Happy Hour No. 5 // Outfit Planning & Bourbon Slushie

Let’s Chat!

Happy Thursday friends! It has definitely been way too long since our last happy hour and I’m so sorry. You know they say building a house is the most stressful thing you’ll ever do. For the most part, I thought they were all just weak and couldn’t handle decision making… until we got to the end. These past few weeks trying to finish up have just been rough, to say the least. I’ve been so behind on posting and everything else because 100% of my time has gone to being a good mama and finishing this house. So, I wanted to use today’s happy hour to catch up a bit and answer another one of your questions and share a recipe I found for a great bourbon slushie.

Question:

How far in advance do you plan your outfits?

Answer:

I love when bloggers answer this question and am really glad y’all asked because it is so different for everyone. I love knowing how creatives operate and find it fascinating that we’re all a little different but kinda the same. For me, this question has kind of a complex answer so I’ll do my best to simplify.

If I have a new item of clothing or decor item I really love, a partnership with a brand or am shooting content for a holiday, I plan way in advance. These are the times when I want to make sure nothing is left to chance. I pull all my styling options out and start playing around to find my perfect look. This is when my room looks like a bomb went off because there are clothes and shoes everywhere. I take flat lay photos of my favorite combinations or outfits where I love the look but am torn as to which shoes look best. Once I narrow down my options, I try them all on to make sure the execution is as good as the vision in my head. Usually, they are the same, but every once in a while, a look is just best kept on the hanger.

For all other looks and content, I do very little planning ahead. I keep a section of my closet free for things I want to style and shoot. As it gets full, I schedule the shoot and figure out the rest when I’m there. Some of my favorite looks (see below) have come from throwing things together while on a shoot. Other times I’ll just put something together the morning of a shoot just based on the weather or how I’m feeling. I have a tendency to overthink everything. If I’m left alone with too many options and possibilities for too long, I’ll go nuts. Creatively, I work better and have better results when I just make gut decisions and stick with them. I also tend to have more confidence in the vision in my head if I don’t see it in a mirror. You know what I mean right? If you think you look the way you feel and think you do in your head, your confidence is way higher than if you can critique yourself from head to toe beforehand.

Ultraviolet sweater and skirt

Cocktail Crush: Bourbon Slushie

Bourbon Slushie for Happy Hour on Reese's Hardwear

Bourbon Slushie – Photo: Brown Eyed Baker

When I found this bourbon slushie recipe it was instant love. Growing up as a kid, my dad always had slushies for my brother and I. I love the consistency and cool factor of a slushed drink. I also love the bright sunny color of this one. Whip up a batch for a Summer soiree or for a day by the pool.

INGREDIENTS:

9 cups water
2 cups granulated sugar
12 ounce canned frozen orange juice concentrate
12 ounce canned frozen lemonade concentrate
2 cups bourbon
Fresca (Sprite or 7UP for serving)

DIRECTIONS:

In a large pot, bring the water and sugar to a boil over high heat.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for 15 minutes.
Remove from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
Add the orange juice and lemonade concentrates to the simple syrup, and stir to combine.
Add the bourbon and again stir to combine.
Transfer the mixture to a large freezer-proof container and freeze for at least 8 hours.
When ready to serve, fill glass halfway with the slush, then top it off with your carbonated beverage of choice.