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Style Chicks

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Bib&Sola Hand Blown Glass Water Decanter

September 23, 2016 · Leave a Comment

This is a hand blown artisan glass water decanter. It has a vibrant, opaque infusion of color. I chose the blue to match the decor of my office. My office is very arid to forced heat and air conditioning, as well as the environment of the computers and equipment. My eyes and skin feel dry quickly. I got this decanter to remind myself to drink enough water during the day and thought it would be nice to have something stylish on my desk for some artistic flare that coordinates with my office decor, which has accents of cobalt and lapis blue as well as other artisan glass pieces.

Bib&Sola Hand Blown Glass Water Decanter

Bib&Sola Hand Blown Glass Water Decanter

The decanter itself is heavy enough to not accidentally knock over (as I have accidentally done from time to time with Perrier bottles) yet not so heavy that it is hard to lift. The lip on the mouth makes for easy pouring, and it does not splash

It does not come with the drinking glass; those are sold separately. However, plain or coordinating artisan glassware (such as the one I have in the picture) is easy enough to obtain on websites such as Etsy. They are also easy to paint yourself with glass painting kits. There are some bubbles in the colored glass that show it is hand made; they are not imperfections or blemishes.

Bib&Sola Hand Blown Glass Water Decanter

Bib&Sola Hand Blown Glass Water Decanter

The decanter comes in a gift-worthy white box with company Bib&Sola logo; it is very suitable for gift giving, especially if you know someone’s colors for their kitchen, bar or dining area. At 1.2 liters it is suitable for use when serving dinner to guests as well. If giving as a gift, I might wash it first as it looked much nicer after rinsing it off. There seems to be some residual surface dust that washes off quickly, revealing more beautiful, quality piece.

It is nice to have a clear container on my desk that prompts me to drink the recommended 1.2 Liters a day, and generally, I prefer when my supervisor comes by, to have something more adult and professional on my desk such as this piece instead of plastic bottles that look sloppy.

Makes for a beautiful gift, I believe my photos are true to the color blue, a mid-blue that is not as dark as a lapis.

CONCLUSION: Nice artisan style piece that matches with several decors and is suitable for use in a kitchen, barware, dining room, or office setting.

Find the lovely Bib&Sola Hand Blown Glass Water Decanter here.

Bib&Sola Hand Blown Glass Water Decanter

Bib&Sola Hand Blown Glass Water Decanter

I received this product at a discount for testing and review purposes. If you have any questions about my experience with it, leave it in the comments section below, and I’ll do my best to answer it!

Posted by Style Chicks / Filed In: Decor
Tagged: Bib&Sola Hand Blown Glass Water Decanter, Decor, Entertaining, Water

Wine Wednesday: Magicdo 12 Colors Glass Paint Set

September 14, 2016 · Leave a Comment

We love to create unique, colorful tablescapes at parties, brunches, gatherings, showers, and special occasion dinners. I like a balance of not too stuffy and formal but not too whimsical – just a nice blend of eclectic and classic with some artistic elements thrown in to keep things interesting. Some attention to details with personalization with color, monogramming and patterns can make your guest feel special and really make a party unique. So I was happy to find this Magicdo Glass Painting set for glassware, it is a way to customize glassware such as wine and champagne glasses for an occasion to give a pulled together look to an event, adding color or personalization to plain glass stemware or mirror surface objects.

Wine Glass painted with Magicdo® 12 Colors Glass Paint Set

Wine Glass painted with Magicdo® 12 Colors Glass Paint Set

WAYS TO USE THE MAGICDO GLASS PAINT SET
Personalized glassware is useful for a party, putting names or initials on guests glasses prevents the accidentally use someone else’s glass. And a custom glass can stand in as a table setting place card for a seated dinner or brunch. It also makes an easy, custom party favor if desired.

COORDINATE TO PARTY THEME: Glass Paint can add color or design to plain glassware to color-coordinate or theme coordinate to other pieces, tying in eclectic or mix and match tableware. Instead of keeping glassware for numerous types of parties or entertaining, one set of plain glassware can be customized for each event. With a little practice, it would be easy to hand paint custom champagne glasses for a bridal couple or special anniversary event to make for a handmade, custom gift.

PAINT PARTY: A fun activity for kids and adults alike, painting on glassware is an enjoyable and easy activity.

VERSATILE ONE TIME USE OR PERMANENT PAINT DESIGNS
Handwash the glasses carefully if you wish to retain the design for more than one use. If you wish to paint the glasses with a different design, the paints wash off in the dishwasher.

TIP: If you intend on keeping the painted result on the glassware for more than one-time use, I would recommend allowing a few days for the paint to fully set before use. While it is dries quickly, it remains tacky for a few days, especially in warm weather.

HOW TO USE THESE PAINTS
These paints are applied on the outside of the glass, so generic glassware can be turned into customized special occasion glassware, adding theme elements, color-coordinated patterns, monograms or names. You can use your existing glassware, or purchase low-cost, plain glasses for the occasion. This particular glass that is used in these photos and video is a simple basic glass that could be purchased at any Bed, Bath, and Beyond or IKEA type store.

For patterns, there are endless stencils for free on sites such as Pinterest, some are available on Etsy, and it is easy to create your own pattern as well. To create a name stencil, I selected a script font in Microsoft Word and printed it out and taped it to the inside of the glass and then just traced over the script with the paint.

THE KIT
This kit consists of twelve non-toxic rich pigment color paints. It is suitable for use for kids 3 and older, teens and adults.

The kit comes with a plastic palette with several wells to hold paint and mix colors, and a large well for water to clean the brushes.

The kit does not come with brushes, but any simple craft store Glass Brush Set, Nylon bristle brush or even some Q-tips can be used to get started.

The paint: The paints are high pigment yet very sheer; it takes multiple layers to build color or a thick dab for opaque pigment. They are high- pigment tints, which make them highly suitable for “glass coloring,” or the filling in an existing or pre-applied outline on the glass. The pigment of the paint seems so intense and opaque; I was surprised to see how sheer it applied. I came to like this, as the very sheer nature of the paint makes it very usable for the less artistically inclined, because no one paint stroke can make or break your design. I like the ability to blend and create a pretty unstructured freehand tinted or stainless glass look.

I liked the two shades of green for creating realistic depth to leaves. I lightly mixed but did not thoroughly blend the shades to have some variegation to the leaves.

HOW TO PAINT:
These paints blended nicely and had a very creamy texture that is easy to use. The layers of paint are very sheer. To create more opaque color, dab it on the glass and allow it to dry for about ten seconds, then feather it out. Paint can also be dabbed on with a sponge or cotton swab for more intensive color. For multiple layers of sheer color, apply it in thin coats, similar to how you would apply nail polish. Since the paint does not absorb into the glass, the first coat is more of a sheer tint and takes multiple layers to create an opaque look.

If you make a mistake, just wipe off the paint with a Q-tip and start again. I got some of the paint on my hands and nails; it washed off quickly with basic soap and water.

CONCLUSION: A fun, relaxing, easy way to create custom glassware to match a theme or color palette for an event, these paints are non-toxic, making them suitable for use by children and adults. As a non-artist with artistic yearnings, I found the sheerness to be very useful to slowly build and blend color into freehand abstract patterns that are manageable to create my own simple artistic creations. Blendable and creamy, it is easy to quickly paint custom glassware that gives a look of expensive artisan glass for entertaining and use as gifts.

Find this great set at Amazon.

I received this product in exchange for my unbiased review and received compensation for my time and effort. However, my experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine.

Posted by Style Chicks / Filed In: For the Home, Gifts
Tagged: Entertaining, Glass Paint, Magic 12 Colors Glass Paint Set, Wine Wednesday

Cocktails On The Go Travel Flask Set

August 28, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Cocktails On The Go Travel Flask Set

Cocktails On The Go Travel Flask Set

This Cocktails On The Go Travel Flask set is a splendid idea that we wish we knew about at the beginning of the summer, but we sure are glad we tried it: Cocktails On The Go, sturdy “Travel Flask” drink packets to hold pre-made cocktails to transport to your destination. Remember Capri Sun packaging from when you were a kid? It is the same concept but improved upon: you fill these flasks yourself, with your own cocktails, wine or other mixed drinks. They are like deluxe, reusable, sturdier DIY Capri Sun cocktails for grown-ups.

ABOUT COCKTAILS ON THE GO TRAVEL FLASKS
A sturdy collapsible container that can stand up on its’ own which comes in in two sizes, (individual and enough to serve a group) they can withstand being in your bag without puncturing.

The caps have a secure seal wrap for the first time they are opened, and they screw on tightly, so you don’t have to worry about leakage in transit. The caps stay on securely, so you can drink at your leisure. The cap opening is the size to fit a medium straw.

The kit comes with a funnel that fits perfectly into the smaller cap mouthpiece (my regular drink funnel was too large) so pouring the contents into or out of the container packets is a snap.

The larger travel flask bag is clear, holds 32 ounces, and has colorfully imprinted all sort of cocktails that are suitable for carrying in a Cocktails On The Go container. The smaller travel flask bag in this set are individually sized at 16 ounces and holds enough to last for a long afternoon. The individual flasks are fairly discrete and look like regular lemonade or iced tea beverages for, ahem, covert cocktail occasions.

Cocktails On The Go Travel Flask Set

Cocktails On The Go Travel Flask Set

The travel flask packets both chilled well, within about 20- 30 minutes, and they stayed reasonably cool during use. I also tried the individual travel flask bags in the freezer for about an hour and got a nice light slushie amount of freeze, which melted down nicely on a hot day. The travel flask bags held up well and did not pucker or crack. Due to the alcohol content of most cocktails, The Cocktails On The Go contents will not freeze completely in a standard freezer.

Cocktails On The Go Travel Flask Set

Cocktails On The Go Travel Flask Set

We find these Cocktails On The Go items particularly useful for two reasons:

1) Cocktails On The Go individual packets are ideal for taking along to a picnic, tailgating, a day at the beach, BYOB occasions and restaurants, outdoor concerts, “glamping” camping or other outdoor activities that make bringing a full mini bar of glass bottles along is impractical if not a prohibited task. Do all your mixing in advance, and clean up is simple: roll it up (or lay flat) and put it back in your bag. They are reusable and when I used the funnel they were easy to clean out and air-dry before their next use.

Cocktails On The Go Travel Flask Set

Cocktails On The Go Travel Flask Set

2) Have specialty drinks pre-made for a party: We have two friends who make these AMAZING margaritas, but they spend almost the entire picnic, party or BBQ making them for all their guests instead of enjoying the event! We are giving them a set of Cocktails On The Go travel flasks, so they can pre-make their delicious concoction and have some fun at parties instead of just playing bartender the whole time. The larger Cocktails On The Go travel flask is intended for serving multiple drinks, so you can still pour the drink into each person’s drinkware and add garnishes as you desired.

RECIPE IDEA FOR COCKTAILS ON THE GO

Try this recipe in Cocktails On the Go Travel Flasks for delicious end-of-summer drink, suitable for your last days at the beach, by the pool, or taking in a concert on the green:

Cocktails On The Go Travel Flask Set

Limoncello Martini Recipe

1/2 ounce limoncello
1-ounce vodka

Shake with ice and pour. Chill until use.

In the video below, we do a “Hard Lemonade” variant on the Limoncello Martini to modify it to drink at a more leisurely pace. To compliment the Limoncello, add a good Lemon soda or sparkling drink, (here we used the French Soda brand Lorina), and add a simple syrup to taste, such as your favorite Raspberry syrup.

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuiUEodiATM[/embedyt]

CONCLUSION: Reusable, sturdy, easy to use and easy clean up, these Cocktails On The Go travel flasks are a great idea to hold pre-made cocktails for a day at the beach, or to make individual cocktail recipes in advance and have more time at your party for socializing instead of mixing drinks.

Find these great drink holders at Amazon.

Posted by Style Chicks / Filed In: Food, Travel
Tagged: Cocktails On The Go Travel Flask Set, Drinks, Entertaining, Glamping, Tailgating, Wine

Happy Hour: Kamojo Moscow Mule Copper Mugs Gift Set

August 26, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Kamojo Moscow Mule Copper Mugs Gift Set

Kamojo Moscow Mule Copper Mugs Gift Set

This Kamojo Gift Box Set is a set of two copper Moscow Mule mugs. Moscow Mule Copper Mugs are the best way to serve the Moscow Mule drink. A favored drink for when the weather is hot and muggy, a Moscow Mule served in a copper mug is especially delicious. And the Moscow Mule is a great drink for entertaining because it is a tasty melody of flavors but easy to mix. Mules are perfect for a hot summer afternoon party, BBQ or picnic, especially since carrying around a cool beverage in a copper mug is refreshing in of itself.

WHY USE COPPER MUGS FOR YOUR MOSCOW MULES?
A classic drink should have a signature style glassware. Martinis, margaritas, champagne, or a scotch: the classics all have their signature style unique glassware. But a copper mule is more than just the decorative component to a Mule drink; it MAKES the drink. Simply put, the copper keeps your ice-cold drink cold, as in super crazy cold, despite the hot weather and your warm hands holding your drink. Part of what makes any Mule-category of drink so tasty is the iciness of the drink. Both Moscow Mules and Kentucky Mules are especially refreshing when served ice-cold. While you could have a Moscow Mule or a Kentucky Mule in a regular glass, the mug is part of the fun, and it is large enough to hold the volume of the drink. But most importantly, it chills to the temperature of the drink almost immediately and keeps it cold. Copper also tends to bring out the flavor of the ingredients.

Copper also is very pretty on a tablescape and complements the look of modern, eclectic, urban and traditional decor or table setting.

Kamojo Moscow Mule Copper Mugs Gift Set

Kamojo Moscow Mule Copper Mugs Gift Set

WHY USE KAMOJO MOSCOW MULES
In addition to being very well constructed and much prettier than many of the copper mugs available, this particular set of KAMOJO Moscow Mule Copper Mugs has the distinct advantage of a protective coating. It is a maintenance-free alternative to traditional copper that can quickly dull or tarnish. The protective lacquer keeps the beautiful luster without the work of regularly polishing the copperware. It also, in my opinion, made them much easier to clean after each use. The handles are secure, and the mugs are steady. The copper is not thin or a veneer, it is a good solid set of copper mugs. Something else I like about these Kamojo Copper Mugs is they are more stylized and attractive than many mugs, they have a larger, easy-to-use handle, and they are easier to grip in the hand. Thi set also comes with a lovely set of copper straws for mixing.

Kamojo Moscow Mule Copper Mugs Gift Set

Kamojo Moscow Mule Copper Mugs Gift Set

STYLECHICKS ADAPTED MOSCOW MULE RECIPE
The one potential disadvantage is the Moscow Mule can at times be a particularly strong tasting drink. If you prefer something on the sweeter or fruitier side, or perhaps with less alcohol content, here is both the traditional Moscow Mule recipe and a StyleChicks adapted Moscow Mule recipe that we have been enjoying since we got our Moscow Mule copper mugs:

TRADITIONAL MOSCOW MULE INGREDIENTS
1/2 oz. lime juice
1 1/4 – 2 oz. vodka
4-6 oz. ginger beer (Reed’s is the most authentic, but other brands are also tasty

STYLECHICKS MODIFIED INGREDIENTS:

  1. For vodka, we chose a flavored vodka for sweetness
  2. For Ginger Beer, you can use Ginger Ale from the same traditional vendor (Reed’s) for the same sharp ginger taste without the alcohol. Minimum of 4-6 ounces in the mug. Chill in advance.
  3. For Lime Juice we did fresh squeezed and kept the pulp for some extra tanginess.
  4. Ice. OPTIONAL: Add lime juice directly into your ice cube tray when freezing to retain the flavor tangy even when the ice melts.
  5. We added candied ginger slices for garnish
  6. A dash of simple syrup, we used White Ginger Simple Syrup

And of course, copper Moscow Mule mugs

Directions

  1. Fill the Moscow Mule Copper Mug with ice cubes.
  2. Add the lime juice
  3.  Pour in 1 1/4 oz of vodka then fill the rest of the mug with the cold ginger beer or ale, about 4-6 ounces, to taste.
  4. Add a dash of Simple Syrup if desired
  5. Stir
  6. Add a garnish(es) to taste of a thin slice of fresh ginger, or candied ginger, lime wedge
  7. Serve with a stirring rod.

I like to use a lightly sweetened flavored vodka since the ginger and lime are both tart and the vodka can be strong. I choose a vanilla vodka because the vanilla brings out the ginger taste while still being sweet, but it is just your preference, you can also just use Simple Syrup to taste.

Kamojo Moscow Mule Copper Mugs Gift Set

Kamojo Moscow Mule Copper Mugs Gift Set

CONCLUSION: Copper Mugs can make or break a good Kentucky Mule or Moscow Mule drink, the copper reacts well with the ginger and vodka to create the best flavor, and the copper keeps your drink ice-cold to the last savory drop. These Kamojo Copper Mugs are very attractive, sturdy, easy to use set of mugs. And they are easy to maintain because of the protective coating; the copper retains the beautiful luster.

Find these great mugs at Amazon.com and visit Kamojo’s new website for more information!

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJlTt00to90[/embedyt]

I received this product in exchange for my unbiased review and received compensation for my time and effort. However, my experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine.

Posted by Style Chicks / Filed In: Gifts
Tagged: Copper Mug, Drinks, Entertaining, Food, Kimono Moscow Mule Copper Mugs Gift Set, Moscow Mule, Mule Mug

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