Friday, August 31, 2012

Here's A High Five For Friday!



 It's Friday! 
Here's A High Five For Friday!

How do you plan on enjoying the weekend?


1) Spending Time with your Lover! 
Is it your spouse, boyfriend or car?
 


2) Wear a Smile!
 

3) Enjoy an Amazing Breakfast!
Waffles?
 

4) Spend Time with a Good Read! 
Shopping Inspiration!
 
 
 

 
5) Time with History!
Ever Had a Chance to Visit Mount Vernon?
 
 
 Write a comment. 
We would love to hear what part of the world you are from!

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Five Things: Brooches and Bouquets

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)

Who isn't in love with brooches and who isn't in love with flowers? 
 Combine the two and a masterpiece is created!


Gorgeous brooch accented on silk bouquet stem.
Songs from the Garden



Beautiful fall brooch bouquet.  One way to have an array of color!
Forever Adored Flowers



Go for an antique look with this beautiful brooch combo!
The Ritzy Rose



Are you planning a winter wedding?  Here is a fabulous silver and blue bouquet! 
Lionsgate Designs



This peacock colored themed brooch bouquet includes silk roses as well.  
Beautiful bouquet all year round.
In Your Heart
http://www.etsy.com/shop/InYourHeart





http://www.skiptomylou.org/2012/09/03/made-by-you-monday-117/


Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Your Fork, Your Plate

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)

Once in a while, we meet those people who feel the need to eat off of our plates.  Now we aren't talking about sharing a fabulous dessert with a close friend or loved one.  No, we are referring to those grown adults who are sitting across the table and reach over just to try our steak because their chicken is too dry.  We're are all about sharing food and letting other people have a taste, but let's have a bit of class!



If you are intrigued by the dish your friend ordered, don't ask for a bite unless you know they are willing to share.  Not every person likes to share.  Asking for a taste only works in an informal and intimate setting. 

Never, ever reach across the table with your fork and remove a piece of meat from a friend's dinner plate.  Can we say, RUDE!  Unfortunately, we have seen this happen. 

 


If your friend agrees to share their dinner, never, ever eat off their fork!  This is only acceptable if it is the fork belonging to your lover!

Instead of being obvious about wanting to taste your friend's food, try to ask subtly.  "Wow, that dish looks amazing!"  "I should've ordered the same as you!"  Show a bit of class, your friends will appreciate you for it!

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Message in a Bottle

Written By: Ooh La La & Va Va Voom




Here is some light reading for Sunday. 
We knew you all would appreciate this one!

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Hostess with the Mostess: Dessert Choices

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie) and Va Va Voom (Katrina)

Cheers to the successful Wine and Cheese Evening!  We had the best array of appetizer and dessert choices I have ever seen at a party!  Thanks to all the ladies for bringing the yummy tummy treats!  But, my weakness is for sugar.  Here are a few of the sweet options we enjoyed with our wine last night!  Unfortunately, I didn't get pictures of everything but believe me, there were several more delicious cakes, cookies and chocolates!

 
These were a mix of red velvet cupcakes with silver sprinkles (made from the Crate and Barrel Whoopie Pie Mix http://www.crateandbarrel.com/red-velvet-whoopie-pie-mix/s683224) and pink strawberry mini cupcakes from the local grocery store.  Absolute Delish!


 
These are amazing cookies!  Peanut Butter Secrets: http://www.pillsburybaking.com/recipes/details/1595/candy?CategoryId=22
 

Ingredients

COOKIE

  • Crisco® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray
  • 1 cup Crisco® Butter Flavor All-Vegetable Shortening
  • OR 1 stick Crisco® Baking Sticks Butter Flavor All-Vegetable Shortening
  • 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup Jif® Creamy Peanut Butter
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups Pillsbury BEST® All Purpose Flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 40 to 45 chocolate-covered miniature peanut butter cups
GLAZE
  • 1 teaspoon Crisco® Butter Flavor All-Vegetable Shortening
  • OR 1 teaspoon Crisco® Baking Sticks Butter Flavor All-Vegetable Shortening
  • 1 cup (6 oz. pkg.) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons Jif® Creamy Peanut Butter

Preparation Directions

  • HEAT oven to 375ºF. Coat baking sheets lightly with no-stick cooking spray.
  • COMBINE shortening, brown sugar, granulated sugar and peanut butter in bowl of electric mixer; beat at medium speed until well blended. Beat in egg and vanilla.
  • COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt in medium bowl. Mix into shortening mixture at low speed until just blended. Form rounded teaspoonfuls of dough around each peanut butter cup. Enclose entirely. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheet.
  • BAKE 8 to 10 minutes, or until cookies are just browned. Remove immediately to cooling rack.
  • COMBINE shortening, chocolate chips and peanut butter in microwave-safe measuring cup. Microwave on MEDIUM (50% power) 1 minute. Stir. Repeat until smooth.
  • DIP cookie tops in chocolate. Let stand until chocolate is set.

 
 
 
We all love our sweets, but sometimes a little bit of fruit and cream is all we need!
 
 
An end of summer fruit salad!
 
 
Lady Lux Tip: Be the Hostess with the Mostess!  Have options for your guests!  The more food options, the more wine options, the more likely your party will be a huge hit! 
 

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Feminine Appeal! Bethenny Frankel or Kate Middleton?

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)

What makes a woman a woman?  What makes her ooze with femininity? 

Is it her presence?  Her love of life?  Her style?  Her charity? Her personality and character?

Here at Provocative Manners we decided to pick two women who passionately love life, style and work for the well-being of others!  Now you may think that Bethenny Frankel and Kate Middleton are completely different women, and we totally agree, but they have each made a huge impact in their own way and with their own feminine touch!

Read about Bethenny Frankel's health and beauty routine at this link: http://theblush.com/2012/03/26/bethenny-frankel-interview/



Bethenny Frankel has a passion for adventure!  The adventures of life, family and business.  She has succeeded in ways no one believed was possible, except for her!  Bethenny is a true lover of life and a passionate entrepreneur.  The Skinny Girl Founder may have an edge to her, but that's what makes her an excellent buisness woman, mother, wife and friend.  When she commits, she commits with every ounce of her being.  What a wonderful trait for a woman to have! 

http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2011/03/21/bethenny-frankel-cashes-in-on-skinnygirl-brand/


The Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton) has been the talk of the world for several years and surprisingly she has been able to keep herself grounded.  After all, the Duchess does deserve credit for that, she did marry the Future King of England.  Not only has Kate kept her poise, etiquette and sanity during her over-exposed life, but she has also contributed to several charities/foundations and doing all of this in fabulous style.  Yes, Kate Middleton has become a world fashion icon!  Who can really argue with that?  Don't be jealous and caddy just because she always looks amazing.  The best part, she buys High Street Fashion!  We can all appreciate that!

Britain's Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton) makes her first public speech during a visit to The Treehouse a charity in Ipswich, England March 19, 2012.http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-News/2012/0319/Kate-Middleton-delivers-first-speech-but-media-focus-on-blue-dress-video
Kirsty Wigglesworth/Reuters

What's the lesson here?  Do you know who you are?  You don't have to be an exact replica of another person, but sometimes others may have amazing traits that we can try to emulate and use in our own lives.  Everyone wants to be the "complete package", every woman wants to have it all and do it all, but sometimes it's best for us to find out what our strengths are.  What makes us the woman we are?  And how can we work to improve that woman, not only for ourselves but for our families, our friends and our lovers.  How can we give back to those in need?  Your "complete package", whatever it maybe, is what makes you ooze with feminity.  So, have a personal presernce of love, character and charity and portray your feminine appeal!


~ Look who made it on the cover of Vanity Fair Style, September 2012 Issue!  ~


http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/news-features/TMG9441405/The-Duchess-of-Cambridge-makes-Vanity-Fairs-Best-Dressed-List-2012.html

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Need Some Fun Thoughts? Who's a B****?

Written By: Va Va Voom (Katrina)




I think you deserve a midweek treat!!!! Something chocolate perhaps???  An Opera Tart from Cafe La Reve in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.  http://lerevecafe.com/






Lady Lux does not usually support swearing on any kind, but in this case we kinda love it! So be your most fabulous today!



Monday, August 20, 2012

Even Good Girls Know How to Be Dirty!

Written By: Va Va Voom (Katrina)

Good girls know how to get dirty!

That is with actual dirt!  This past weekend Oh la la and Va Va Voom ran a 5K called the "Dirty Girl."  It was a blast!  Our team name was the "Glam Girls" and we did a superb job getting down and dirty in the mud!

Even if you're a girly girl, like us, a little or a lot of mud, in our case, is complete acceptable.  Add this to your bucket list!

Good Dirty Things

The Dirty Girl Run www.godirtygirl.com
Dirty Martini...yum!
The movie, Dirty Harry
"Dirty" blonde hair
The movie, Dirty Dancing


Bad Dirty Things

Dirty jokes
Dirty dishwater
Dirty anything else!!!!!!

So if you are going to be dirty, be the right kind of dirty.....something to ponder, right?!?



Saturday, August 18, 2012

Be "That" Kind of Woman!

Written By: Va Va Voom (Katrina)



Be this saucy woman every day! It will do wonders for your morale!

Off the shoulder anything makes any woman feel her sauciest! 
You can be provocative rather then slutty with a whole lot of CLEAVAGE!

The Dinner Party: Where to Sit and How to Pass

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)

Envision this!  You were invited to a friend's house for dinner.  The second you step in the door, the aroma of food is amazing.  The table setting is out of this world!  After an amazing glass of wine with a few olives to soften the palate it is now time to sit for dinner. 

 

Uh oh, awkward moment as each guest slowly moves to the table.  Where do I sit?  If you are the guest, wait till the host/hostess points out your spot.  It's extremely rude to take a seat before being placed by the host.  If you are the host, think about this before your guests arrive.  Don't make it more awkward than it needs to be.  Or better yet, make place cards!

Now that all the guests are seated, dinner is about to be served.  Think fast...what direction do you pass the food?  Answer:  pass in a counterclockwise direction, so to the right!  This works best when several dishes are being passed around the table at one time.  If someone asks for a specific dish then you can avoid this rule, since it would be silly to pass the red potatoes around the whole table for one person.  If the person sitting next to you asks for a roll, never ever pick up a roll and hand it to him.  Pass the entire basket of rolls and let the guest choose for themselves.  No one will appreicate your fingers  all over their food!




Best part of the night, enjoy the dinner, but remember to leave room for dessert! 



Thursday, August 16, 2012

It's a Fun Floral Rainy Day!



~ It's rainy, and cloudy with thunder and lightening today,
so here are a few cheerful photos of flowers ~


Photo Credit: Andrew Schliesman Photography


Floral Designs by DMH Custom Floral Designs

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

What's in Your Cup of Coffee?

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)

So tell me, how do you like your coffee?



Black?  Cream?  Sugar?   Flavored syrup?  Whipped cream?  A touch of cinnamon?

Whatever your coffee preference, you will be surprised how it relates to your portfolio, your resume, your life experiences and even your future plans.  Do you make the most of your talents and experiences while using them to further your passions, career or hobbies?  Or do you sit by the wayside hoping someone will notice your talents and only plan on utilizing them if you are given constant recognition?  If the latter is true, then you have much to learn!  It is time to look beyond yourself!

It seems like we have lost any sense of the words "personal pride" and now focus on fame and celebrity status in our culture.  It almost doesn't matter how you get there.  Unfortunately, this is detrimental.  Instead of working our way to the top, many people don't want the work, they want to be at the top because, well, they believe they deserve it!  Really?  Seriously?  This is a lazy way of thinking and it will catch up with you.

How can you take your talents and use them to further your lot in life?  Simple, discover your passions, what moves you to succeed whether personally, financially, emotionally, etc.  What's in your cup of coffee?  What are your talents?  Usually one gift can be used in several different ways, how amazing!

Word to the Wise...  Don't be a bragger, most people don't want to hear you talk about yourself.  You will be surprised how people will highly value your opinion, your time and your talents if you don't need to put them on display!

www.retroclipart.com


What does your coffee drinking say about you?

Black Coffee:  If you prefer your coffee without any additives, you are probably not very bending in your life decisions and don't stray from the constant norm.  This is a great quality, meaning you are very reliable, but be prepared, your opinions may not always be the best for everyone else.  Show your talents, use your God-given gifts, but remember to occasionally step out of your comfort zone.
(Melancholic or Phlegmatic Temperaments)

Coffee with Cream: You can't drink coffee without cream?  Then you are reliable, organized and flexible.  You are probably stubborn because unfortunately you can't drink black coffee or coffee with sugar; you have restricted yourself to a specific taste!  This means you know what you want.  Luckily you are flexible not only with your creamer but with life situations as well and can make quick decisions.  You are able to vary the amount of creamer without freaking out!  (Choleric or Phlegmatic Temperaments)

Coffee with Sugar:  These are the people who love the sweet things in life.  Not just sugar-wise but they take advantage of every adventure life throws at them.  Talk about flexible, these people are willing to try anything.  However, they like to try many things all at once, they get really excited and they may have a difficult time following through as new excitements pop up.  If you want to have a great time, find a coffee-mate who loves their sugar! (Sanguine Temperament)

Now this isn't an exact science, but it sure is a great conversation starter the next time you have one of those awkward pauses at a meeting or lunch date.  Ask your friend, how do they like their coffee?


Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Monday, August 13, 2012

That Age of Innocence

Written By: Va Va Voom (Katrina)

Remember being completely innocent? I don't! Haha! Remember to let kids be kids.



We have all been to the grocery store, waiting in line, while the toddler behind us is throwing a tantrum over a candy bar.  Before you judge the parents, wait to see how the child is disciplined.  If the parents don't attempt to correct the child, then you have all the reason to be annoyed with the situation.  However, if the parents truly attempt to amend the situation and teach the child, then don't be too quick to judge. 

Children will only learn how to behave in specific social situations but through practice.  Parents can't keep their kids confined at home and then expect them to behave in public.  Children only learn through example and practice. 

Word to the wise...don't be too quick to judge a vibrant child at the store.  Wait to see how the parents handle the situation.  Parents are more to blame for an undisciplined child than the actual toddler themselves.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Beat these Cakes!

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)

I had to make a shout out to my sister-in-law who makes amazing cakes!  Here are just a few for inspiration!

If you want to make an event more welcoming.  Think and work outside of the box, try to make your own cake and design it.  Add a personal touch to each event you host, such as a cake.  Instead of always ordering from a store, try your hand at a specialty cake.  You may be the next Cake Boss!


This cake resembles a "wedding cake". 
She designed it for a "wedding album party" she is hosting with friends!



This one was designed for her daughter who loves to quilt! 
Each cake quilt block was personally designed at request of the birthday girl!



This swimming pool cake is exactly where we all want to be in the summer! 
What a perfect birthday cake for a child.   


Saturday, August 11, 2012

Told You So! Olympic Pride!


Written By: Va Va Voom (Katrina)

Are you cheering on your Olympic teams?





 This is my Ava. Who does not love a photo of a cute kid being sassy?!?  (Showing a bit a determination with her patriotism!)  

How do you show your patriotic spirit?

The Dedicated Bridesmaid

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)

With the continuous number of weddings we attend throughout the year, we thought it was apropo to give credit to those bridesmaids (particularly maids/matrons of honor) who have worked day and night pleasing every whim of the bride.  Basically they have become the "event planner" (definitely not feeling the David Tutera limelight) for the occassion and by no means getting the credit or recognition deserved!



Dessy Collection Style 2847  www.dessy.com

Brides, if you have been graced with sweet, dedicated and unselfish maids/matrons of honor, you have been blessed! If all your bridesmaids are sweet, dedicated and unselfish, then you are doubly blessed! Don't take them for granted, believe me, there are plenty of women out there who you would never wish to stand up. Sometimes, it's almost better to exclude those women from the bridal party.  Let's be real, they are the ones who will start drama.


KEEP YOUR DRAMA FOR YOUR MAMA!


So, take the time and recognize the dedication of your bridesmaids, even if it is just one lady who does it all, give her some recognition.  Please, we don't need to be politically correct here, give credit where credit is due!  Maybe it's time to choose quality over quantity!


Sorella Vita Bridesmaid Dresses - Sorella Vita Bridesmaid Dress www.theknot.com

Sauce of Life Tip:  Eggplant is the color for 2013 weddings!

Thursday, August 9, 2012

An Alluring Relationship with Sophistication

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie)

My husband and I went for our 5 year anniversary dinner to an adorable, quaint, French restaurant, "Lake Park Bistro" (http://www.lakeparkbistro.com) and I fell in love with an over the moon, out of this world champagne cocktail!  Yes, it became such an alluring relationship that my endearing husband ordered two on my behalf!  What was this amazing cocktail?


www.myrecipes.com

KIR ROYALE

1 part creme de cassis
5 parts champagne
Add a lemon rind and black currant or raspberries

The reason I'm sharing this with you is of course, my love for champagne.  But this amazing champagne cocktail proves my point that every woman looks more sophisticated, more alluring and more feminine with a glass of champagne.  What woman doesn't love those fruity cocktails?  Well instead of ordering your A-Typical Vodka and Cranberry or Tequila Sunrise, it's time to spice it up!  Order a Kir Royale, you may even shock your date by stepping out of the box.

Hold the champagne glass by the stem.

Don't forget to give your lover those smoldering eyes while you sip your Kir Royale throughout the evening.


www.shakeandstirblog.com

Monday, August 6, 2012

What to Wear to Work: Jazz it up!

Work clothes get tedious and boring.  Is it always the same old black pants and button down shirts? 

Jazz it up with a pencil skirt, button sweater and stylish belt.  You will be amazed how your clothing combo will change your over all mood!

www.nordstroms.com

Work