 1 Comment

I’ve had this post in my drafts since 2015 and keep meaning to write it around Halloween, but it’s too good to hold any longer, especially in light of some of the new information I have.

This week’s wine is Gothic’s Nevermore Pinot Noir. Gothic Wine launched in 2009 and is the creation of Josh Nadel, who I just discovered was the wine consultant on the AMC show Feed the Beast starring David Schwimmer. the hubby and I loved this show! Even though we only got one season of the show, you can still enjoy it on Hulu with a glass of this wine. Gothic is located in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

Nevermore blends fruit from several places within the the Willamette Valley to create a wine of depth and character. It is sleek with scents of raspberry, cherry and spice and notes of vanilla.

You could enjoy this bottle, with this custom Raven Wine Glass Holder ($7) and I was thinking this would make a great gift for any English buff or the Poe Society (from Gilmore Girls, haha):

I love the idea of including this in a Black Wine night event. I was also excited to see that they make a Telltale Rose and an Ophelia Chardonnay which I will absolutely have to try!

Have you tried Gothic Nevermore Pinot Noir? I would love to hear what you think about it.

For more Wine of the Week posts, click here.



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Five on Friday: All Things Pineapple

August 11, 2017 by 3 Comments

I am in love with all things pineapple right now! This post is my love letter to all of the awesome pineapple things I’m loving at the moment.

1.Vince Camuto Maro Faux Leather Tote ($88.80)

This tote was the catalyst for today’s post. I’m pretty much in love with it…and it’s on sale too!

2. colada pineapple vase-planter ($6.95)

I am giving this adorable pineapple planter away to one lucky reader…make sure to enter here!

3. Pineapple Stone Necklace ($19.99)

These are dainty and perfect for a little touch of summer to an otherwise boring outfit. Plus they come in rose gold, silver and gold so you have options.

4. Sass & Belle Exclusive Rose Gold Pineapple Money Pot ($29)

I sort of have a thing for piggy banks. I have a ton of different ones and even got a bride and groom set when we were saving for the wedding, so when I saw this one I had to add it to my collection.

5. Chelsea Peers Rose Gold Pineapple Pajama Set ($56)

I’ve died and gone to heaven with these pineapple pajamas! I literally can’t even contain my excitement about them. They are perfect in every way.

I could probably write five more of these just about pineapples so I will stop here, but I would love for you to comment with your favorite pineapple item. If I get enough of them I will do a Part 2!

For more Five on Friday posts, click here.

If you would like to join the Five on Friday with Smidge of This, Hello Happiness and Carolina Charm just click the button below for more details.

I am also participating in the Friday Favorites Linkup with A Little Bit of Everything Blog, Grace and Love Blog and Momfessionals. You can click the button below for more information and to join the linkup.

Friday Favorites

I’m adding a new Friday Favorites Linkup with Lizzie in Lace to replace Oh Hey Friday, which is no more (sadness).



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August Pinspired: Kate Middleton’s Wimbledon Look

August 8, 2017 by 4 Comments

Like many others I was enamored with Kate Middleton’s Wimbledon looks, especially this fun polka dot dress. I loved it so much that I decided to recreate it for myself.

©Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

Her dress was Dolce & Gabbana’s Polka-Dot Print Silk-Blend Charmeuse Dress ($1,557):

I found three similar looks, for a lot less. The first one is from Sue&Joe, a Polka Dot Summer Dress ($23.99):

The second one is this Julian Taylor Women’s Polka Dot Short Sleeved Fit and Flare Dress ($58.80):

The third option is ACEVOG’s Vintage 50s Retro Rockabilly Polka Dot Classy Tea Dress ($35.98):

She paired this dress with the Nina Block Heel Sandals in Black Nubuck (about $80):

I also have three shoe options to choose from. Some brands just fit better on different feet so I like to have options. The first one is Sam Edelman’s Yaro Ankle Strap Sandal ($119.95):

Next is Vince Camuto’s Corlina Ankle Strap Sandal ($99.95):

The third option is the Steve Madden Carrson Sandal ($89.95):

Kate is carrying Victoria Beckham’s Quincy textured-leather tote ($1575):

This Michael Kors Mercer Large Leather Tote ($238.40) would work and is a fraction of the Victoria Beckham bag:

What do you think of Kate’s Wimbledon look?

For more Pinspired looks, click here.



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Fall Fashion Preview with Trollbeads

August 5, 2017 by 4 Comments

I have some exciting news! I am hosting a Sip & Shop event with Trollbeads Twelve Oaks next Saturday, August 12 from 12-6 p.m. If you are in the area, I hope you can join us!

There will be some fun promotions, raffles and the opportunity to win prizes. Trollbeads is known for its long history of family craftsmanship dating back to 1976. Each bead is unique and allows the wearer to express their creativity with a number of styles. Take a look at this video showcasing some of their bohemian looks:

I have been eyeing Trollbeads social media channels the past few weeks to get some inspiration on what I might like. Here are a few looks I will be checking out on Saturday:

These leather bracelets are really fun and light:

I love this stacked bangle look:

I am enamored with this back necklace:

Will I see you next Saturday at Trollbeads?

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Bachelorette 13 – Week 7

August 4, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Here we are – hometown dates. Rachel starts her week off in Baltimore with Eric. She wore the Rails Hunter Button Up ($148), Basic Beaded Necklace from Peggy Li ($29), Kendra Scott Naomi Double Ring – it looks like she stacked two of these the Iridescent Druzy and the Rose Gold Druzy ($130/each), and Paul Green Women’s Alexandra Heeled Sandal ($297.46). To recreate her look, I found this Sanctuary Womens Boyfriend Plaid Button-Down Top ($38.76) and these Circus by Sam Edelman Kipling Peep Toe Booties ($35):

Next up is Miami with Bryan. Rachel wore a NICHOLAS Floral-Print Handkerchief-Hem Top ($122) and the Robyn Rhodes Felice Ring ($79.99). This Vince Camuto Glacier Floral Tank Top ($79) is similar:

Next up is Rachel’s date with Peter in Madison, Wisconsin. Rachel wore a sold out 360 Cashmere Peaches Linen Tank and the  Basic Beaded Necklace from Peggy Li ($29) she wore to Eric’s hometown above. This B Collection by Bobeau Double Layer Tank Top ($19) is similar:

Whew…Rachel’s date with Dean in Aspen was brutal. I feel like they shouldn’t have shown that on TV. Rachel wore a sold out Tart Ilianna Cardigan and the Basic Beaded Necklace from Peggy Li ($29) that she’s been sporting throughout the whole episode. This Style & Co Ombré Duster Cardigan ($39.99) is a great alternative:

To add insult to injury, Rachel eliminated Dean during the rose ceremony. Rachel wore a gown from Theia Couture. This other Theia Metallic Beaded Gown at Saks ($466.20) is very similar:

What did you think about the hometown dates? Are you ready to meet Rachel’s family next week in Spain?

For more Bachelorette posts, click here.




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Wine of the Week: Belle Glos Pinot Noir Blanc

August 3, 2017 by 5 Comments

I’ve mentioned before that one of my favorite wines is the Belle Glos Pinot Noir. Well imagine my surprise when I saw this in my Facebook feed!

As this was the first I had heard about it I immediately had to have it and found and online retailer that sold it. Craft & Curd had it for $18.99 and I bought three bottles just in case it became unavailable.

The Belle Glos Pinot Noir Blanc is special because its grapes were grown specifically with the intention of making a rosé wine. On the label, you’ll notice that it says “oeil-de-perdrix” which translates to “eye of the partridge.” This is how rosé is traditionally known in France. I was even more thrilled to discover that a portion of the proceeds for every bottle sold go towards breast cancer research!

This wine is crisp with flavors of pink grapefruit, lemon zest, orange creamsicle and hints of dried apricot and sweet spice. Drink it chilled preferably on the patio with your girlfriends.

The glass is from Detroit Scroll in case you’re interested.

For more Wine of the Week posts, click here.



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Bachelorette 13 – Week 6

August 2, 2017 by Leave a Comment

This week Rachel and the men are in beautiful Switzerland. As Rachel is taking in the city, she wore an All Saints Balfern Leather Biker Jacket ($560), a Paige Iris Skirt ($62.99) and what looks like the Hannah Necklace from Robyn Rhodes ($99.99). This BlankNYC ‘Easy Rider’ Faux Leather Moto Jacket ($64.60) is similar:

Rachel has decided that there will be three one-on-one dates this week and a three-on-one group date so she can make her decisions about hometowns. She kicks it off with Bryan in a sold-out Tibi hi-low turtleneck and the Ramy Brook Lincoln Pants ($172.50). I found a similar look in gray with the Premise Cashmere Hi-Low Pullover Sweater ($189.90) and the Style & Co Stretch Wide-Leg Pants ($27.98):

Rachel and Bryan are continuing to heat up during their dinner date. She wore a sold out Cushnie Et Ochs One Shoulder Mock Neck Dress. This NY&C Sleeveless Turtleneck Dress ($11.73) is similar:

Rachel’s next one-on-one is with Dean. She looks classic in her sold out Zara Robin Blue Double Breasted Coat and 3.1 PHILLIP LIM Long Sleeve Pointelle Lace Dress ($215) or here . To recreate her look I found this Shein Double Breasted Flap Pocket Coat ($41) and Betsey Johnson Textured Knit Sheath Dress ($138):

For the serious dinner date with Dean, Rachel wore a Solace London long-sleeved cape dress. I found this NY&C Eva Mendes Collection Tessa Cape Sheath Dress ($44.97):

Next up is Rachel’s one-on-one date with Peter on the side of a glacier. She wore the 66 North Esja Long Parka ($650) and Brochu Walker Carrie Turtleneck Sweater ($119.97). To recreate her look for less, try this 1 Madison Insulated Parka with Faux Fur Trim ($151.92) and Style & Co. Cowl Neck Sweater ($18.99):

Rachel and Peter’s one-on-one time was so meaningful. I feel like he definitely opened up to her. She wore a Randi Rahm cocktail dress and a Jesse & Co. body chain ($65) on the back. I thought this Stylestalker Riscal Midi Dress ($189) was similar:

Rachel takes Eric, Adam and Matt on the group date and decides to send Matt home and give Eric the group date rose securing him a hometown date. She wore the sold out Mackage Joslyn Coat and I loved her Tiffany blue scarf. I found this NY&CO Shawl Collar Wrap Coat ($74.97) and this Fargo Scarf from Topman ($25) to recreate her look:

During the evening portion of the date, Rachel invites Adam and Eric back to a castle to deliberate on who she will send home. She wore a black halter dress that had a cool beaded neckline. I found this similar Carmen Marc Valvo Embellished Neck Halter Dress ($357):

Rachel ended up giving her rose to Eric and sent Adam home…I hate to break it to these guys but if you didn’t get the one-on-one you probably aren’t going to make it too much further either way…

Rachel had a number of looks this week and her makeup artist Gina Modica came through with the makeup to match:

Stay tuned to next week for all the hometown dates!

For more Bachelorette posts, click here.




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