Hendrick's Gin

BzzAgent sent me an invite to review Hendrick's Gin and I was like, "whaaaa... drink booze for half price?" and I instantly signed up even though I didn't think I liked gin.

Last time I drank the clear liquid I fell asleep on a Jersey City toilet, forehead on the seat. But that's another story for another time.

When I received the paperwork I was intrigued with their Victorian vibe, their use of the word "curiousitorium" (isn't it a great word?), and the rose and cucumber flavorings.
I instantly ran out and purchased a bottle, popped it open and took a huge whiff, thinking to myself, "EW, I DON'T LIKE GIN FOR SURE."

I waited for a few gal pals to come over to "suffer through" the cocktails with me... and then it happened. The cocktails were amazing. HEY WAIT A MINUTE, I LIKE GIN. We all like gin. At least Hendrick's gin, anyway. I suppose it's a more "grown up" flavor. I was not ready for Hendrick's gin in my 20s, but at the wise ol' age of 32 it is absolutely delish.

My wise ol' gut told me to stick with simple recipes. Let the gin shine, folks. This is not an alcohol that needs to be covered up with sweet juices and sodas. Keep it basic with a bit of soda water and light flavorings that compliment, not detract.

Hangover Remedies for Whoreders

Did you drink too much last night? I'm writing this ahead of time, but I'm 99.9% sure that my future self did too.

There's plenty of things around your house to help out with that headache and upset stomach. No need to venture out into the wild with smeared makeup and bedhead looking for an answer to your problems. You're welcome. Let's heal together (in the privacy of our own homes).

Eat a banana (for potassium)

Drink an electrolyte-rich drink (Gatorade, coconut water, or even Pedialyte)

Ginger tea for nausea (chop up fresh ginger and add to hot water with a dash of honey, spicy delish)

Hot honey and lemon (hot toddy anyone? ohhh... wait.)

Take a mustard bath to draw out toxins (please tell me if you do this. Also I want pictures)

Get a foot massage (good excuse to get a pedicure, right?)

Drink apple juice

Make a tall glass of chocolate milk (and of course consume it)

Take a nap (I had this post scheduled because you know I'll be nappin' alllll daaaay)

Add a little salt to your water

Or of course you can continue the party and make yourself a tasty Bloody Mary. Mmmm. PINKIES UP!

True Blood: Sundae Bloody Sundaes

If you didn't get enough sweets and liquor in Vanessa's epic True Blood Season 5 premiere party post this week (in which she included these cupcakes by yours truly), you may have a problem. You also are in luck because I have one more bloody treat to fling your way faster than a shape shifter. Whether you'll be having a quiet night on the couch on Sunday night (like me) or decide to invite a bunch of your best blood thirsty friends over for a party, these Sundae Bloody Sundaes are fun and perfect for a warm June evening. 

For a bit of southern flair, I used Blue Bunny red velvet ice cream for the sundaes. It's scary good (and very sweet) and if you're feeling extra ambitious, you could always make your own. For the decadent Chambord raspberry sauce, simmer raspberries, lemon juice, a generous pour of Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur, and a bit of sugar in a pot for a few minutes. Then, strain out raspberry seeds (or keep them in, the sauce is tasty either way) and pour over a scoop of ice cream while still warm and bloody-riffic. Top with a maraschino cherry. These sundaes are messy and melty sorta like a hot fudge sundae and verrry red (if you are partying hard, you may even want to throw down some American Psycho style drop cloths). I also made a set of fancy blood type party picks that would look just as good in cocktails or on cupcakes. You can download the design here!

On Sunday, I will also be watching another HBO gem and one of my new favorite shows, Girls (anyone else?) but until I can think of something besides cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon, shower cupcakes, and the morning after pill as themed nosh, I'm resisting the urge to post any Girls viewing party ideas. Consider yourself warned. Have a wonderful rest of the weekend!

Top photo: HBO

Follow me on Instagram! @ririmaria

True Blood Premiere Party

Party time! Whoreders loves any excuse for a party, but we're especially excited that it's True Blood premiere week. After waiting for too many agonizing months, it's time to head back to Bon Temps for more fang bangin' and shifter shenanigans. It's not too late to plan a viewing party, and you don't have to spend a crazy amount of money either. We've put together a few ideas that are easy to do yourself, and won't break the blood bank.



Party Favors/Decorations

Party favors aren't just for kid's parties, big kids like goofy little goodies too. You don't have to go too crazy, because our fabulous friend Marie at Agent Lover already came up with a genius crafty idea we love. These were originally for Valentine's Day, but it would be a snap to turn them into True Blood party favors for your party (or any party, really). Click on the picture or link below and get ready to laugh and fall in love with Marie. And I'm not just saying that because she made me (Vanessa) an Anderson Cooper valentine!

Marie's Valentines For Your Boo

You can either make a bunch of these with different characters ahead of time, or just have all the supplies at the party and let everyone make their own. Go wild, and make an extra Eric Northman brooch for me! 

Fangs a lot.

Stained Salt

I had a Cinco de Mayo gathering of the tacos on, well... you guessed it - the fifth of May. My friends and I wanted margaritas (to go with our copious amount of tacos) and I decided to have some fun with it. Why not dye the rimming salt the colors of the Mexican flag?

I am a brilliant idea maker.

It's incredibly easy:

Jiggling Jello!

I have a new fascination with vintage jello molds. Tacky, yes, but awesome in a retro way. I'm not gonna lie, part of me wants to make some nasty lookin' salmon mousse or a strange veggie "loaf" made with gelatin - but I won't. For now, anyway.

So, I picked up two at a local thrift store for a grand total of $3 and instantly started making plans, one of which will be saved for a later post.

Since it's Mad Men/60s week and they loved their jello molds - it's the perfect time to bust one out. And bust a move. Just kidding, I don't dance. Since I'm a lush, I decided the gelatin to be molded should be a popular 1960s cocktail, Salty Dog. Ingredients: Grapefruit juice and vodka with a salted rim.