Wine of the Week: Layer Cake Cabernet Sauvignon

If you’re a wine fanatic and haven’t watched Cougartown, what are you waiting for?! I recently finished up a series rewatch and thought that this was the perfect time to start trying some of the wines featured on the show. I was (and AM still) a HUGE fan of this show. In Season 4, the characters were all sharing their meet cutes (the fun/romantic way they met for the first time). Layer Cake’s Cabernet Sauvignon was featured in both Jules and Ellie’s and Jules and Grayson’s meet cutes.

When Jules meets Ellie, she brings over a bottle of Layer Cake’s Cabernet Sauvignon and says that someone told her it was a great wine to make friends with. Then at the end of the episode we see her and Grayson bumping into each other and him giving her the bottle and telling her to keep it because it was a great wine to make friends with. So after my massive Cougartown binge, I figured it was high time to try this wine for myself.

Layer Cake’s goal for all of their wines is to make something that tastes like $50, but costs less than $20. I think they met their mark when they created the Cabernet. This is a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petite Sirah, 3% Petite Verdot, and 1% Syrah. This blend has a strong flavor of rich, ripe plums and a long coffee chocolate finish.

Not only can you have cake for dinner (without the guilt), but it IS an excellent wine to make friends with!

Have you tried Layer Cake’s Cabernet Sauvignon? I would love to hear what you think.

For more Wine of the Week posts, click here.

Bachelor 24 – Week 1

The Bachelor is back…and so am I! I took some time off from blogging about The Bachelor, mostly because the posts take forever to do! I’ve never stopped watching and talking about it and figured that 2020 was the time to get back to it! Instead of blogging every single outfit, I’m just going to share my favorites. If you do have something that you want to see or find, let me know and I will add that one in there.

One of the big fashion highlights this week was from our former Bachelorette, Hannah Brown. She always brings great clothes, hair, and makeup. This week she wore a Randi Rahm backless red gown. This Illegal Halter Gown from Revolve ($249) is a great replica!

First out of the limo, Alayah, was stunning. I love these satiny, Greecian style dresses. She wore a Jessica Angel Collection dress ($450). Alayah mentioned that it had pockets on her Instagram post which makes it a clear winner in my book! I found a great look for less for $146 here.

Hannah Ann, our first impression rose winner, had a similar style dress from Alamour called the Lena ($267.99). The emerald green color was obviously a winner!

Mykenna’s dress is super feminine and I love the ruffles. It is still available in grey from Lulu’s for $82!

I loved Jasmine’s Alamour Elanur dress ($301.99)! I found a few other similar styles, but they were more expensive than this option. It was such a sassy look. I’m sad we don’t get to see more of her.

Madison received the first one-on-one date of the season and wore the X Grace Kong Dress by Katie May ($123).

Before we can close out Week 1, we have one last appearance from Miss Hannah Brown! She wore an Ieena for Mac Duggal Dress ($258) and Stuart Weitzman Nudist Sandals ($398). These Sam Edelman Ariella Metallic Stilettos are a great look for less at $59.99.

I also am IN LOVE with Hannah’s butterfly ring from Dana Kemp. I found a few similar options if you love the style. The first is Bella Luce ($55.24), second is Palm Beach Jewelry ($25.49), and the third is a Platinum-Plated Cubic Zirconia Butterfly Ring ($25.12).

It feels good to be back blogging about the Bachelor! Let me know what looks you want from this season. I know there are a zillion places you can find out exactly what they wore, but my goal is to share similar looks for less.

For more Bachelor posts, click here.

Glamorous Moms Foundation

Ever since I started my Miracle Morning journey, one of my goals has been to get more involved in charitable causes whether that was by donating, supporting events or volunteering my time. One of the books that really charged me to define the causes I felt most passionate about was Jean Shafiroff’s Successful Philanthropy. Shafiroff encourages readers to identify the causes that are most important to them and really focus on them versus trying to do a little bit of everything. One of the causes that I am most passionate about is supporting mothers and children.

When my friend Shannon, from Glamorous Moms, launched her own nonprofit organization, the Glamorous Moms Foundation, I was thrilled to join the board and support mothers and children. Our mission is to provide support, inspire, and build confidence in women and children in our community to enhance the quality of life, leading them to health, happiness, and safety. We provide a giving and comforting community that educates, strengthens and supports moms, expectant moms, women, and children who need it most.

We support other service organizations by providing comfort and life necessities (education, daily needs, and monetary support) to women and children to make meaningful change. Our first project was a toy drive over the holidays that allowed us to donate to a number of organizations over the past few months.

We have a number of exciting things coming up including our annual Glamorous Luncheon on May 16. If you’re in the metro Detroit area, I would love for you to join us!

I’m thrilled to be involved in this organization and to be able to get more involved with the cause. I can’t wait to see what we can do in 2020 and beyond!

Five on Friday: Golden Globes Gift Bags

I love awards season! The glamour, champagne, celebrities, fashion, and beauty are my Superbowl! To get the true red carpet experience, I thought I would share my top picks from this year’s swag bags.

Pat McGrath Labs MatteTrance™ Lipstick ($40)

An Allure Beauty winner, MatteTrance™ is a richly pigmented lipstick with a sensually creamy, powerful pigment that evokes screen siren glamour with every application. Stars were gifted the Elson 2 color, a fiery orange red.

Armani Beauty Sì Passione Eau de Parfum ($120)

Si Passione is the perfect combination of woody vanilla, rose petals, and sparkling pear. According to Giorgio Armani, “Sì is my tribute to modern femininity. An irresistible combination of grace, strength, and independent spirit.”

Pat McGrath Mothership VI Eyeshadow Palette – Midnight Sun ($125)

Midnight Sun offers “10 new illicitly pigmented, stunning shadows in a rapturous range of wicked coppers, deific bronzes, corruptible crimsons, glowing golds, and venomous violets…” according to the official press release. Every color is super sparkly and everything you would expect from Pat McGrath.

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Triple Detox Shampoo ($29)

I’m sure this is the perfect product for celebs after going all out with their hair for the evening. Living Proof’s Perfect Hair Day Triple Detox Shampoo has activated charcoal to absorb oil and remove product buildup.

Pat McGrath Labs Sublime Skin Highlighting Trio ($50)

Last but not least are the Pat McGrath highlighting trio that will give you that red carpet glow!

There were so many fantastic celebrity looks at the Globes this year and lots of great products to review I could probably write a million blog posts for each one. If you saw something you loved, let me know in the comments!

For more Five on Friday posts click here.

Smile Fearlessly

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

Your teeth might seem like a weird beauty topic, but they are actually one of your most important features. If you asked me to share what I think my best feature is, I would say my smile. I was blessed to have straight teeth and I never had to have braces or a retainer, but as I’ve gotten older they’ve definitely experienced some wear and tear.

A while back I was told that I was grinding my teeth and that I had to wear a night guard. It took me a while to get used to wearing it, but it significantly helped with the tooth sensitivity I was experiencing. Ever since then I’ve had to change some of my tooth brushing habits to accommodate my tooth sensitivity.

I was previously gifted an electric toothbrush about six years ago and have been using it ever since. I felt like I was brushing too hard on my own and using an electric toothbrush really helped me to calm that down. Earlier this year, Smile Brilliant reached out to me to try their CariPro Electric Toothbrush and I was thrilled, because I’ve literally had the same toothbrush for six years! A change was welcome!

The CariPro is GORGEOUS, at least for a toothbrush. I felt so fancy unboxing it and setting it up. It comes with its own charging stand and it has 5 different brush modes (clean, white, massage, gum care, sensitive). After using it for a while, I have some tips for you:

  • When you first open it, you have to charge it for a full 24 hours before using it for the first time, so make sure you plan in advance.
  • I like to use the sensitive setting, so before I apply the toothpaste, I turn it on, set it to the sensitive setting, and then turn it off. When you start it again it will start on the sensitive mode. That way you don’t have to start it vibrating and have your toothpaste fall off the brush.
  • It has a waterproof design, so you can use it in the shower or bathtub (a great tip, if you want to use it with the Carbon Coco toothpaste).
  • The CariPro has an interval smart timer (just like a Clarisonic) that tells you when to move to a new area. I initially struggled with this, but after a few tries, I focus the first two intervals on the bottom part of my mouth, and the second two on the top of my mouth which is a little easier for me.

The CariPro will help you remove seven times more plaque than a manual toothbrush and will get you noticeably whiter teeth in just two weeks! Plus Smile Brilliant allows you to try the toothbrush for 60 days and return it if you don’t love it (that’s pretty great!). I don’t have my next dentist appointment until June, but I can’t wait to see if my hygienist notices a difference in how my teeth look.

You want to make sure to replace your brush head every three months. I add a reminder in my phone so I don’t forget. The box I got (the Individual Package) has an extra one included, but you can order additional brush heads here.

Smile Brilliant is generously giving away a CariPro Electric Toothbrush to one of my readers AND providing a 20% off code for you to order one yourself. You can enter the giveaway here. If you would like to take advantage of the discount code, just use “DetroitDuchess20” at checkout. I can’t thank them enough for this generous offer.

electric toothbrush reviews

Have you used an electric toothbrush before or tried anything from Smile Brilliant? I want to check out their night guard next, as I have a huge crack in mine and will need to replace it soon.

For more beauty posts, click here.

Wine of the Week: Moët & Chandon

I had so much fun watching the Golden Globes this year and I thought it would be fun to talk about the official champagne of the Golden Globes for my weekly wine post. Some of you know that I’m really into champagne. In fact, I’m considering making a visit to France for my 40th and drinking all the champagne! As if it couldn’t get better, Moët & Chandon is Queen Elizabeth’s favorite. The company holds a “Royal Warrant” and is the family’s champagne of choice.

Moët & Chandon is known for promoting success and glamour and has 277 years of history behind the name. It’s no wonder it’s a favorite at award shows like the Golden Globes. For the awards show, they created a special cocktail called the Moët Golden Hour with pink grapefruit Belvedere Vodka, pineapple juice, simple syrup, and Moët & Chandon Impérial. It sounds delicious! Maybe worth recreating for the Oscars…

Moët Impérial was created in 1869 and is the House’s most well-known champagne. It’s created as a blend of Pinot Nero, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. It has a light, fresh and fruity taste with notes of green apple and citrus. It’s so delicious that apparently Napoleon kept it on hand to celebrate every victory.

Have you tried Moët & Chandon? I have a few big things in the works and I can’t wait to celebrate with a bottle!

For more Wine of the Week posts, click here.

Winter 2020 Favorites

I’m just waiting for Michigan to dump a big snowy winter on us, as its been pretty mild so far (I know, I’m jinxing it). But John did get a big snowblower for Christmas so hopefully it means we won’t get any snow, lol! Since I mostly work from home now I find myself gravitating to my cozy sweaters and ALL the tea to keep me warm. Here are a few of my favorite things this season:

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask ($20)

This stuff is pure gold for chapped lips. I have a little sample pot on my nightstand right now and will be buying a full-sized one as soon as I’m out. It works magic overnight!

Faux Fur Infinity Scarf ($44.99)

Every year Loft comes out with a new version of this scarf and every year I am here for it. I wear my furry Loft scarf every day and I LOVE it! I should just start buying them as gifts because they are the best!

Taste of Tea

Michigan has a new tea store, Taste of Tea, which I stumbled across during my Black Friday shopping extravaganza. I picked up some of their Dark Chocolate Truffle Tea and I am IN LOVE. I have one of those big Friends style coffee mugs and I just drink it all! If you’re in Michigan, the stores are at Partridge Creek and Twelve Oaks Mall. If you’re not local, you can order the teas online.

Pocket Sweater Duster ($59.99)

I am living the cardigan life people! I am wearing the cardigan from last year’s list as I write this. One thing a cardigan needs is pockets! I can drop my phone in a pocket and run up and down the stairs doing errands while listening to my podcasts…it’s really the little things that get me fired up. When I saw this one I got excited because it’s even longer than the one I have now AND the color is so pretty!

Emma Faux-Fur Cuff Wedge Boot ($59.97)

So my friends and I used to go to this winter beer festival every February and the only requirement was that you had to wear furry boots (a.k.a. boots with the fur). Unfortunately, we don’t do this trip anymore, but I couldn’t pass up these boots which would have been perfect for that outing!

Chocolate Lava Cake Candle ($12.25)

If you want your home to smell like chocolate cake, then this is the candle for you. I picked this scent up on Black Friday and put it out once I finished up my holiday scents. Between that and my tea I am enjoying all the chocolate with none of the guilt!

Shimmer Sweater Dress ($79.99)

Another Black Friday purchase that I love! This is the answer to what to wear to a party or a night out in the dead of winter.

Cucumber De-Tox™ Hydra-Gel Eye Patches ($52)

I use these a few days a week and LOVE them. It is really like having a luxurious spa treatment while you’re running around getting ready for the day. They have all different kinds too so I can’t wait to try others once I run out.

Bow Sweater ($28)

This keeps getting served to me in advertising and I LOVE it! It’s not a color I normally wear, but I think I could pair a really bright lip with it and wear my hair up.

Huggie Hoop Earrings ($24.50)

I love the look of these, I guess you can say my style is LOFT chic, because I am into everything they put out.

Oblio Wireless Charging Station with Built-In UV Sanitizer ($80)

The person that created this is a genius…and about to make a whole lotta cash! I want one of these SO bad – it would be perfect on my nightstand and having your phone sanitized every night would probably save you a few bugs throughout the winter.

CND Bellini and After Hours

I’m loving the mixed metals look, so I’m picking both of these shades for 2020!

Collared Mixed Media Sweater ($44.99)

This reminds me of a sweater I used to have back in the day. I loved the layered look, but hate layering and this is the best of both worlds!

What’s keeping you warm this winter?

You can also revisit my Winter 2018Winter 2016Winter 2015Winter 2014 and Winter 2013 Favorites.

One Little Word: Discipline

Last year was my first year choosing One Little Word and I had a pretty mind-blowing year. It’s one thing I can definitely credit to my word selection. In 2019, I chose Accomplish as my word, and boy did I Accomplish some stuff. My biggest accomplishment was starting my own business, something that I had been dreaming about ever since starting the Miracle Morning. So let’s just say 2019 will be a hard act to follow.

Now that I’ve “accomplished” some pretty big things, 2020 is more about maintaining and building on these accomplishments. I wanted a word that embodied hard work and consistency. One of my favorite quotes from Jim Rohn is “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” This sums up what I need to do in 2020.

For 2020, my word of the year is Discipline! This year is all about staying on track and keeping the momentum from 2019. I hit up Target right away to get my own Rachel Hollis Priority Planner, Start Today Journal, and 2020 Vision Calendar so I could stay motivated. I’m loving them so far!

Last year I had a fantastic bracelet that helped keep my word top of mind and pushed me forward. This year I need something similar and I found this great bracelet on Etsy with an Abraham Lincoln quote that’s speaking to me, “Discipline is choosing between what you want now, and what you want most.” It’s only $25 and you can find it here.

Here are a few additional quotes and bible verses that reinforce Discipline for me:

What’s your word for 2020? If you are using Discipline this year I would love to see any other quotes you’ve found for it! Cheers to a fantastic 2020 everyone!

For more Be the Best You posts, click here.

They See Me Rollin’

Have you jumped on the facial roller train yet? I recently received a Rose Quartz roller of my own and am finally on the facial rolling bandwagon!

What’s the point of a facial roller? you may ask. Some people (aka, my husband) might say it’s a bunch of witchy voodoo, but there are several benefits to be had from facial rolling. The biggest benefit being lymphatic drainage.

They lymphatic system is what keeps your immune system working properly, but unlike your blood vessels, it doesn’t have a pump (your heart) to keep your lymphatic fluid moving. Your body will drain it naturally, but there is something to be said for giving it a little kick. Draining your lymphatic system can help reduce puffy eyes, swelling or blotchiness. It can also help increase blood flow and circulation to the skin.

There are a few different kinds of facial rollers you can get, Sephora has a collection of Amethyst, Jade, and Rose Quartz rollers to try. Each crystal has its own healing properties. I decided to start with the Rose Quartz as it’s known for love and healing. Apparently the ancient Egyptians believed that Rose Quartz could decrease wrinkles clear your complexion.

There are a few different ways you can use your facial roller, but the first thing you want to do is to charge your crystal. With the facial roller you can let it charge in direct moonlight and that will remove any negative energy surrounding the crystal.

You can also keep it in the refrigerator to cool it down and use it to apply serums and moisturizers. I like to use it on top of a sheet mask to really roll in those nutrients. Don’t forget to use it on your neck and decolletage.

Have you tried a facial roller yet? Let me know what you love about it!

For more Beauty posts, click here.

Wine of the Week: Cote des Roses

I’ve been meaning to write this post all year long, Cote des Roses has been my go to Rose for a while now! John brought it home one day and it has been my favorite ever since.

The bottle is definitely a highlight here, it’s like someone bringing you roses, but even better! The bottle was designed by Melitine Courvoisier, a student at the Ecole Boulle, as part of a design contest. The bottle is called “Soiree A Rose.” Her idea was to design a bottle that redefines the rules of seduction, “Wine is more often offered as a present to men, and flowers to women. I combined these two aspects, turned the bottle over and the idea was there!”

What I didn’t realize was that they also have a whole variety of wine in the same packaging. I have only ever seen the Rose, but if you see the other varieties in stores, let me know! The Rose is crisp and fresh, with notes of fruit and candy. It’s the perfect rose, not too floral.

If you’ve tried Cote des Roses before, let me know your thoughts AND if you have any great ideas on how to re-purpose the bottles share them below! I hate recycling them when they are SO beautiful.

For more Wine of the Week posts, click here.

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