Style Lush

Perfect books for 4- to 5-year olds

By Rebecca

As an avid reader myself, I have always really enjoyed reading to my kids. For my son, who is now five, we've run the gamut from board books to picture books to Dr. Seuss, and now he's in a phase where he is interested in and asking questions about lots of things. Why is the sky blue? Why is the grass green? How do fish breathe underwater? THERE ARE SO MANY QUESTIONS.

Enter the perfect reading solution: The Let's-Read-and-Find-Out-Science Series. Right now, we are reading some of the books from level one. One of our favorites is "What It's Like to Be a Fish."

These books are great! They are the perfect length, they are educational, and (extra bonus) they help  answer some of the endless questions kids this age always have!

What are your favorite books for this age group?

 

 

DIY Felt Food

by Christina

I know that we are just starting to flirt with fall temperatures this week but did you know that winter is just around the corner? Ugh, it is. At my house that means months of sub-zero windchills and an obscene amount of snow that keep us indoors more days than not. I started my hunt for toddler friendly crafts to keep us busy throughout the season and came across patterns to make play felt food. I am so excited about it I can't even stand it. Donuts, sandwiches, sushi, oh my! 

Sold in kits that include pre-cut felt and patterns starting at just $7.00. I am ordering all of them. Not only will they be fun to make together but then we get to play with them too! Sushi anyone? 

{images via hungrybunny.com}

Reader Help: A Pink and Yellow Wedding!

By Amy

Reader Katie wrote in and asked for help with her wedding flowers. She's planning on an absolutely gorgeous bouquet comprised mostly of sunflowers, and was considering an accent color of pink. In speaking with Katie further, I found that she was interested in making the pink a little darker -- more of a berry shade.  

While I'm no flower expert, I did find a few options that I thought would be gorgeous. While they're not the exact color/style you might want, I think you'll get the idea:

I love the bright variety of colors here. Pairing the sunflowers with some gerbera daisies would be absolutely lovely, not to mention, cheerful and happy for your wedding day. Mixed with a bit of greenery and a few calla lilies, as pictured here? I think it'd be lovely, especially in that berry pink you've described.

I'm also a big fan of this bouquet, combining roses and sunflowers, plus a few smaller blooms. I bet you'd have no problems finding roses in just about any shade and I think it would combine the classic with the cheery.

Finally, if you'd prefer a simple sunflower bouquet, you could always go for something like this:

 

I love the way the yellow and the pink are similar in intensity and really compliment one another.

Katie, congratulations on your upcoming wedding -- I hope it's absolutely lovely!  

{images from theknot.com, weddingbee.com, and inthenowweddings.com}

Writer Testimonial: Posh Girl Boutique

By Amy

Like many of you, I'm headed off to BlogHer in a few short weeks and finally got around to ordering my business cards for the big event, something I'm told is a must-have.  After searching around for weeks, trying to find something that goes with my personal blog and looks a little different than the average card, I found my solution:

These awesome cards by Posh Girl Boutique. I was drawn in by the dandelions, which match my personal blog's header, and completely won over by Traci's amazing service!  he customized my cards in the colors of my blog, returned my Etsy convo in less than an hour, and I had my cards in three days, ready to go with my personal information printed on them. 

I was beyond impressed with her service, and the final product is amazing. I can hardly wait to pass these babies out!

{Image from Posh Girl Boutique}

Party Pom-Poms!

By Amy

I'm getting ready to move into a new apartment and of course, my mind has already turned to a housewarming celebration!  I've yet to pack a box even though we move in uh, six days, but in my mind, I'm envisioning sangria, appetizers and my living room full of my favorite people. 

One thing that will definitely be a must-have will be some colorful party pom-poms!

While I won't have a perfectly set table, I will be making some of these to string above our snacks using this tutorial from the patron saint of entertaining, Martha Stewart:

1. Stack eight 20-by-30-inch sheets of tissue. Make 1 1/2-inchwide accordion folds, creasing with each fold.

2. Fold an 18-inch piece of floral wire in half, and slip over center of folded tissue; twist. With scissors, trim ends of tissue into rounded or pointy shapes.

3. Separate layers, pulling away from center one at a time.

4. Tie a length of monofilament to floral wire for hanging.

This sounds...too easy to be true.  I have a feeling I'll also be consulting this tutorial, which seems to be a bit more in-depth, but still, do-able.  I guess there's hope for me after all.

{image and instructions from MarthaStewart.com}

In Praise of Alcohol And Fruit

By Amy

If there's one thing we here at Style Lush love, it's the booze.  I think it's a universal love among the writers.

Since it's summer time, it seems the perfect way to do some boozin' is with summery drinks and desserts. I have very fond memories of my first "real" drinking experience at the age of 21 (no, really, I was a total party pooper until I was of age) at a co-workers party by drinking a delicious fruity concoction mixed with club soda.  Here's her tips:

1. Grab melon (she prefers one honeydew and one cantaloupe), two green apples, and one orange.  Ball the melon, chunk up the apples and slice the oranges. 
2. Dump all of the above into a sun tea jar or some sort of drink holder with plenty of room for mixing.
3. Add a large bottle of vodka.  The good news?  It can be cheap---you just want the alcohol, baby, and it's going to pick up the fruit flavors, no problem.
4. Add simple syrup (either combine sugar + water in a saucepan until dissolved and let cool or buy pre-made).
5. Let it soak overnight---at least.

When you're ready to serve, add a bag of ice to cool it down. Provide mixers---might I recommend club soda, orange juice and pineapple juice? Those are my favorites. Later, take the lid off the sun tea jar and munch on the vodka infused fruit. It's almost like a shot contained in a melon ball. Delicious, cool and summery.

If you're not much of a drinker and would rather go for a more sophisticated dessert, take a page from Martha herself with her Tequila-Soaked Watermelon.

You'll need:

• 1 small seedless watermelon, red or yellow, quartered and cut into 1-inch-thick wedges
• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup tequila
• 1/4 cup Triple Sec
• 2 limes, halved or cut into wedges
• Flaked sea salt or coarse salt

Then:

1. Arrange watermelon in a single layer in two 9-by-13-inch baking dishes. Bring sugar, water, tequila, and Triple Sec to a boil in a small saucepan. Cook, stirring, until sugar dissolves, about 1 minute. Let cool slightly. Pour syrup over watermelon wedges, and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes.
2. Remove watermelon from syrup, and arrange on a platter. Squeeze limes over melon, and season with salt.

The result?

Looks delicious and perfect for a summer party.

{Image from MarthaStewart.com}

Reader Help: Tea Party Bridal Shower Favors

By Amy

Reader Jenny wrote in with the following question:

I need your help!  I am hosting a bridal shower for my sister in July.  The shower is a tea party, at a restaurant in a winery..a beautiful location.  We are serving tea sandwiches and desserts, wine, punch, and tea of course!  Any ideas for bridal shower favours?  I will have about 40 guests.  I want to stay on theme of garden party/tea party, Etsy has some good ideas like a personalized sachet with a tea bag inside....but is that a lame or good idea?  Any ideas for favours, or input on what makes a brilliant shower favour would be very much appreciated!

First of all, Jenny, this sounds like an absolutely lovely shower!  A winery ... tea sandwiches ... desserts?  It sounds like a perfect day, and I have no doubts your sister will be so touched by your kindness.

As far as favors go, the personalized sachet with a tea bag sounds pretty cute, but here are a few other tea-themed suggestions, just in case:

I'm an avid tea drinker, and one of my must-have accessories is a tea caddy: a small dish where you rest your tea bag. The porcelain caddy pictured above has a tea bag on top (you could use one that's personalized or not) and all tied up with ribbon (a great way to tie in your shower colors!). If you'd rather not include a tea bag, this style is available as well:

Pretty sweet, right? Both are available at BeauCoup.

Another tea-related option would be using a tiny, personalized tin filled with tea. See:

While these examples are filled with mints and candies, I know that many of my favorite local coffee and tea shops, as well as some grocery stores, offer loose tea in bulk. I could see a tiny sample enclosed in a tin like this being a fun little favor. Do remember that loose tea requires a tea ball or strainer for guests to use, so make sure you provide instructions. Tea strainers are also fairly inexpensive. You could also tuck a small tea bag inside. 

Finally, if you want to avoid the tea route all together, but still keep with a theme, consider offering tea accessories:

 

Many tea drinkers love honey in their tea.  These tiny personalized honey jars are absolutely adorable.  Package them with a fresh lemon or bits of candied lemon for a fun way to keep the theme without being obvious.  

Jenny, I hope these favors are at least a little bit helpful to you and give you some additional ideas. Best of luck planning the shower and best wishes to your sister on her impending nuptials!

{All images from BeauCoup}

Wishin'!

By Amy

I have a huge thing for dandelions.  They're cute, whimsical and represent a sort of childhood hopefulness that makes me smile.  I remember being a little girl, and chasing a friend around a field, making wishes on every dandelion we could find.

As an adult, they fondly bring back my childhood days, and lately, I find myself more and more obsessed with dandelion-themed objects.

Thankfully, I'm not the only one!  Etsy seems to be equally obsessed with these adorable little things too.  See?:

1.  Personalized dandelion notecards.  2.  Dandelion wish necklace. 3.  Dandelion wall decals.

Obsession: Linen Clutch

By Amy

During the summer time, I feel bogged down by my winter purse that holds everything but the kitchen sink.  I always long to downgrade to a smaller purse (like Manda's beloved bag), but don't want a clutch that looks too "night out" to take to the coffee shop or to a lunch out with friends.

Enter this small linen ruffle clutch, by Etsy seller A Bushel And A Peck:

I love that its grey color means it will match just about anything, the linen fabric makes it light enough for summer, and that cheery white flower adds some fun to an already darling clutch.

At $28, I think this just might be my new summer staple.

Keep Calm And Shop On

By Amy

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've no doubt seen the Keep Calm And Carry On poster that originally served as a propaganda poster in Great Britain during World War II. It's simple type and classic crown has been reprinted in hundreds of colors and is definitely an Etsy staple.

If carrying on just isn't your style, the Keep Calm Shop has a whole variety of takes on the classic poster.

For the crafty types:

For the writer:

And maybe my favorite:

{All photos from Keep Calm Shop}

Don't see one that appeals to you? Check out the Keep Calm Shop, where you can find Keep Calm And Eat A Cupcake, Keep Calm And Love Dogs and many more. Colors are customizable, prices are reasonable and if you can't pick just one, you can buy three and get the fourth one free.