How many salon products have you purchased and decided you didn’t like after a few uses?  For many people (myself included), too many to count. Here’s a fun way to purge without adding to a landfill: Host a product swap for friends to exchange barely used products they purchased and decided they didn’t like after a few uses.

Ask each guest to bring a few products (at least half full) that they would like to exchange for other products.  Moisturizers, hair products, skincare, perfume, nail polish, self-tanners and sunscreen are all sanitary to exchange among friends.  Host this party in the afternoon and serve coffee, tea and cookies for snacking.  Invite guests to use a mud mask (leave the tube and disposable guest towels next to the sink in the bathroom) during the party.  The mud masks will make for some interesting party pictures.  Serve spa-type snacks, such as roasted edamame, trail mix, carrots, hummus and water with sliced cucumbers.

Photo credit:  Back Garage - www.backgarage.com

Take frozen vodka to a whole new level by freezing it in a decorative block of ice.  I have been making this impressive yet simple bar-staple for years and it not only adds interest to your bar, but it also keeps the vodka syrupy and delicious.

You’ll need an empty milk carton, various garnishes to fill the ice with color, and a bottle of good-quality vodka.

Before you begin, make sure that the vodka bottle you plan to use can fit in your freezer, standing upright.  Next, cut off the top of an empty milk carton to square-off the top and create a rectangular mold and rinse inside.  Place a bottle of vodka in the center of the clean carton and fill with first layer of chosen garnishes (evergreen sprigs, fruit, etc.).  Pour just enough cold water into the carton to cover the garnishes.  Freeze for several hours until the garnishes are suspended in the ice.  Add another layer of garnishes and again, pour just enough cold water into the carton to cover the garnishes.  Repeat freezing and filling until you fill the carton to about 1″ below the top.  Keep frozen until ready to serve.  Peel the carton away from the block of ice before serving.  Be sure to place frozen vodka on a tray with a lip to prevent melted water from spilling onto your bar.

Use pretty potted flowers for a centerpiece – either one large pot or several smaller pots with different flowers and/or herbs.  A potted plant works especially well for a party in the garden or any outdoor event, and will last longer than fresh-cut flowers.  Tie ribbons around the pot for added interest.  For a shower or birthday party, place a colored napkin under one plate on each table and let the guest who chooses that seat take the centerpiece home.

Photo Credit:  Flowers Quata (potted Hydrangeas)

Whether you’re hosting a wine tasting or just a dinner party, add some interest to your table with wine cork candles.   No need for expensive crystal candle holders; use empty wine bottles and faux wine cork candles to add ambiance.  Wine cork candles are available from a number of online retailers.  A few I have ordered from in the past are listed below. 

Uncommon Goods – $22/ set of 12
http://www.uncommongoods.com/item/item.jsp?itemId=12841

Amazon – $10/ set of 6
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0029K2TKS/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?ie=UTF8&cloe_id=0f2fabef-c00a-4420-a0b0-4c76d1c57e3f&attrMsgId=LPWidget-A2&pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000199GC8&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0WE3GAKN9X5WMTXNSTPQ

Beau Coup – $7.20/ set of 4
http://www.beau-coup.com/wine-cork-candles.htm

Check out my feature article – Beets: 1 Food 5 Ways - in the May/ June 2010 issue of Vegetarian Times (p. 72-75). 

Recipes include: Jewel-tone Pancakes with Creamy Yogurt-Dill Sauce, Firecracker Beet Slaw (pictured below), Napa Cabbage Salad with Borscht Vinaigrette, Perfect Roasted Beets with Orange Slices and Red Velvet Brownies.

Add an unexpected option to the sweetener selection for tea/ coffee by setting out rock candy that can be used as a swizzle stick.  Choose from various colors to coordinate with your party decore:  yellow for Easter, green for a garden party, or use a neutral white or brown (pictured above) for a dye-free alternative.  A little whimsical touch like this will make everyone feel like a kid again.

One lucky Hip Hostess Blog reader will receive this charming vase by Dahlhaus Art.  This vase features one of Dahlhaus’ original designs, with 3 poppies on each side.  The vase will add a pretty touch to a coffee station set up for brunch, a small breakfast table or nightstand.  If you can part with it, give it as a hostess gift.  Vase is 7″ tall and 4.5″ wide at it’s widest section, and can hold 2-3 stems.
For more of dahlhaus’s charming pottery pieces visit their Etsy store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/dahlhaus or their website www.dahlhausart.com

Enter this giveaway by clicking on the link below.  The winner will be randomly selected on February 28th at 9pm EST.  One entry per person.  Good luck!

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dFNtTVY5cmRFdmloQ0RCRFhHcWZUeUE6MA

Two lucky winners will receive either an International or Indian sampler size spice kit ($18 value each).  Each sample kit contains 10 round spice tins, featuring the incredible variety of spices listed below.  With these flavorful spices you can experience the amazing flavor of international cuisine.  These fresh spices come in neat little tins that are easy to store and pleasing to look at.  Great product with a great package!  Visit SpiceKits Etsy store at http://www.etsy.com/shop/spicekits to view the entire variety of spice kits offered.

International Kit includes the following spices:  Chinese Five Spice (Blend of cinnamon, star anise,fennel seeds, cloves, and black pepper), Garam Masala (Indian blend of green/black cardamom,cinnamon,bay leaves, coriander, cloves, and black pepper), Greek Seasoning (Blend of salt, bell peppers, onion, sesame seeds, parsley, and lemon extract), Herbs d’Provence (Blend of rosemary, thyme, savory, fennel seeds, basil, lavender, and marjoram), Italian Blend (Blend of oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, sage and marjoram), Taco Seasoning (Blend of chili peppers, salt, garlic, and onion), Cajun Spice (Blend of salt, garlic, paprika, chili powder, sesame seeds, parsley, hickory smoke), Lebanese Zaatar Spice (Blend of green herbs, toasted sesame seeds, salt), Curry Powder (Blend of Tumeric, Coriander, Cumin, Fennel, Allspice, Red Pepper, Black Pepper, Ginger, Mustard, Allspice) and Steak Spice (Blend of Salt, Garlic, Black Pepper, Coriander Seed, Mustard Seed, Dill Seed, Red Pepper).

Indian Kit includes the following spices:  Turmeric, Coriander powder, Coriander seeds, Cumin powder, Cumin seeds, Red chili powder, Black mustard seeds, Green cardamom, Garam masala and Curry powder.

Enter this giveaway by completing the form at the link below.  The winners will be randomly selected at 10pm EST on February 25, 2010, and will be notified via e-mail.  One entry per person.  Shipment to US address only.  Good luck!

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dDZaQ1hNa0NaVlZBMTNDSFFDZ0g0d2c6MA

One very lucky Hip Hostess Blog reader will win a fabulous custom baby gift from New Arrival Art ($75 value) to keep or to give.  New Arrival Art is a very thoughtful gift:  It’s a memorable keepsake and a unique way to decorate a nursery.

Enter this giveaway by clicking on the link below.  Winner will be randomly selected at 9pm EST on February 22, 2010 and notified via e-mail.  All information needed for customization will be collected after the end of the giveaway.  One entry per person.  Shipment to US address only.  Good luck!

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dERDMDl3OTIxYmhxYVZuMHM0ZFFwc3c6MA

Last Slice is giving one lucky Hip Hostess Blog winner a package of their candied citrus peels.  These candied peels are the perfect palate cleanser; serve them with a glass of champagne or coffee and tea.  The candied peels will keep for 2 weeks in sealed container, or 1 month if refrigerated.

Available flavors:
Orange
Grapefruit
Lemon

Each batch includes one fruit worth of peel (Lemons get 2 per batch).

Visit Last Slice’s Etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/LastSlice.

Enter this giveaway by clicking on the link below.  Winner will be chosen on February 21st at 9pm EST.  One entry per person.  Shipping to US address only.  Good luck!

https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dFBTS2ppMVNFeWNkWV9nT1BsVnlzamc6MA