Blackberry. Mint. Moscow Mule. Can it get any better?!

Ok, it's about time I share this pretty bad boy with y'all! We still have lots of summer left and this drink is perfect for your next weekend at the lake, summer BBQ or even just a night in with your spouse!

Weeks, ok- more like a couple of months ago, (eek, don't hate me!) I shared a sneak peek of this recipe on Instagram with promises of a blog post to follow. Realizing it never actually got posted, I'm here to finally share an AMAZING drink concoction with you. That is, if you like moscow mules. Or ginger beer. To be honest, the first time I tried a moscow mule, I didn't like it. I didn't exclusively hate it, it was just weird. But it has grown on me greatly and now it's one of my main choices these days!

My friend Becca tagged me in a photo that Real Simple had shared on their Instagram for the following recipe; (blogged by another girl who's link is at the bottom of this post.) So while Becca and her husband were over one night, we tried it out. (And now I'm questioning why I haven't made it more often!) It's actually a super easy recipe. I mean moscow mules are already simple, so this is just a couple of more ingredients!

{Recipe based on two servings. The photos are for four.}

Ingredients:

Blackberries - 12
Limes - 2
Mint Leaves - 12
Ginger Beer - 2
Crushed Ice - recommended, but not necessary
Vodka - optional

Directions:

Muddle 6 blackberries, one lime cut into wedges, and 6 mint leaves in the bottom of each glass until all the juices from the berries and limes have been released.

Fill glasses with crushed ice.

Add Vodka, if desired. (1 shot, more or less on how you like it.) Then top off with ginger beer and stir to mix well.

Garnish with extra berries, mint leaves, and lime wedges.
Serve immediately.

Also, big thanks to Becca Smith for sharing the recipe with me when she found it, and also playing hand model for the evening! :)
Enjoy!
t.

Original blogger/blog post here.

Ingredients:
Blackberries - 12
Limes - 2
Mint Leaves - 12
Ginger Beer - 2
Crushed Ice - recommended, but not necessary
Vodka - optional

Directions:
Muddle 6 blackberries, one lime cut into wedges, and 6 mint leaves in the bottom of each glass until all the juices from the berries and limes have been released.
Fill glasses with crushed ice.
Add vodka.
Top off with ginger beer and stir to mix well.
Garnish with extra berries, mint leaves, and lime wedges.
Serve immediately.

Let's Brunch.

Back in the Spring, I styled this brunch shoot as one of my kickstarts to my business- bijou. I love the idea of inviting friends over to relax at a cozy table, where we can visit over yummy foods and clink our mimosa glasses. With the sun out, the birds signing and a great view ahead, this brunch on the patio was a winner in my book!

The great thing about this, was it took hardly any time to plan and execute. I first figured out how to seat six. I pulled two tables together, and though they were different heights and different shapes, I used that to my advantage by giving the set up it's own unique design.

I didn't have a big enough table cloth at the time to fit my unique set up, so a white quilt did the trick! But even better, it gave the table a comforting and welcoming look.

I foraged the flowers from the dog woods and other trees around the area. Zero cost!

I bought the food at the local grocery stores, as I didn't have time to make it all myself. (But I'd love to plan another to bake some goodies for, or even have everyone bring their own favorite dish!)

So check out the rest of the loveliness below, and let me know what you think! I love sharing this to show y'all how easy it is to take a few items in your home to set up something sweet, with no hassle! Invite your friends over soon and brunch it up!

Thanks for checking it out! If you liked it, I'd love to hear! Also, follow all the fun projects by bijou on Instagram: @bijoustyling and visit my website for more info- bijoustyling.com!

t.

A Bijou Backyard Dinner Party

I'm sitting on a fourth story balcony overlooking the gorgeous turquoise gulf coast, but it's time I get another blog post up! So while I take a break from the sandy shores, I'm excited to finally share this dinner party I styled (and hosted!) a few weeks ago! Perfect weather, a setting that came together just how I wanted, (and better!) good food, great friends and a fun evening were the sole reasons this dinner party will always be one of my favorites!

Succulents and cutting boards, linen napkins and pineapple shaped lanterns were just a few pieces that brought this styled dinner together. Check out the photos below!

I froze mint inside ice cubes to add some pretty to the ice bucket, plus it added some great taste to our drinks when added to our glasses.

Pita bread with olive oil and za'atar, a middle eastern spice, presented on cutting boards were there for guests for an appetizer and during dinner.

The table runner and the small colored bowls used for olive oil and za'atar are from West Elm. They have such a great assortment of cute bowls and other dinnerware for every day and your every day party!

The bar cart is from Target.

The pitcher is Oh Joy for Target from last winter. The champagne colored tray is from West Elm as well. They have a large class of trays in multiple colors and sizes.

Be sure to check out my website for more info on bijou - in-home event styling and on Instagram: @bijoustyling!
Until next time, I'm headed back out to the water. ;)

t.