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All of Our DoDo Love,

Dobie and Dominique 

Brewing the Buch! (How to make Kombucha)

Make your own Kombucha!!! 

It's really easy and fast once you get the hang of it! 

OPTIONS:
1) Find a friend with a scoby (the mother mushroom) and after each batch of brewing the mushroom duplicates and you can divide it. 

Ask people at your local health food store. That's where I got my first shroom.

2) Buy a starter kit from your health food store. It's about $10-$15. 

3) Order from Williams and Sonoma, they have the whole starter kit and just the scoby. 

I personally like the third option because you know that the glassware is safe when you buy the whole kit. Since you don't want any lead oxidization to take place during fermentation. 


Anyone interested in my shroom. Email me and I will ship to you! :) 


INGREDIENTS:

1 GALLON OF WATER
1 CUP OF SUGAR
4 TEA BAGS
1 CUP OF SCOBY/MUSHROOM/CULTURE

INSTRUCTIONS:

I boil about 1/3 gallon enough to melt the sugar and to allow the tea to steep. Add both the 1 cup of sugar and tea bags to the boiling water. I use a stainless steel mixer bowl for this step. Stir until the sugar melts and more water if needed. Wait 20 minutes although 10 is probably enough to maximize the flavor of the tea. 

Once cooled, remove the tea bags and use metal or plastic utensils avoiding wood.  Then add the remaining water and the starter kit (the mushroom and some of the fermented tea) to a clean* kitchen glass safe gallon jar. 

http://www.amazon.com/ATTRACTION-DAILY-LIFE-SUCCESS-PLANNER/dp/B013ZRM5VQ/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

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Too high temperatures are bad for the mushroom killing good bacteria.

Some people do up to 10-12 tea bags/1 ounce of tea leaves. I find that four is enough flavor. 

*Should be washed throughly preferably in a dishwasher. Then just to be sure. I pour boiling water all over the utensils. I add a small amount of boiling water to the glass jar and swivel it so the temperature and pressure does not escalate allowing the glass to adjust. Then I repeat those steps with white vinegar. And ALWAYS wipe with a fresh towel. 

Cover the glass container with a clean cloth thin enough to allow some ventilation (old t-shirt,cheese cloth,etc.)and brew anywhere from 7-30 days. The longer it brews the more strong and less sweet it becomes. 

Store in a dry place. Warm temperatures are the best, 70ish-80ish works. 80-85 is ideal and a faster process. 

After you have already made a batch to continue the process just pour out the kombucha into more gl. Be sure to leave about a cup or more of the original batch of the kombucha and mushroom and then add more sugar, water, and tea bags and repeat the process! 

Then add fruit to bottles/containers and let it sit over night it will take on the fruity flavor! 

 My favorite flavor is strawberry lemon. I add a full lemon to the batch and some lemon rind. 

This batch is strawberry lemon. However, mixed berry and it tastes like the lemon berry slush from sonic. 

My sad attempt at a lemon twist. 

Lemon Ginger is my next attempt!

The main health benefit is the probiotics and the mushroom 'eats' all the sugar so I deemed it safe when detoxing or avoiding sugar.

https://www.amazon.com/Pure-Essence-Candex-Veggie-Caps/dp/B0011865O0/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1467832246&sr=8-1&keywords=candex+120+capsules

P.S. I obviously didn't know how to spell Kom-BUCH-A. Or was it that I was too lazy to erase a few letters? You'll never know ;) 

Happy Brewing! 

All my love, health and happy blessings to you in the TWO-OH-ONE-FIVE! 

Dom



http://www.freepeople.com/mind-and-matter-over-the-knee-boot/_/searchString/tall%20boots/QUERYID/54ebf1e28570a33244000179/CMCATEGORYID/683d4023-53f5-4900-b5ce-ecf465df31a9/SEARCHPOSITION/0/STYLEID/32886533/

Why saying “You’re beautiful.” is NOT a compliment

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https://www.amazon.com/Limited-SALE-Showerhead-Replaceable-Cartridges/dp/B01M08G9D5/ref=sr_1_11?s=kitchen-bath&ie=UTF8&qid=1531849300&sr=1-11&keywords=shower+filter

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When I was younger and a family friend would reach down, grab my face and exclaim to my mother, “She’s beautiful!”, I was told to reply with a “Thank you.” Many girls strive for the label and others feel jealousy towards those given this title. As a result, a girl puts her self worth in the hands of someone else. 

I’m not addressing this as a pessimist or trying to prove that inner beauty is more important than physical beauty. In reality, they both have their benefits. But really think about what someone is saying when they tell you, “You are beautiful.” I’m not convinced that it’s truly a compliment.

1. Beauty is not something that a person can own. I own my body, yes, but not the beauty. Why? Because I can’t control it. One day, I will look different, and the compliments from random strangers in bars will stop. Let’s hope this is mainly because I will spend less time in bars, but one never knows. Also, I did not create the beauty. I can put on makeup or get surgery to enhance my look, but I did not choose the color of my eyes or the size of my nose. That is all thanks to genetics and luck.                                   
2. Beauty is one dimensional. Being funny or smart has a way of increasing a person’s attractiveness, however, I’ve never heard of a person’s beauty contributing to one’s ability. For example, many men find actresses or singers more attractive than some models. This may be personal preference, but I think talent has increased their appeal. On the other hand, being beautiful does not make a person a better singer. It may help them sell more CDs but that is due to the fact that physical attractiveness has a way of excusing poor behavior and discouraging actual talent. 
3. The phrase “You are beautiful” has lost its significance. Although it is never a negative thing to hear, being told that you are beautiful has become a common pickup phrase. When it is used this way, I feel like a conquest. Someone has declared me beautiful and only after that do they want my attention. It’s as if you aren’t worth talking to unless you are beautiful. This also goes along with the idea that beautiful people are treated differently. Although it may be nice to get special attention, it’s conditional and demoralizing. Shouldn’t everyone be treated with the same amount of kindness?
4. Beauty is subjective. Therefore, what you say can’t be proven. It also makes the complimenter the judge, and the receiver at someone else’s disposal. A girl may be smart, funny, and kind, but she does not feel complete until she is considered attractive. And even worse, a girl can feel attractive and be told she is beautiful, but have it undermined by one outside source telling her otherwise. Have you ever noticed how most female models do not strive to be anything else? Like an actress or business woman, but tons of actors started out as male models? It’s as if, being beautiful is a woman's ultimate goal. 
5. Beauty is fleeting. If being beautiful in a physically attractive way is the best compliment (and I’ve thought it was in the past), then my happiness is limited. Girls, you are limiting yourselves by putting so much emphasis on physical qualities. For most, physical attractiveness decreases as time progresses so if you invest your happiness in your beauty, you are only setting yourself up for disappointment.

Now, I’m not saying I would be offended by being called beautiful. It is a very nice thing to hear, but it should not be the goal or determine how I feel about myself. Changing the syntax would help. And on those instances that I’m told that I am beautiful as a person, that I have a beautiful heart or smile, I do not feel like I have to hold onto some fading moment. Don’t you think it is better to be complimented on your ability rather than your physicality? If a man loves a woman because she is beautiful then what will happen when the beauty, that is out of your control, fades or he decides someone else is more beautiful? As girls, you have to develop qualities that you can control and decide that those are traits you want to be seen for instead of encouraging others to call you beautiful. 

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I understand that physical features are what attract a mate and that we instinctively choose people that would produce healthy and attractive offspring, but humans hold women to ridiculous, unattainable standards that perpetuate self loathing and outside validation. And none of this is in the interest of producing healthy, attractive offspring. It is all in vain.

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I'll take the compliment, but I'm also taking a stand. The truly beautiful thing is that I am in control of my own self worth and can make my own standards.

What I'm Drooling Over

What I'm drooling over. Is it cookies? (As in hot boys or the fresh dangerously delicious baked goods)

Nope.

CLOTHES.

This is my Office Fall Fashion Must Have Wish List.


Hi my name is the Wednesday Bib Dress and I enjoy the jealous stares I receive, making my wearer look super adorable, and my favorite feature is my ruffle sleeves. I hope you do choose me and let me live in your closet!

This is  currently number one on my wish list! 

From Free People 

This gorgeous number is going fast! I love Free People and will be hurrying on over myself! 

The adorable little number is Geraldine Polka Dot Dress  by Torn by Ronny Kobo. 

And these can't live without boots, the over the knee suede studs, so called the Mind and Matter Over the Knee boots on Free People. 

From Shopbop

The following dress might cause quite the stir at the office.  It was categorized as office attire. What do you think? Sexy or _____??? 

Meet Bless'ed are the Meek Worldy Dress.  
Hey Girls Bless'ed here,  I might cause double takes in the office.  

From Shopbop

Charlie Dress by Jay Godfrey meet readers, readers meet Charlie Dress. You guys are both super adorable, I think you would be great friends and make the perfect fit. 

From Revolve 

Next we have the Dublin Collared Dress by Clover Canyon

My name is Dublin Collared Dress from the Clover Canyon  family line. I'm the perfect mix of plaid, patterns, and strips and I'm here to love you with my adorable collar.  

From ShopBop

Hi, my name is Mikayla Scuba Dress, and I'm super cute with the perfect amount of flirty skirty flare. 

From Nasty Gal

Still need more?  

I'm obsessed with the She Mean's Business collection. You should check that out for some more office attire goodies!!

http://www.amazon.com/Kuzy-13-inch-Rubberized-Thunderbolt-Aluminum/dp/B005BKMHKU

Happy drooling. 

Love, 
Dominique 

Makeup for Mermaids (Waterproofing Your Makeup Tutorial)

If you want to look cute and fresh like Ariel when you pop ashore ready to sing to your unconscious human Prince Eric a creepy tune, keep reading! If you like looking smeared and scary like Ursula, that's totally cool too. Sometimes we all just want to the rock the hot mess. No judgement. Been there before! (Seriously.) 

I know that summer is coming to an end, but for some the hot sticky sweaty days are still ahead.  For those who will be spending their Labor Day Weekend near/on/in water, you will benefit from this post.(Unless you don't wear makeup then you really won't need this post.)

Now, I must have been a fish in a previous life because I spend some serious time under the water. 

Just look at that super attractive photo ;) 

As you can see I have a decent amount of eye make up on! It faded a bit but was still there when I made it home (six hours later). 

STARTING WITH THE EYES

My favorite eyeshadow to get wet is MAC's 'Mineralize' Eyeshadow Duo. However any powder eyeshadow will work. I've tried numerous kinds and it doesn't ruin them! 

First you get your eye makeup brush wet with water and then apply as you normally would. Just dipping the tips of the brush in some water should be sufficient. If the shadow is too thin, tap the brush to dry and keep adding the shadow. 

Boom. Set. All waterproofed and ready!

I really like MAC's Fluidline for eyeliner. I use the pot and brush, but I think the pencil is easier, especially when it comes to winging your liner! You can actually use the fulidline for a smokey eye primer. It's a good investment for your makeup bag.

For mascara my favorite since 2009 has to be Clinic's High Impact Curling Mascara. I like this because it doesn't smear, just flakes off when you gently rub your eyes with water, oil, or makeup remover. It has been my go to for every single event, it is tear proof and water proof! 

   

  Photo: Sephora 

   

Photo: Nordstrom

Photo: Nordstrom 

      

                               

FOR THE BASE 

For my foundation I use ZUZU Luxe's Dual Powder Foundation. It is my favorite coverage waterproof or not. What I do is just use a flat foundation brush and get it wet like the eyeshadow and apply. It's a bit trickier than eyeshadow because too much can make you too dark. But just play with it, and you'll get it in no time. 

For non watery events, I use the ZuZu liquid foundation and then powder for a beautiful fresh faced but great coverage.

Zuzu is Vegan and Gluten free and can be found at Vitamin Cottages and all the Whole Foods I have been at. 

For blush/bronzer/highlighter I would recommend a cream base, like RMS's lip2cheek! I have DEMURE but the one shown is SMILE.  RMS, is an all Organic Ingredient Makeup! They are pretty water resistant. However, everyone's skin has a different texture. So just keep that in mind if these products don't work for you! 

I have never tried to get MAC 'Mineralize' Blush and Bronzers wet, but I bet they work great like the eye shadows!

I also like Origins' Pinch Your Cheeks for my cheekies (on my face of course, don't be weird). I love the CoralBerry hue. And it gives you a perfect cute very natural sun kissed look. 

I have also tried just using regular powdered blush and bronzer, you just apply it with a wet make up brush.

 

 Photo: RMS

Photo: Origins

      Photo: Amazon 

LASTLY LIPS 

I use Chanel Rogue Allure, Enthusiast #74 (Which I had since 2008 and don't even know if they still make it). A little goes a long way and lasts for days! Seriously! One time I fell asleep with it on and my hand was under my lips. I woke up with a kissy mark, and it took some serious scrubbing to get it off of my hand.

Or I use Origin's pinch your cheeks, or just chap stick.   

   

Photo: Nordstrom

  

Photo Credit

   

Photo: Nordstrom

                                

I know that all of this makeup is pricey! But I have started collecting pieces over the years, and they have lasted for many years, except the powder. It lasted a year. (Is that maybe gross or unhealthy?!).  

If you have any questions please feel free to comment/email us! 

 

Have fun! Have a wonderful rest of summer! 

Kisses,

Dominique 

Choosing A Business Structure

Hey guys! We wanted to share our story in hopes that we will inspire you to move forward with your own! We will tell you how we are going about it.

Hope we don't snore or bore you to death. But this post is all about how and where to start when wanting to start your business.

(Kristen Stewart from the interview in the March issue of Marie-Claire 2014)

Startups are not easy or cheap, and there are a lot of daunting steps and confusion along the way.

But don't let that stop you! You can do it! 

(Found on Twitter)

And by no means do you have to take the exact path we did because this is your journey. 

So, you got the next big thing, the idea that's going to rock your world and make a difference in the world? Where do you begin?

In order to start your own business, you are going to need to just put yourself out there. Trust yourself, and most importantly learn from your mistakes, because you are going to make some. But the most important mistake you will make is not taking the plunge at all.

I once read, "Don't put off the business failure you've longed for; you can fail today!"

So I say, "The sooner you fall, the sooner you pick yourself up and overcome another obstacle, another lesson learned." So start failing and start learning today!

The first thing we did whenever we decided to start a business was a ton of research. In particular, what type of business structure do we want to establish?

Keep reading for business structures...

Source: STARTUPVITAMINS 

Click here for a very helpful article about the different business structures: Sole Proprietorship, Limited Liability Company, Cooperative, Corporation, Partnership, S Corporation.

After discussing with our accountant friend, she recommended an LLC. We were leaning towards the LLC and then got in touch with our lawyer, and he said go online and sign up for it.

LLC is the new thing everyone seems to be choosing this days. It's perfect for small businesses and startups, because it is a combination of a Partnership and a S Corporation.

It's very simple to set one up. Another friend, a law student was setting up her own LLC and just told us to go for it ourselves because she hired a lawyer and he charged her $1200 to fill out a form online.

Here's how to do it...you just go here and follow the steps!

In order to file, you go to your Secretary of State, it is easy to find: just type "file an LLC in (state of residence)" into a search engine and find the link that has 'sos' in the url.
From here you find the link that says Domestic Limited Liability Company and then let the paper work begin (online).
Be sure to print off all important papers. Now you are a business owner and the next step is to go to the bank!

Here are some resourceful links:
http://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/businessstructure.shtml
http://www.sba.gov/content/limited-liability-company-llc

Remember we are not lawyers, accountants, or professional business consultants so please read our disclaimer... Good luck!

Have a wonderful Thursday! 

Love, 

DoDoDom 

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IN SHARK WEEK SHAPE

Work out like a Great White Shark Beast! What better time than Shark week? We personally love Shark Week and find ourselves watching it whenever we have down time. (And if you are like Dom, she uses Shark Week as an excuse to skip the gym!) So why not get in a little workout too?! 

Dominique in her running gear, "I will go for a run in ten minutes." Ten minutes later, "OOOOOOOH. The Great White is on TV, as soon as he leaves I'll go run." Working out Shark Week never happened, last year. So we created this and we're definitely doing this all week so we can Shark Week and workout! Who's with us!? 

HAPPY SHARK WEEK!

Love,
The DoDos