Style Lush

Laundry Detergent Update

Editor's note: For our last week at Style Lush, I've asked the writers to share both a favorite post by another writer, from over the last three years, and a favorite post of their own. You'll see these posts linked to at the top of their new post for the week. Enjoy a stroll down Lush memory lane!

By Jen

As much as I wish Style Lush were not closing down, it is, so I'd like to share my favorite posts with you. First, one of mine. The first post that came to mind was the one I wrote about making your own laundry detergent. It was fun because so many people tried it and it generated so much fun discussion. (Did you try it? Let us know in the comments!)

And my favorite post by another Style Lush writer is this one, by Emily. I immediately went out and bought the turkey hair clip Emily picked out and then began buying all sorts of ribbon sculpture hair clips. Right before I went broke, a friend of mine complimented Elizabeth's hair clip and offhandedly mentioned that she wondered if she could learn to make her own. I said "let's DO IT." And hairbow club was born. I now have four friends that come over to my house occasionally and we make our own hair clips. We take turns bringing lunch and we hang out and it's become our therapy. So this post from Style Lush changed my life for the better. (Thanks, Jennie and Emily!)

***

Anyway, now on to the new content.

Now, I have an update for you on the laundry detergent post.  Since then, I’ve tried sending my detergent for a whirl through the blender after I mix it.  It’s not a necessary step, but it does totally smooth out the detergent and make it into a uniform consistency.  If you’ve had a problem with your water not being hot enough to melt your soap bits, I am guessing that this will solve that problem since it reduces your detergent to a much finer powder. 

So, let’s a have a survey.  How many people tried making their own detergent after the first post?  And are you going to try this new technique?  

(Personal images)

Being Yourself

Editor's note: For our last week at Style Lush, I've asked the writers to share both a favorite post by another writer, from over the last three years, and a favorite post of their own. You'll see these posts linked to at the top of their new post for the week. Enjoy a stroll down Lush memory lane!

By Rebecca

Saying goodbye is hard. I will miss this site so much, and I will miss all of you - those who have read, those who have commented, and my fellow writers. Style Lush 4EVR! Before I go, though, my favorite posts were always Elizabeth's famous gift guides, because I used them to buy oh so many holiday gifts. And one of my own favorite posts was this one, where I talk about style memories from my mother. It was personal and close to my heart... just like Style Lush will always be.

***

As I wrap up my Style Lush writing career (for now!), one thing I have taken away from this site is how important it is to just be yourself. I'm going to turn 40 this year (hold me) and it's a little embarrassing that it's taken me this long to see it, but there you go. I am finally just embracing who I am and not feeling guilty about it. I'm never going to be the mom who does crafts and hand-makes everything for my kids' birthday parties. I'm going to buy cupcakes and I'm going to buy cheesy Disney princess decor. And my daughter will love her party and more importantly, feel loved.

I'm never going to be the person who tries out a dramatic new hair color. I like being blonde so I'm going to go ahead and keep being blonde, as long as my bank account will allow. Also, I'm probably going to be wearing a cardigan four out of five days, and continue to avoid chambray because it's 90s-ness confuses and frightens me.

I'm also going to embrace being an introvert. That's just who I am. I love meeting new people and learning about them, but I am a book-loving homebody at heart. A homebody who loves to laugh and maybe gossip sometimes and order that extra glass of wine when out with friends, but a homebody who is happiest with a quiet night in and my family by my side.

And I'm okay with it. All of it.

And I hope that you are, too. Because sometimes even the things we think are flaws are what make us exactly who we are. There is no one on earth exactly like you.

Writing for Style Lush has given me the freedom to embrace who I am. That's a gift for which I'll always be grateful.

 

 

 

A Kitchen Face-Lift + Giveaway!

Editor's note: Here it is! Our last Style Lush giveaway (for a while, at least). Good luck!

by Christina

If one thing I've mentioned here a million times, it's that I don't like my kitchen. Our home was built in 1992 and it we got the builder grade deluxe! Formica counters, orange oak cabinets, bone appliances. It's not hideous but it's not attractive either. Here it is before:

The folks at Ace Hardware offered to help me with this project and sponsored the paint. I used Clark+Kensingtion in two colors and in two coats (three if you count the stain-blocking primer) the kitchen was transformed!

I'm not here to tell you I'm a master DIYer. I'm here to tell you that you can do this too! Nothing about this project was hard, and I did it alone.

What does it take to accomplish this? Here's a break down of what I did:

- Remove the doors and drawers and all hardware. (I tried to leave the hinges on and paint around them but it looked messy, so take it all off)

- I used TSP (Tri-sodium phosphate) to clean, de-grease, and de-gloss. It stinks and it's hard on skin but it eliminates the need to sand! NO SANDING! Holla. With a sponge nearly saturated, wipe down the fronts, scrubbing where you feel any grease buildup, wipe up the excess and then rinse with a second sponge with fresh water.

- Prime

- Caulk. I filled in any gaps between the walls and the cabinets and where the cabinetry was connected together. You don't notice seams much with oak but with a color they will stand out.

- Paint two coats

- I painted my hinges with rub n' buff. Sounds a little daunting to take a tiny brush and paint them but this product is crazy, one tiny tube covers 20 square feet and it spreads so fast and easy. I could have spray-painted but I chose the rub n' buff because it's made of actual metals and my goal was to get the antique brass to match the new brushed nickel hardware.

- Attach the hinges

- Hang

- My hardware is on order, so that's another step.

It took 6 days with drying time (let the primer dry overnight) and wrangling two kids but it was so worth it.

How much will this cost you?

- 1 gallon of primer $18

- 2 gallons of clark+kensington $45

- 1 tube of rub n' buff $5

- Misc. supplies (your needs may be different) $50 (foam rollers, TSP, disposable gloves) (if you don't have a GOOD brush, get one, and I'm talking $15-20 for 1. Trust me, it's what you need!)

- Hardware $140

So, about $250

My neighbor just had hers painted and it cost her $900.

And because Ace Hardware helped me out with this project, they'd love to get you started with one of yours. We have a $25 gift card for you.

Details:

• To enter: Let us know what room you'd paint with $25 from Ace Hardware. (We won't hold you to it, promise!)
• Giveaway ends: January 31st, at 11:59 PM EST.
• Who can enter: All U.S. readers!
• Other notes: One comment per person, winner will be selected by random.org and announced as an update on this post by 2/1.

Editor's note: Ace Hardware provided Christina with a $25 gift card to go toward her Clark + Kensington paint purchase with no obligation of a review. The opinions in this post are her own.

Words Speak Louder Than Actions

Editor's note: For our last week at Style Lush, I've asked the writers to share both a favorite post by another writer, from over the last three years, and a favorite post of their own. You'll see these posts linked to at the top of their new post for the week. Enjoy a stroll down Lush memory lane!

By Leah

As a way of helping send this site out with a triumphant fanfare (even as I've wept myself into a puddle over the loss), I'm going to try to answer the question "What was your favorite Style Lush post ever?" Three-plus years of archives! So much incredible content! How do I choose? Here's how: Knowing a lot of things that surround me are thanks to this site, I just closed my eyes and pointed, and when I opened my eyes I was looking at my perfectly organized boots, courtesy of a tip from Sara, featured on Style Lush in December 2010. A little bit of genius, that.

As for pointing you to one of my best posts for the site, I'll go with the biggest crowd-pleaser, which is this Balloon Garland How-To, from January 2011. This is a big hit with the Pinterest crowd, and I love it so much we're doing another version of it for my son's fourth birthday party this weekend. If you can make a bigger, more festive impact for less money, I'll eat my aforementioned boots.      

***

Now onto my next, and final *sniff*, find:

Okay, I'm a little embarrassed this tip is something I picked up from a Pottery Barn catalog, but then you know what they say about inspiration: Sometimes you pick it up from a Pottery Barn catalog. 

I saw this image and was instantly charmed:

Seeing that simple note on the o.j. carafe would bring a smile to anyone's face.

My first thought was that this would be a lovely touch to add to breakfasts when I have house guests--I wrap their towels in ribbon and leave a cookie on the nightstand, so why wouldn't I wish them good morning via juice?--but a beat later I realized this is a perfect, easy gesture for any old day, and any old meal. Heck, bring home pizza and tie a note around the 2-litre jug of Diet Coke that says "I dig you, so dig in!" (When kids roll their eyes at Mom, it means they love her best of all, right?) 

Thank you, all of you, for reading and commenting here and helping build up a community of friendly faces that we're all richer for knowing. I dig you and hope to see you around!

Lululemon: An Update

Editor's note: For our last week at Style Lush, I've asked the writers to share both a favorite post by another writer, from over the last three years, and a favorite post of their own. You'll see these posts linked to at the top of their new post for the week. Enjoy a stroll down Lush memory lane!

***

By Jenny

I've enjoyed so many posts on both Style Lush and Food Lush over the years, but the posts that I looked forward to reading the most were Janet's "Stylish Blogger" posts, such as this one. I love learning about new blogs and hearing stylish role model's tips and tricks.

As far a favorite post of my own, I'm going to have to go with my post on American Eagle Outfitters. I wrote it on a whim, wanting to quickly share something that I thought everyone else probably already knew about. I was pleasantly surprised at the comments from people who went there, based on my post, and found jeans that made them very happy. That, in turn, made me very happy! 

***

Okay, you guys. I GET IT. I totally get the appeal of Lululemon now.

If you’ll remember, back in July, in the name of “Style Lush Research” I went to Lululemon with the intention of declaring it overpriced and pretentious. I bought a few things and have been wearing each piece regularly since my post. I’m here to tell you, the Lululemon pieces that I have are the ones that I grab first when I pilfer through my drawers, in search of something to wear to the gym. The stuff is cute, comfortable, and functional. Since I wear these pieces so often, they get washed more than most of my other clothes. The pieces are washing beautifully, there’s little to no wear on anything, nothing has shrunk or faded and the unthinkable has happened: I’ve become a devoted fan.

So, when my husband asked what I might like for Christmas this year, instead of my usual response to that question, which is, “Oh, I don’t NEED a single thing!” (which, incidentally, is exactly the response that earns you small kitchen appliances) I said, “I’d really like one more pair of the Lululemon running shorts that I like so much.” My sweet husband delivered. On Christmas morning, I unwrapped not only another pair of my favorite Lululemon running shorts but also 2 new Lululemon tanks!

The shorts that he bought were the wrong size, so I recently went to the store to exchange them. While I was there, I decided to try on every other pair of shorts that they had, in case I decided that I didn’t want 2 pairs of identical shorts (same color and everything). I tried on many pairs and ended up walking out with the same shorts that I already own. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?

Run: Speed Short, $54

I also had some Christmas money that was burning a hole in my pocket. I’d seen the Lululemon Studio Pant II ($108) online and thought that it looked like a great pant for, not only wearing to the gym, but also wearing out, running errands.

As much as I love my Lululemon Wunder Unders, outside of the confines of the gym, they feel a little revealing, unless I wear a long top or jacket over them. The Studio Pant solves that issue. I love them. The best part is that they’ve got a drawstring at the bottom, so you can cinch up the pant legs and adjust the length to fit your needs. I forsee me wearing them for errand-running often, cinched to more of a capri length and worn with flip flops when the weather gets warmer.

I’ve come to appreciate the inuitive fit of Lululemon's clothing--it’s like their research and development team thinks of everything--there are so many little things that are built into the design and fit of the clothing that make so much sense and make all the difference in the world. I think that I’m finally okay with paying a little (or, ahem, a lot) more for quality and performance that will last.

(Photo credits: www.citycentrehouston.com; www.lululemon.com & me)

A Hard Goodbye

By Jennie

Style Lush was created over three years ago by a group of bloggers who simply wanted to share their stylish tastes with a bigger blogging community. Those tastes have varied over the years, from cute shoes to the best gift recommendations to travel tips to make-up to everything else. (Hey, even lingerie!) Nothing was off-limits. I told the writers that if it was something they loved, someone else might love it too.

We launched in October of 2009 and, oh, it was so much fun to see the page views roll in that first day. I was giddy! (I still remember one of our first posts. It was this one, about stretching the value of your flower bouquets.) People were clicking and refreshing and reading and, really, the giddiness hasn't worn off that people still click and refresh and read.

What started as a little idea became a real, big thing, and that's cool no matter how you slice it.

Over the years, we've kept and gained readers and without you (yes, you! reading this right now!), there would be no need to talk shoes or make-up or whatever else has shown up in this space. We wrote because you read. We are so grateful for you, there are no adequate words for the gratitude.

It's with that gratitude that I must share the sad news that Style Lush is closing its metaphorical doors for the indefinite future. Our last day of new posts will be February 1st (next Friday) and while our archives will live for the foreseeable future (please visit and search often; it will bring us a lot of comfort to know we might continue to serve you in some small way), our days of bringing you pretty new finds are ending.

Unfortunately, the site has just become bigger than the time I have to run it, and I can't manage it in the way it deserves. The ideas are plenty, but the time is short, and my offline life calls me to give it more attention. It's a good life, it really deserves to be heard.

I've been part of the blogging community for almost six years and the gifts it has given me are countless and deep and beautiful. Nothing more so than this site (and its sister site, Food Lush), and the sites' writers and readers. Thank you for reading, commenting, and supporting us over the years. Those words feels so small, so tiny, in comparison to how I feel, but thank you all the same. Thank you.

I do ask that you continue to support the writers, as they start new online adventures. They are gifted and talented and funny and just absolutely worth getting to know better, if you don't know them already. You can find them here: Elizabeth, Leah, Christina, Jess, Manda, Emily, Beth, Elisabeth, Sara, A'Dell, Meredith, Janet, Rebecca, Hillary, Megan, Tara, Jen, Jenny, and Tara.

Again, there will be new posts up next week (and a few of those posts will be a fun look back at the past three years) so please stop in during our last full week.

After that, please accept our most heartfelt and grateful goodbye.

(If you know me aside from the Lush sites, I have written another goodye on my personal blog.)

Stylish Bloggers: Ashley from Our Little Apartment

By Janet

This week, I'm dlelighted to introduce you to Ashley of Our LIttle Apartment. Ashley runs a photography and design business, Little Leaf, where she creates all sorts of beautiful things. She loves warm slippers, homemade granola, and cardigans. Welcome Ashley! 

How would you describe your personal style?

Bright, functional, and tailored. I don't wear much of black; I love jewel tones and earthy tones. I favor cute flats over stilettos. I am quite petite, so clothes that fit me are super important. I am a big fan of belting dresses, tops, and cardigans to flatter my shape more. I love a long necklace or some big earrings, but never both together.

What trend are you loving this season?

So, I'll be honest. I have no idea what the trends are this season. I decided a while ago to try and avoid most trends because they wouldn't create long lasting wardrobes. I prefer to stick to classics with a few items that are more current but I'll still be able to wear for years. I've been wearing a lot of boots and scarves lately. Always boots and scarves. I got an infinity t-shirt scarf and I'm wearing it weekly. I love how scarves can really create a new outfit out something you just wore last week.

Also, BANGS. I got blunt-cut bangs in the fall and I'm seeing them everywhere! It's fun to be able to change my whole look with something as simple as a haircut. 

Where do you find your style inspiration? 

A few of the blogs I read do some outfit posts, which I love. I also like LOFT's style, so I'll peruse that from time to time. (But not too often or I'll want to buy it all!)

What beauty product do you always splurge on? What is your top drugstore beauty buy?

I love, love, love Boi-ing Concealer from Benefit. I get some pretty fantastic undereye circles and this stuff is nice an thick. I always buy my mascara at Target. I've had some mascaras that costs $25+ and they were no better than Voluminus Million Lashes for less than $10. 

What five items should every woman have in her closet?

Boots, jeans, giant scarf, pencil skirt, and something that is out of her comfort zone (mine is an animal print skirt).

Thank you Ashley! 

Rounding out my curtains

By Elisabeth

We finally purchased and installed the remaining curtains in our home! All that was left was the living room and the dining room.

(Don't get me started on our kitchen. I am seriously submitting our story to any kitchen show that will not submit a restraining order for the amount of times I've submitted our kitchen photos. The 80's called and want their oak and laminate back. HA.)

We purchased both curtain rods from Cost Plus World Market, but found a classic dark gray curtain set from Z Gallerie, of all places. Actually, these curtains look more blue/green/gray in person and in our living room. They're perfect and my favorite ones in the house, hands down.

The remaining set for our dining room was from Pottery Barn. (Seems I have a thing for their curtains.) These silk ones really went with the theme of our dining room. They're classic, refined, but not too stuffy.

 

Tell me, are you more of a curtain lover or blinds person?

I love the simplicity of blinds, but like how I can replace the curtains, if I had to, without too much out of pocket. Plus, my tastes of today might not be the same down the road!

(Photo credit: zgallerie.com, potterybarn.com)

Reader help: The best booster seat?

By Manda

Now that my daughter is in her second year of preschool, she is having more play dates with her little friends and it is SO CUTE! She actually has one today after school and when I told her she was going to her friend's house (and the yogurt shop!) after school she nearly jumped out of her skin with excitement.

When we arranged the play date, the other mom said something magical to me: "And don't worry! We have an extra car seat!" I cannot tell you how awesome and convenient that is for me. My 4-year-old still rides in this five-point harness seat in my car (and she will for quite a while longer, as it's rated up to 70 pounds!), but it is a bit of a bear to get in and out of the car. Now that we have developed some deeper relationships at school and occasionally pick up other kids after school to help out other parents or to do play dates, I'd like to have an additional seat in OUR car so that I can return the favor. It would actually be a wise thing for us to have on hand so our daughter can hop in the car with her dad without having to move seats, and as we also have a 2-year-old and a baby on the way, an extra seat could be verrrry useful for us in the coming years.

 

 

And that's where YOU come in! What high-back booster seats do you recommend? I see them everywhere for a variety of prices and have no idea where to start. Consumer Reports recommends the Graco HighBack Turbo Booster (the one pictured above) for overall safety and price point, and I'm curious if anyone has this one and what your feedback is? If there's a better all-purpose one out there that you LOVE? Please shoot me a recommendation! Thanks!

(photo via ConsumerReports.org)

Crayola Washable Whiteboard Markers

by Megan

I promise that this will be the last time that I speak of accessories for our easel. One side of our easel has a white board, and if you have any experience with white board markers, you know that they leave much to be desired. They're messy, they leave an odd marker dust behind when they've been erased, and they're far from washable.

So, when I saw Crayola Washable Whiteboard markers at Target, I knew that we needed to replace the markers we had on hand.

In their favor, they do seem to wash from clothes and hands quite easily. They are tougher to erase than traditional white board markers, but that's a small price to pay for the ability to keep your clothes clean, and avoid that awful dust. For the record, I absolutely do NOT recommend the dry erase crayons. They're about as well thought out as colored bubbles.

{Photo credits: amazon.com}