Style Lush

Santacon Houston

By Jessica

This past weekend was my first annual Santacon Houston. Not familiar with Santacon? It's a pub crawl, that takes place all over the world, wherein all the participants dress up like Santas or various other Christmas themed things/people. (Our particular Santacon was also a toy drive for kids, I'm not sure if other versions do that as well or not.) It was a total blast and I'm so glad we were able to make it this year. You know that I am always down for any costumed opportunity but up until the last moment, it didn't look like I was going to be attending and when I found out I was, it left me scrambling for ideas. In my 11th hour (ie the day before) I came up with the following costume ideas and at the first bar a guy told me that I should put it on Pinterest. That's right. And at the last bar a random girl told me the same thing so, shout out to those Santacon participants, your wish is my command!

Here is a picture of my husband and me at the third bar of the night.

My husband in his "Griswold" Santa hat, Goodwill sweater and tangled up in a set of Christmas lights, but what exactly do I have going on? Let's see if there are any better pictures to work with, it was super hard to photograph properly.

Here we are at our house before we left for the evening. You can see my husband in his fuller "Griswold" glory, work gloves, dazed expression and covered in lights. His hat came from Hobby Lobby during one of their 50% off weeks, so it cost $1.50 and then I added the letters with glitter paint.

On me, you can see I am wearing a skirt that is lit from beneath and is sorta bell shaped? It also has black fringe and I am sporting fishnet stockings. I happen to be "a major award" from A Christmas Story or this

My costume started with a $60 Lauren Conrad dress that I found on clearance for $6 on account of a busted zipper (they were already 60% off, the zipper just added the rest) which I chopped into a skirt before adding the black fringe. I picked the dress because it was a linen material (like a lamp shade could be) and had trim detail in four places which reminded me of the panels of the lamp. I didn't want to add any wire to make the skirt stick out like an actual lamp on account of how crowded the bars would be, but I chose to hot glue the fringe which made the skirt stiffen at the bottom and stick out.

For the lights, we purchased two battery operated strands of LED lights (they are snowflake shaped). I ripped a hole in the bottom of one of the pockets and fed the lights through before sewing it back closed and then sewing the light strand to the bottom of the skirt. I kept the skirt lit pretty much the entire night and after almost 8 hours, it was still going strong!

(blown out iPhone photo to show the fringe)

Plus, I was told that I could just take the lights out and just wear it as is because it makes a super cute skirt, so if you have a clearance skirt you want to gussy up a bit, just slap on some fringe!

Have you ever attended Santacon?

Tis the season for a hostess gift

by Christina

It's here! Can you even believe it? Day after tomorrow, Thanksgiving. Four weeks later? CHRISTMAS! I'm sort of breathing into a paper bag, I mean, where did this year go? No matter what you celebrate you're bound to end up at some sort of shindig in the next few weeks and etiquette says, you'd better not show up empty handed. These holidays revolve around food and drinking, there is no better time than to arrive with booze! So, this is not a hostess gift guide, this is a one stop shop. Get a bottle of what ever and put it in this. It's $10.95 and it's awesome.

If you want to bring more, add a festive floral arrangement or a seasonally scented candle. No need to make things complicated. The birch box will be a hit. Promise!

(image via pinterest via cb2)

Simple, Cheap Wine Stopper

By Sara

We drink a lot of wine in our house. Ahem, excuse me, my husband just asked that I correct that statement. *I* drink a lot of wine in our house. When we got married we registered for beautiful silver wine stoppers and every, single time I have to use one I curse it. These silly stoppers don't cork the wine, don't stop air from making it's way into the bottle, and sometimes the bottle goes to waste before I can get around to finishing it. No bottle should be left behind. (That sound you hear? Is my husband snorting because rarely does a bottle of wine not get finished around these parts.) 

It's a good thing my wise neighbor turned me on to these little beauties from Crate and Barrel:

. 

Wine Stopper-Filter from Crate and Barrel

For the low, low price of $3.50 you get a stopper and filter in one that actually WORKS. With the upcoming holiday season and all that wine you (I) will most likely be drinking offering to guests it makes sense to have a great stopper that does it's job and does it well. Go pick up a couple for yourself and maybe even a few for the special wine drinkers in your life. They'll thank you.

C is for Condensation, Cute, Coasters

by Kerri Anne

I like coffee. I pretty much drink it daily. Mostly iced, which means often the glasses/cups I'm using sweat their traditional condensation and leave little soggy spots on my desk at work.

Cue Operation: Kerri Needs Some Coasters.

As I was coaster hunting I found so many awesome options, I decided I needed to share them with all of you, because cute/funky/unique coasters are way better than a napkin stuck underneath your coffee cup.  Not that I've ever done that, ahem.

 

{Top row} Beer Letterpressed Pub Coasters from Red Bird Ink; Chalkboard Coasters from Classy Chic Boutique; Fabulous Font Coasters from Carolina Cottage.

{Middle row} Polaroid Coaster from Just Noey; Natural Travertine Tile Coasters from Real Paper; Science Coasters from Luna Clay Design.

{Bottom row} Bird In Flight Italian Stone Coasters from Meadow Tea; Dark Blue and White Victorian Coasters from Shabby Chic Coasters; Mosaic Coasters from Mosaic Illusions.

Bud vases: Not just for flowers!

By Sarah

I wish I could take credit for this one, but unfortunately, I can't. My mom was the cool lady who turned me on to the idea of using bud vases as champagne flutes and I LOVE IT.

As someone who is notorious for breaking glassware (I broke a pint glass yesterday morning, no joke!), I am always on the lookout for cheaper, everyday-use items that won't cause me to shed a tear when I inevitably break them.

Enter bud vases. You can buy one for less than $2 at your local craft store and if it breaks? No worries, it was only two bucks!

These are great for entertaining, as well. Use these and there won't be any reason to be worried about a guest breaking your stemware.

I'm not sure if volume-wise, bud vases actually hold more liquid than a traditional champagne flute, but I like to think they do. And an added bonus? You can even use these bud vases to display flowers! Who knew?

Now I'm interested to know, what items serve a dual purpose for you?

{photo credit: yours truly}

Everything you need for the perfect mimosa brunch

By Jennie

I'm hoping to co-host a mimosa brunch later this year and while any party that serves mimosas doesn't need much else to be perfect, there are a few extra touches I'm hoping to make.

If this sounds like your kind of party, you have two options: 1) move to Texas so you can come to my party or 2) throw your own (with some tips below).

First up, invitations. While I love a good, witty evite more than the average party thrower (what price is better than free?), paper invitations aren't something to scoff at. Who doesn't love getting mail? And mail that's inviting you to a party? I'm sorry, that's just downright fun right there.

For only $15, you can buy a customizable and printable invitation like this Garden Party Invitation from Em Papers Etsy Shop. Customize it, print on the paper of your choice and voila! Not too expensive, not too difficult.

 

{Photo from Em Papers}

Also, if you opt for paper invitations, spruce up your envelopes with this fantastic return address stamp ($38) from Letter Girl's Etsy shop. I've been wanting one for ages.

Next up, the decor. Keep it simple! Put some daises in thin white vases around the house (how gorgeous are these white milk glass vases?), use clean, crisp white linens, and make the table pop with some bright, colorful ruffle chargers ($4.95 at Crate and Barrel).

 

{Photo from Sugar Push Vintage}

 

{Photo from Crate & Barrel}

Now, let's not forget the star of the table. The champagne flute. While you could certainly pick out something funky for each of your guests or even keep it easy (and less breakable) with a plastic flute, I like this classic flute that's reasonably priced from Crate & Barrel.

 

{Photo from Crate & Barrel}

You'll also need champagne for those mimosas, so check out our champagne round-up for some great tips.

Now, the menu. Keep this simple too. Muffins, (sweet or savory) scones, an easy breakfast casserole. For my party, I've definitely bookmarked these blueberry crumb bars from The Sweets Life, as well. Hey, why not also have a little chocolate and make these mimosa brownies from Cakespy? (They fit the theme!)

{Photo from The Sweets Life}

Yum.

If you're into giving favors, check out this perfect gift idea from Make & Takes: mason jar cupcakes.

{Photo from Make & Takes}

Or, pick up one, really nice gift and have a drawing at the party. I love this novelty apron from Paper Source.

Most of all, enjoy yourself. Have fun, sip a mimosa and talk tv, books, hair, and husbands with your favorite friends. That's what parties are really all about. The stuff is fun, the company is better.

Enjoy!

Berry Vodka Punch

By Katie

I don't know why I keep torturing myself by posting recipes of delicious alcoholic drinks when I'm 17 weeks away from even thinking about alcohol (who's counting?), but I just had to share this one with you all. I had an itty bitty sip of it at my nephew's baptism party so I can attest to the deliciousness. I cannot, however, attest to the potency so drink with caution!

Also, before I share the recipe, can I just say how much I love that this is a vodka punch? I'm not much of a rum drinker and that seems to be the alcohol of choice for most party punches. This is a nice change and perfect for a hot summer cookout, bridal or baby shower. Enjoy!

Berry Vodka Punch

Ingredients

• 3 bottles of berry Juicy Juice
• 1 1/2 bottles of berry vodka (Three Olives is a good choice)
• 2 bottles of lemon Italian soda, chilled
• 2 large bags of frozen mixed berries

Supplies

• 4 small round freezable bowls
• 2 large pitchers
• 1 punch bowl

Directions
(Note: Do steps 1 and 2 the night before you plan on serving the punch)

1. Divide the frozen berries between the 4 bowls. Pour the Juicy Juice over the berries, enough to cover them, then place the bowls in the freezer until ready to serve the punch. They will serve double duty as ice cubes and decorations for the punch.
2. Mix the remaining Juicy Juice with the vodka evenly between both pitchers then refrigerate.
3. A few hours serving the punch, place the pitchers in the freezer until the concoction is slushy.
4. When you are ready to serve the punch, take the berry bowls out of the freezer and place under warm water until the "cubes" pop out. Place the berry cubes in your punch bowl.
5. Pour the slushy vodka punch over the berry cubes then finish by adding the lemon soda. Cheers!

(Recipe Credit: My sister-in-law, Photo Credit: My own)

Mojos -- the Perfect Summer Drink

By Laurie

I visited my friend Laurie aka @UpsideUp at the beach last summer because I happened to be vacationing not far from her family. 

In that lovely day by the water I got to spend some time with the lovely family of a new friend and I was introduced to the healing powers of pimiento cheese sandwiches and a glorious cocktail called the Mojo. 

I recommend both highly. 

The Mojo is a simple concoction, really, which is a good thing considering I'm not a fan of complicated cocktail recipes (or any complicated recipes, for that matter):

Pour a shot (and-a-half, if you're feeling sassy) of Stoli Vanil over crushed ice, top off the glass with Blenheim's spicy Ginger Ale, give it a generous squeeze of lime, and you're good to go. 

 
 Photo is mine. I of course had to do a taste-test before posting. 

Repeat. 

If rum is more your thing, the Blenheim Ginger Ale company suggests a Dark 'n Stormy instead, made with the extra-hot pink cap variety. I mostly stick with the Not-As-Hot gold cap. 

Bear in mind that the ginger ale is key, for me anyway and for most other people to whom I have introduced this drink. Blenheim Ginger Ale is a small company located in South Carolina, so it can be a little difficult to locate outside of the Carolinas and the southeast in general. The company offers a store locator on their website,  and fans can stay connected on the Blenheim Shrine (I told you -- this stuff is good) and its Facebook page. I picked my stash up this winter at South of the Border and at the Raleigh Farmer's Market. 

 
Image courtesy of Blenheim Shrine. 

At least I know what I like when I like it. 

In a pinch I'm sure you could substitute your ginger ale of choice, and Blenheim IS spicy, so it may not be up everyone's alley. Here are a couple of recipes for spicy ginger ale, if you're feeling adventurous. Me, I'll just keep making highway detours. It keeps my mojo working a few different kinds of ways. 

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}

Quick Gardening Tip: Where to Plant Mint

by Elizabeth

I'm ashamed to admit I had the hardest time growing mint until my stepfather gave me this great gardening tip -- mint grows amazingly well if you plant it directly in front of your outdoor hose connection. The shade from the house combined with the wet soil will make your little mint plant thrive, and before you know it you'll have more than you know what to do with.

(There are those who get a little fretty about mint spreading too much, and it is hard to get rid of completely if you tire of it, but I think this problem is a bit exaggerated.  If you've got too much, cut it back or rip some out.  And really? Too much mint?  That just means you're not drinking enough mojitos.)

{photo credit:  wikipedia.org}