Trendsetters Party Blog

Tales of a Trendsetter – Georges Claude, Inventor of Neon

2010-10-01T14:27:00.000-07:00

With our current sale being on neon lights, it seemed fitting to do an edition of Tales of a Trendsetter on Georges Claude, the French industrial chemist who invented the neon light sign. So read on if you want to learn more about neon (rhyme intended).

Claude was born in September 24, 1870 (Happy belated/posthumous Birthday!) and studied at the elite ESPCI ParisTech (The City of Paris Industrial Physics and Chemistry Higher Educational Institute). In 1902, he co founded L'Air Liquide S.A. (Air Liquide), now a multi-billion dollar multinational corporation. The company’s original premise was to liquefy air to produce oxygen on a large scale. This process resulted in several left-over elements, including several inert gasses such as neon. Realizing that neon gas would glow red when exposed to electrical current, Claude just needed to figure out a useful application.

Claude displayed his first neon sign to the public at a Paris convention in 1910. He sold the first commercial neon sign in 1912 to a Paris barber, and patented the neon lighting tube in 1915. In 1923, Claude introduced the signs to the United States, first selling two to a L.A. car dealership for $1,250 each. Observers would begin calling neon signs “liquid fire”, and in the 20s, it would not be uncommon to see pedestrians stop and stare at the lights for long periods of time. The neon signs became an immensely popular form of outdoor advertising and would spread through the nation's metropolitan areas like wildfire. The rest is history.

Some neon sign facts:

Today, “neon tubes” actually refer to all positive-column discharge lamps, regardless of the gas filling.
The colors in order of discovery were blue (Mercury), white (Co2), gold (Helium), red (Neon), and then different colors from phosphor-coated tubes.
Neon signs always consist of one continuous tube. The trick of the eye neon plays is produced by blocking out parts of the tube with blockout paint.

Props to following sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neon_sign http://inventors.about.com/od/qstartinventions/a/neon.htm http://www.ehow.com/about_5043120_history-neon-lighting.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georges_Claude http://www.invent.org/hall_of_fame/324.html

Captain Morgan Drink Recipes

2010-08-19T07:53:00.000-07:00

This week, we’re running a special on Captain Morgan merchandise. In keeping with this theme, here ‘s some recipes for cocktails featuring Captain Morgan liquors.

Banana Daiquiri

.75 oz. Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum (25 oz. per bottle)

.5 oz. crème de banana liqueur

1.25 oz. sweet and sour mix

1 cup(s) crushed ice

1 slice(s) lemon

Add Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, crème de banana, sweet and sour mix, crushed ice, and ripe banana in a blender.

Blend until smooth and pour into glass.

Garnish with cherry and lemon.

Barbados Punch

1 oz. Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum (25 oz. per bottle)

.25 oz. triple sec

1 oz. lime juice

2 oz. pineapple juice

1 slice(s) lime(s)

1 slice(s) pineapple

Add Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, triple sec, lime juice, and pineapple juice in a blender with crushed ice.

Blend until smooth and pour into glass.

Garnish with lime slice and pineapple slice.

Beer and Bite

0.75 oz. Captain Morgan Lime Bite (25 oz. per bottle)

6 oz. beer

Combine ingredients into a pint glass.

Captain Morgan’s Planters Punch

1.25 oz. Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum (25 oz. per bottle)

2 oz. orange juice

2 oz. pineapple juice

.25 oz. lime juice

.25 oz. lemon juice

1 teaspoon(s) sugar

1 dash(es) grenadine

1 cherry flag

Add Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, lime juice, lemon juice, sugar, and grenadine.

Shake with ice and strain into ice-filled glass.

Garnish with cherry flag.

Captain’s Orange Cafe

1.25 oz. Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum (25 oz. per bottle)

.25 oz. Grand Marnier (25 oz. per bottle)

1 cup(s) coffee

1 teaspoon(s) whipped cream

Add Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, Grand Marnier, and coffee.

Top with whipped cream.

Cranberry Kiss

3/4 ounces Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum

2 ounces collins mix

2 ounces cranberry juice

1 wedge lemon

Add Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, collins mix, and cranberry juice to ice-filled highball glass and stir.

Garnish with lemon wedge.

Jamaican Sunset

1/4 oz Captain Morgan's Rum

1/2 oz Meyers Rum

1 1/2 oz Orange juice

1 1/2 oz Pineapple juice

1 oz Sweet and sour

Shake and strain this drink into an ice-filled Hurricane glass.
Float Meyers rum and Garnish with a Pineapple / Orange / Cherry pinwheel.

We hope you enjoy these tasty recipes. Be sure to let us know which ones are the best! And remember - a true Captain drinks responsibly.

Now its time for some shameless self promotion: Be sure to check out our web store so you can enjoy your tasty Captain Morgan cocktails in a one of our nice Captain Morgan glasses while lounging in a comfortable Captain Morgan chair and wearing one of our stylish Captain Morgan t-shirts. (Subtle, ain't we?)

Tales of a True Trendsetter – Lucille Ball

2010-08-11T09:22:00.000-07:00

By Reid

Apparently affected by the “nostalgia” theme of Trendsetter’s current specials, I found myself browsing the web for stories about American entertainment icons. There was person one that stood out. Before Tina Fey, Bette Midler, Carol Burnett, even Joan Rivers and Mary Tyler Moore, Lucille Ball blazed the trail for women to succeed in comedy. She was the very definition of a true original.

I find her determination and willingness to do things different to be the most fascinating aspects of her story.

Lucille Ball’s path to success was unlikely. Ball was born August 6, 1911 (Btw, Happy Belated Birthday, Lucy!) and was mostly raised in a modest setting by her grandparents in a small town in New York State. She dropped out of high school at age 15 and enrolled at the John Murray Anderson School for the Dramatic Arts in New York City. Outshined by peers such as Bette Davis, Ball was sent home on the premise that she had no talent and, believe it or not, was deemed far too shy to succeed as a performer.

She soon returned to the City and began a long period of paying her dues. She found her first work as a model and later on Broadway (but was quickly fired). Still undeterred, Ball moved to Hollywood in 1933 and began a prolific yet under-appreciated career acting. Though her penchant was for comedy, Hollywood was more interested in beautiful starlets than comediennes, and Ball took almost any role she could find. She would become known in many Hollywood circles as, “Queen of the B’s”.

She achieved moderate success in 1940 with the musical “Too Many Girls” (where she met future husband and co-star Desi Arnaz) and in 1942 starring across from Henry Fonda in the film “The Big Street”. Ball married the younger Arnaz in 1940. The two would lie about their true ages for years because it was considered less acceptable for a woman to marry a younger man.

It wasn’t until the late 40s that Ball would begin to demonstrate her comedic talents to larger audiences in “My Favorite Husband”, a radio show for CBS in which Ball played a wacky wife (sound familiar?). CBS was interested in a television adaptation, but Ball insisted on working with Arnaz. The couple formed their own production company, Desilu Productions, in 1950 and produced a pilot. However, CBS was not impressed enough to be convinced that the masses would be won over by an American/Cuban couple. The couple responded by deciding to take the show on the road as a vaudeville act, and the tour proved to be a hit. CBS was finally convinced and the “I love Lucy”show first aired in 1951.

The rest is history.

Some accomplishments of Lucille Ball and trivia:

· “I Love Lucy” was the first show to use multiple cameras in front of a live studio audience.

· “I Love Lucy” is one of the most popular TV shows of all time, being the most watched show in America 4 of its 6 seasons. There were 3 seasons in which over half of the nations’ TV sets were tuned in to the show.

· When Lucille Ball became president of Desilu Productions in 1962, she became the first woman to run a major production company.

· Desilu Productions was home to many hit shows, including Star Trek, The Andy Griffith Show, Mission Impossible, and the Dick Van Dyke show.

· In 1968, Lucy was reported to be the richest woman in television.

· TV Guide picked Ball as the Greatest TV Star of All Time.

· Lucy appeared on the cover of the first issue of TV Guide in 1952.

· Ball registered to vote in 1936 and 1938 as a Communist. In 1953, she was subpoenaed by McCarthy’s House Committee on Un-American Activities. Arnaz famously quipped to a studio audience that year, “the only thing red about Lucy is her hair, and even that's not legitimate.”

· Also in 1953, Lucy broke ground by insisting on writing her pregnancy into the script of “I love Lucy.” CBS relented and allowed the episode to happen, but only if the word “pregnant” was not used on-air.

· Ball’s numerous accolades include 4 Emmy wins and 13 nominations.

I’ll conclude this article with my favorite two Lucille Ball quotes:

· “I’m not funny. What I am is brave.”

· “I would rather regret the things that I have done than the things that I have not.”

Happy 80th Birthday Betty Boop!

2010-08-09T08:48:00.000-07:00

80 years and still going strong! Read on to learn more about this iconic, and controversial, animated figure. And in case you’re wondering … Yes, we’re commemorating this occasion the best way we know how – with a sale! (Selected merchandise only; ends at midnight.)

Betty Boop was conceived by Max Fleischer for and made her first big screen debut on August 9, 1930 in the 6^th installment of the Talkartoon series, “Dizzy Dishes”. Initially, she started out as an unnamed cabaret-performing female dog of all things, and as a mere supporting character that caught the fancy of the studio star, a dog named Bimbo. You can view that video here.

Later that year, Betty found a permanent voice – Mae Questel, who would also be known as the voice of Olive Oyl in the Popeye cartoons and the singer of the platinum hit “Good Ship Lollipop”. Fleischer would realize that he had a potential star in the young Ms. Boop, and gave Betty her current name, a fully human form, and first starring role in 1932. Meanwhile, Fleischer’s brother, Dave added more sex appeal and a more distinctively feminine personality to the character. A dog she certainly was not! Betty Boop’s career immediately took off, and she went on to star in over 100 cartoons in the 30s, earning the distinction of becoming the world’s biggest female animated star.

Her saucy image and flapper ways brought their share of controversy, however. From 1932 to 1934, Betty fought a successful legal battle against real-life sexy singing star, Helen Kaye, who claimed Betty had stolen her likeness. Several Betty Boop cartoons would be deemed too risqué and would be banned. In 1934, a set of censorship guidelines, the Motion Picture Production Code, also known as the Hays Code, began requiring all films to obtain a certificate of approval. This forced Betty to tone down her image, both in appearance and in themes of the cartoons, and Betty began resembling a traditional housewife more than a tantalizing flapper. Her new more wholesome character proved to be less appealing to audiences, and the tamer Betty Boop series steadily declined in popularity until its finale in 1939.

The Betty Boop cartoons saw a modest revival in interest in the 1950s, when the series was sold for syndication. Further interest was generated in 1974 with the release of the Betty Boop Scandals, which hit home with the post-60s counterculture movement. Betty Boop’s true renaissance began in the 80s when marketers began merchandising her likeness. Indeed, Betty Boop has now gained more exposure as an image on various products than she did in her films and shorts.

In her 80 years of existence, the character known as Betty Boop has entertained and scintillated, and continues to retain significant influence. So we want to say “Happy Birthday Betty!!”

And to steal a line from “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”, Betty – you still got it.

Let's Celebrate International Beer Day!

2010-08-04T11:06:00.000-07:00

What better holiday to lift up your spirits, err… beer mugs? As many of you Trendsetters patrons probably already know, we at Trendsetters believe beer is beautiful. So when we discovered this made-up holiday whose tradition dates all the way back to 2007, we said to ourselves, “Count US in!” Heck, we like it so much we’ve decided to milk this thing for a whole week. So, to do our part in commemorating what is at the very least the best holiday in August, this week’s special - running till Tuesday - will be discounts on selected beer-brand merchandise such as Stroh’s, Lone Star, Guinness, Red Stripe, Brooklyn Brewery, Labatt and more. Check it out at www.trendsettersthestore.com.

International Beer Day dates back to 2007, when a few great men from San Francisco were, as legend has it, engaging in some “beerstorming” and decided it was time to stop beating around the bush with holiday’s like St. Patty’s Day, Cinco De Mayo, and New Year’s Day and get straight to the heart of the matter – why doesn’t the world just come together to celebrate the thing that makes other holidays fun to begin with?

Or, as the official IBD website more eloquently puts it: “Because we all need an excuse to drink another beer.” Their creed:

“The purpose of IBD is threefold:
1) To gather with friends and enjoy the deliciousness that is beer.
2) To celebrate the dedicated men and women who brew and serve our beer.
3) To bring the world together under the united banner of beer by celebrating the beers of all nations and cultures together on this one remarkable day.”

Now that brought a tear to this author’s eye. We highly recommend you check out that website at http://internationalbeerday.com. We also propose that if, this holiday spirit touches your heart in the way it has touched ours, feel free to join us today by raising your frosty mugs.

So, by all means, drink responsibly, and Happy International Beer Day everyone!!

Who is this Ed Hardy anyways?

2010-07-21T07:07:00.000-07:00

Trendsetters started carrying licensed Ed Hardy merchandise a little under a year ago, and this brand has proven to be a huge success. Indeed, Ed Hardy imagery has become a phenomenon over the last decade, first appearing on the clothing of celebrities and later appearing on everything from cell phones to glassware to clocks and more. This week, we’re doing a neat little sale on all of our Ed Hardy merchandise at www.trendsettersthestore.com.

For those of you not familiar with the man dubbed the “godfather of modern tattoo”, read on…

A Southern California native born in 1945, Hardy revived a childhood determination to become a tattoo artist and underwent a tattoo apprenticeship while simultaneously receiving a B.F.A. degree in printmaking at the San Francisco Art Institute in 1967. Tattooing professionally since then, he developed the fine art potential of the medium with emphasis on its Asian heritage. In 1973 he lived in Japan, studying with a traditional tattoo master – the first non-Asian to gain access to that world. He resumed these studies in Japan throughout the 1980s. Since 1974 he pioneered the emphasis on unique tattoo commissions at his San Francisco studio.

In 1982 he and his wife, Francesca Passalacqua, formed Hardy Marks Publications and have written, edited and published over twenty-five books on alternative art. They moved their primary household to Honolulu in 1986, where Hardy resumed painting, drawing, and printmaking. He maintains the studio Tattoo City in San Francisco, with younger artists continuing to evolve and carry on his unique work format. Hardy’s primarily focus is on creating and exhibiting works in more traditional mediums, including porcelain painting. He began developing this body of work in 2006 in a traditional Japanese setting.

In addition to showing his own works, Hardy has curated a number of exhibitions for both galleries and nonprofit spaces and frequently lectures at museums and universities. His work has appeared in numerous periodicals, books, and films internationally. In 2000, he was appointed by Oakland mayor Jerry Brown to that city’s Cultural Arts Commission, and awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the San Francisco Art Institute. In 2004 “Ed Hardy”, a major fashion line featuring his artwork, was launched internationally. Hardy and his wife now divide their time between Honolulu and the San Francisco Bay area.

For more information on Don Ed Hardy and his art, we recommend http://www.hardymarks.com

Summer is here... and it’s time for barbeque & BEER!

2010-07-14T08:15:00.000-07:00

Bread and butter, Joanie and Chachi, peas and carrots… and barbeque and beer. Some things just go well together, especially when one of those things is beer. Well… unless the other thing is a firearm… or a bad breakup… or a massive inferiority complex…

Anyways, let’s move on. Beer goes well with barbeques, and that’s indisputable. Have you ever tried barbequing WITH beer? Our latest party tip gives you ideas on how to do just that. So here’s a few beer-induced barbequing recipes to get you started. And if you’ve already created some of your own beer-barbeque-deliciousness, please feel free to share YOUR recipes.

P.S. In honor of beer – that summer staple – Trendsetters is doing a week-long special on beer brand products. 15% OFF selected items from Brooklyn Brewery, Coors light, Corona, Guinness, Lone Star, Miller, Old Milwaukee, Old Style, Olympia, Pearl, Piels, Rainier, Red Stripe, Schaefer, Schlitz, Schmidt, and Stroh’s! Sale ends Tuesday. www.trendsettersthestore.com

BBQ Beer Can Chicken

-from Cajun Chef Ryan http://cajunchefryan.rymocs.com/blog2/recipes/bbq-beer-chicken/

Why? Because the beer adds moisture in addition to flavor during the slow grill roasting process. The larger 18 to 24 ounce tall beer cans work better for standing up the bird in all its glory!

Ingredients

1 large whole chicken (4 to 5 pounds)

3 tablespoons Finger Lickin Rub¹

1 can (18-24 ounces) beer

1. Remove and discard the fat just inside the body cavities of the chicken. Remove the package of giblets, and set aside for another use. Rinse the chicken, inside and out, under cold running water, then drain and blot dry, inside and out, with paper towels. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the rub inside the body and neck cavities, the rub another 1 tablespoon all over the skin of the bird. If you wish, rub another 1/2 tablespoon of the mixture between the flesh and the skin. Cover and refrigerate the chicken while you preheat the grill.

2. Set the drip pan in the center of the grill, between the mounds of coals. Place the food on the grate over the drip pan, and cover the grill. You’ll need to add about 10 to 12 fresh briquettes to each side after an hour of cooking. If you want to add a smoke flavor, add 1 to 2 cups of presoaked wood chips, or 2 to 4 chunks, to the coals just before you start to cook, and again whenever you replenish the coals. Set up the grill for indirect grilling* placing a drip pan in the center. If using a charcoal grill, preheat it to medium. If using a gas grill, place all the wood chips in the smoker box and preheat the grill to high; then, when smoke appears, lower the heat to medium.

3. Pop the tab on the beer can and take a good sip or until it is within an inch of the top. Using a “church key” –style can opener, make 6 or 7 holes in the top of the can. Then spoon the remaining dry rub through the holes into the beer. Holding the chicken upright, with the opening of the body cavity down, insert the beer can into the cavity.

4. When ready to cook, if using charcoal, toss half the wood chips on the coals. Oil the grill grate. Stand the chicken up in the center of the hot grate, over the drip pan. Spread out the legs to form a sort of tripod, to support the bird.

5. Cover the grill and cook the chicken until fall-off-the-bone tender, 2 hours. If using charcoal, add 10 to 12 fresh coals per side and the remaining wood chips after 1 hour.

6. Using tongs lift the bird to a cutting board or platter, holding the metal spatula underneath the beer can for support. (Have the board or platter right next to the bird to make the move shorter. Be careful not to spill hot beer on yourself.) Let stand for 5 minutes before carving the meat off the upright carcass. (Toss the beer can out along with the carcass.)

Beer BBQ Ribs -from beerbbq.com

BEER BBQ COOKING BROTH
3 Pounds boneless Country Style Pork Ribs
3 oz. Hickory Smoke Flavoring
2 Cups Beer

BEER BBQ SAUCE
8 Cups BBQ sauce
8 Cups Honey Dijon Dressing
6 oz. Beer

Place several layers of aluminum foil or a wire pie rack at the bottom of a large pot.

Layer ribs into pot. Add hickory smoke flavoring and beer. Fill with water to one inch above ribs. Bring to a full rolling boil. Cover. Reduce heat to a simmer, cook 35 to 45 minutes until ribs are fully cooked.

While ribs are simmering, mix together BBQ sauce ingredients. Fully drain water off the ribs. Place ribs in foil lined baking pan. Fully cover ribs with BBQ sauce.

Cover pan with foil. Bake in a pre-heated 275º oven for 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 hours.

Jalapeno Beer BBQ Sauce -from beerbbq.com

2 green Jalapenos, pith removed, stemmed, seeded and diced
2 Tablespoons Garlic, peeled, mashed and chopped
2/3 cup yellow Onion, peeled and chopped
3 large canned green Chile Peppers, drained
1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil
1 Cup Dark Beer
1 Cup Tomatoes, peeled, stemmed, cored and seeded, crushed
1 teaspoon dried Oregano, powdered
1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
1 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground
Salt to taste

Sauté jalapenos, garlic, onion and Chile peppers in a medium skillet with the vegetable oil until onions are translucent. pour into blender, add, beer, tomatoes, oregano and cayenne.

Blend until smooth. Use Jalapeno Beer BBQ sauce as a BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Cheers to Dad!

2010-06-15T06:59:00.000-07:00

Show Dad How Much You Care!

Trendsetters has all the necessities for this Father's Day, which is Sunday, June 20th. You have less than a week to decide on that perfect gift! Luckily, we have anything you could possibly want for dad. Below are just a few of our choices. For the rest of the goods, click the picture below!

Global Trend: Exotic, Strange Bars

2010-06-14T10:17:00.000-07:00

My very first post on our blog was how to design your own basement bar, using some of our trendiest products. Hopefully, you followed our instructions and your bar turned out fabulous! However, here are some bars that took a wrong turn down Strange Street...What's your favorite?

1. An Underwater Occasion

2. The Skeleton Bar

3. A Dwarf's Delight (Yes, your bartender may or may not tower over the bar itself.)

4. The Tree Bar (Similar to the tree in the Princess Bride)

5. The Ice Bar

6. Stare at Death at the Coffin Bar

7. The Garage Bar

8. Cave Bar

9. Vampire Cafe

10. Church Bar

Martini Recipes to Match Your Taste Buds!

2010-06-10T06:52:00.000-07:00

Recipes that will match your taste buds, and keep the flavors running for miles.

Cheers to martinis!

Spicy Jalapeno Martini

Ingredients
12 oz vodka
1/2 jalapeno, sliced
1/2 inch piece of ginger, finely sliced
1 inch piece lemongrass
ice
slice of jalapeno, to garnish

Directions

Into a glass jug, combine all ingredients (except the ice).
Cover with plastic wrap/ cling film (ie, Saran, Glad etc) and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to infuse the vodka. Fill cocktail shaker with ice. Add infused martini to the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Strain into a martini glass and serve with with a slice of jalapeno either on the side of the glass or sitting in the bottom of the glass (where the olive usually is!).

Bitter Balsamic Vinegar Martini

Ingredients
3 shots of your favorite Vodka.
3 ml of good balsamic vinegar (about a dash, experiment to find what is just right for you).
1 large, juicy strawberry.
some orange rind.

Directions
In a bowl or plate, add the balsamic vinegar. We are going to roll the strawberry in this container, so you just need enough room to accomodate the strawberry. Take the strawberry and roll it in the vinegar from the previous step. Try to cover the whole strawberry, then put into frozen glass. Add the Vodka to the chilled martini glass. Squeeze the orange rind on top of the glass so the juice goes into the glass. Rub the rind all around the rim to give it an orange flavour.

Cool Saketini

Ingredients
3/4 oz Sake
3/4 oz Vodka
1/4 oz Gin
1 slice cucumber
ice

Directions
Into a mixing glass filled with ice, pour the Sake, Vodka and Gin. Stir vigorously to ensure the contents are well mixed. Pour and strain into a frosted martini glass. To finish, arrange the cucumber onto the rim of the glass.

Sour Pineapple Martini

Ingredients
2 ounces vodka
1 ounce apple schnapps
1/2 ounce pineapple juice
1 thin apple slice for garnish
Directions
Combine ingredients (except garnish) with cracked ice and shake it up till ice cold. Serve in a martini glass.

Refreshing Watermellon Martini

Ingredients
4 cups watermelon (with the rinds, seeds removed)
1 cup lemon vodka
1/2 cup cointreau or triple sec
2 limes, squeezed
1 cup ice cubes
1 tablespoon sugar (or sugar substitute)
Garnish; pieces of watermelon, lime, sugar cane

Directions
In a blender, combine the watermelon chunks and puree. Remove pureed fruit and pour into a pitcher and keep very cold, even a little frozen to make it icy. Add one cup of watermelon puree, 1/4 cup of lemon vodka, and one tablespoon of cointreau or triple sec to the blender with three ice cubes and blend. Garnish with watermelon chunks, limes and a stick of sugar cane.

Sweet Pecan Pie Martini

Ingredients
1/2 teaspoon dark corn syrup
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/8 cup pecans, toasted and finely chopped
For Martini
Ice cubes
2 ounces vodka
1/4 cup dark corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
Garnish: On a small plate, stir together corn syrup and the brown sugar. Dip the rims of martini glasses in the mixture, then in the chopped nuts.
Martini: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, corn syrup and vanilla. Strain into prepared glasses.

Check out all of our martini necessities at www.trendsettersthestore.com

Getting Married? You Need To See This!

2010-06-09T06:44:00.000-07:00

Wedding Don'ts!

What you are about to see may surprise you...but it could save you an embarrassing wedding moment. While searching the web, we have found so many wedding-dont's, that we feel we should pass onto you, before your big day! We want you to be glamorous, beautiful, and trendy! And remember, www.trendsettersthestore.com has gifts from your bachelorette party, to your wedding ceremony!

1. Tacky Wedding Dress

Yes, this was actually previewed on the runway as a wedding dress. Make sure your wedding dress fits your personality, but is not over the top. We want your guests to know there at a wedding, not a bizzare.

2. Weird Wedding Favors

Make sure your wedding favors are something your guests will take home and make use of! A wedding dress candle? Probably going in the trash. We would hate for your guests to throw away your money!

3. A Cake Only You Would Eat

How darling...a decapitated deer figurine on the top of your wedding cake...enough said.

4. Awful Bridesmaid Dresses

I have been a bridesmaid about ten times now, and let me tell you how nice it is when I can actually wear the dress again! A dress like below will most likely land up in the trash with those wedding dress candles.

5. A Wedding Reception You Won't Remember

Sure, have a few drinks at your reception...but remember your not in college, or at a kegger. Time your drinks, have fun, take advantage of the open bar, but be sure you don't get to the point of being wasted.

Celebrate Your Dog!

2010-06-07T07:34:00.000-07:00

Today were celebrating your pootch, your dog...man AND woman's best friend!

Recently, we introduced a new product line called Chrome Bones. Although pricey, these luxury leashes, collars, carriers and beds will surely tell your pup that he or she is your best friend. Head over to www.trendsettersthestore.com to check out all of these new products! Also, today ONLY, the Chrome Bones collection is 25% off! We love to save, and we know you do too.

Trendsetters is Celebrating National Doughnut Day!

2010-06-04T06:17:00.000-07:00

TODAY IS NATIONAL DOUGHNUT DAY!

Did you know that the first Friday in every June is National Doughnut Day? We didn't either until last night, and were sharing all the great information with you! I, personally absolutely love doughnuts, and was thrilled to find out that both Dunkin Donuts and Krispy Kreme have special offers today! Before the good stuff, here's a bit on the background of National Doughnut Day.

National Doughnut Day started in 1938 as a fund raiser for the Chicago Salvation Army. Their goal was to help the needy during the Great Depression, and to honor the Salvation Army "Lassies" of World War I, who served doughnuts to soldiers.

Soon after the US entrance into World War I, the Salvation Army sent a fact-finding mission to France. The mission concluded that "huts" that could serve baked goods, provide writing supplies and stamps, and provide a clothes-mending service, would serve the needs of US enlisted men. Six staff members per hut should include four female volunteers who could mother the boys.

About 250 Salvation Army volunteers went to France. Because of the difficulties of providing freshly-baked goods from huts established in abandoned buildings near to the front lines, two Salvation Army volunteers came up with the idea of providing doughnuts. These are reported to have been an "instant hit", and "soon many soldiers were visiting Salvation Army huts". Margaret Sheldon wrote of one busy day "Today I made 22 pies, 300 doughnuts, 700 cups of coffee."

To this day it is still a fund raiser run by The Salvation Army.

National Doughnut Day Specials:

This morning, I stopped by and bought a small iced coffee for only .99 cents and got a glazed rainbow sprinkles doughnut for free! Dunkin Donuts is offering a free doughnut with the purchase of ANY drink.

Krispy Kreme is offering a free doughnut to any visitor, in hopes that you will purchase a coffee, or other doughnut complimenting drinks! The link below shows a list of participating Krispy Kremes nationwide!

http://www.krispykreme.com/images/kkd-natdoughnutday10-participating-stores.pdf

It's Friday, all is good, and getting a free doughnut just made my day that much better.

10 Ways to Get Involved With Trendsetters!

2010-06-03T06:47:00.000-07:00

We want to send a thank you out to all of our fans, customers, potential customers and trendsetters! This post is for you! Here are 10 ways to learn more about Trendsetters, get involved, and save money!

1. Follow us on Twitter, @mytrendsetters. Just for following, we'll send you a special gift! Just follow, and direct message us letting us know, so we can send your gift!

2. Check out our Facebook. We have two pages. Trendsetters the store and Trendsetters which is a fan page. Don't be shy! Friend us! Get discounts on your birthday, along with daily trends, new products and the deal of the day!

3. Myspace! Were on Myspace too at http://www.myspace.com/trendsettersthestore . If you prefer Myspace over Blogger, lucky for you we update our Myspace blog daily too!

4. Meet me! Did you ever wonder who does all of this? Check out my Linkedin page. http://www.linkedin.com/pub/jenny-yurechko/21/172/10a

5. Want to be updated weekly? Email Jenny@trendsettersthestore.com to get on our mailing list!

6. Check out our Deal of the Day! Every day we have a different deal up to 75% off on our website!

7. Work for us! If you live in the Western Pennsylvania area, email jenny@trendsettersthestore.com with your resume. We open 13 seasonal holiday stores!

8. Take advantage of all of our websites. Not only do we have Trendsettersthestore.com, but we also have Awesomedeals911.com, Coolgiftsforhim.com, Coolgiftsforher.com and Edhardylife.com.

9. Write for our blog! Have any great ideas about partying, beverages, or interesting topics? Write your story, and email to Jenny@trendsettersthestore.com for review.

10. Follow this blog! New, and interesting posts everyday!

Over the Top, DIY Summer Ideas

2010-06-02T06:44:00.000-07:00

We've got a case of the summer fever, and have been searching for days and days to find you fabulous, DIY ideas to create for the perfect summer get together.

Spiked Watermellon Keg

Materials & Ingredients

We got this one from Evite!

10-pound seedless watermelon
Sharp knife
Big spoon
Big bowl
Drill with a 1/2-inch drill bit
3/4-inch ball-valve faucet with a handle that’s easy to turn with one hand
PVC-to-faucet adapter that will screw into the back of the faucet
Rubber O-ring that fits the back of the faucet

Blender
Sieve
Pitcher
1 1/2 cups rum
4 limes

To view the instructions, please visit http://blog.evite.com/evite/2007/09/end-of-summer-b.html

Paper Treat Candy Cones

These are great to put summer treats in! Pretzels, Popcorn, or candy!

Materials and Ingredients

gift wrap or other decorative paper
lollipop sticks
craft styrofoam sheets – approx 1″ thick
shallow tray or vase/container
candy/treats for the cones
candy/treats to cover the styrofoam
tape, glue stick & scissors

Instructions

1. Create a template for the cones.
2. Trace the cone template onto the paper, then trim out. Repeat as many times as you need.
3. Roll the trimmed paper into a cone shape, making sure there’s enough of a hole left in the bottom of the cone for the lollipop stick. Secure the cone shape with a piece of tape on the inside, and use the glue stick to make the outer edge lie flat.

For the Display:

1. Cut a piece of the styrofoam sheet to fit securely within your tray or vase/container.
2. Place the styrofoam in the container, then insert the lollipop sticks into the foam, leaving a few inches in between the sticks to make room for the cones. (You can insert the sticks in neat rows or in a random configuration – whichever you prefer!)
3. Pour candy or popcorn on top of the styrofoam until it is completely covered.
4. Fill each paper cone with candy, popcorn, or another treat, then slide them onto the lollipop sticks.

Mosquito Repellent

Materials and Ingredients

2 ½ teaspoons of any mixture of the following essential oils: basil, catnip, cedarwood, citronella, juniper, lemon, lemongrass, myrrh, palmarosa, pine, rose geranium or rosemary.
½ cup of 190-proof grain alcohol (such as high quality vodka)
½ cup distilled, filtered or spring water

Put this mixture in a small spray bottle, shake it up and you’re set.

Festive Drink Umbrellas

Materials and Ingredients

Soup can
Origami-paper sheets
Pinking shears
Wooden skewers

From each circle, remove a pie-slice shape measuring about 1/8 of the circumference. Fashion into a cone, slightly overlapping straight ends; use a glue stick or double-sided tape to secure. Dab white craft glue inside nose of cone, and pierce tip with a wooden skewer (snip skewer for a custom fit); allow to dry.

Mix and Match Napkins

This one is great if you have lots of random napkins left over from previous parties!

Materials and Ingredients

White doily bands
Random napkins
Plastic forks

Fold two napkins together. Cut a strip from a round or square paper doily; for a band that's lacy on both edges, accordion-fold a small doily in the middle. Wrap it around napkin; tape at back. Tuck in a plastic fork.

25 Ways to Use Your Pimp Cup

2010-06-01T08:25:00.000-07:00

Ever since Lil Jon introduced the 'Pimp Cup' to today's pop culture, it has quickly become the 'must have' item of the bar scene. Besides drinking pimp juice out of your pimp cup, we have compiled a list of 25 things to do with this wonderful invention to keep the crunk goin!

25 Ways to Use Your Pimp Cup

1. Give it as a gift. (we have a pimp cup for every occasion!)
2. Take it to the bar.
3. Give it to your child for their prom (this is a top trend in action!)
4. Display on your living room mantle.
5. Give to a bachelor or bachelorette (we have a set!)
6. When you win something, bring it to the celebration.
7. Give it to your dog to play with.
8. Be Lil Jon for Halloween.
9. Take it to Walmart, and walk around with sunglasses on. (Everyone will wonder who the hell you are!)
10. Take it to McDonald's and get a refill in your cup.
11. Throw it away.
12. When your sick of it, take off the rhinestones and decorate your cell phone.
13. Make your own pimp juice, and fill your cup.
14. Use it as a piggy bank to store your dolla dolla bills baby.
15. Use as a fish bowl. (we suggest a clear pimp cup for this idea, so you can monitor your fish!)
16. Buy a "Ho" one and put it in someone's yard that ya know...fits the description.
17. Take it to the casino to fill up with your winnings.
18. Complete your look with a grill.
19. Give it to someone who is very modest.
20. Start a collection.
21. Make your own music video and have it go viral on Youtube.
22. Pass it down to your children.
23. Throw a Pimp and Ho Party, and give out Pimp Cups to your guests.
24. Design your own.
25. Don't have one? Put it on your wishlist and buy one at www.trendsettersthestore.com

How to Brew Your Own Beer

2010-05-28T07:19:00.000-07:00

Why would anybody in the world want to brew your own beer, when you can easily hop in your car, bike or motor chair and drive on down to the distributor! Well, making beer is not only fun, but extremely cheap, and the perfect addition to any summer party or bbq! We promise your guests will be so impressed with your creation, they may actually want to buy it. If not, who cares...they will still be impressed that you made your own beer...Who does that... You do, because your a Trendsetter!

What You Will Need: Can be found at your local hardware store

- One 10-gallon "food grade" plastic pail with lid. Cost: about $12.00
- Siphon hose. You'll need a 74" length of 5/16" "food grade" vinyl tubing. Cost: $2.00
- Hose clamp for siphon. Cost: $1.00
- Twelve 2- liter plastic pop bottles, with lids.
- Hydrometer. Cost: $8.00. A thermometer is also useful.
- Large pot, or turkey roaster.

Ingredients

Malt Extract. One 40oz. can of any flavor you like ( light, dark, stout), or a 1.5kg "tall" can of same. The 1.5kg can contains more malt extract so you can make a larger batch or use the same method here to make a richer beer. You can also buy 'pre-hopped' extract which will impart more of a hop flavor to your beer.
- Yeast. 1 tsp brewers' yeast. Note: some malt comes with little packets of yeast included.
- Sugar. 6 - 7 cups of regular white sugar, or 8 - 9 cups of corn sugar (preferred).

These ingredients should cost between $10.00-$15.00, which will in the end yield at least 65 bottles or cans of beer. The average 12 pack of beer costs around $10.00, which is about the price of these ingredients. That means your getting more than 5 times your money's worth! How trendy!

Brew

1. Pour 10 liters of fresh, cold water into the 10 gallon plastic pail (carboy). If the pail is new, wash it out first with a mixture of water and baking soda to remove the plastic smell.
2. In your largest pot, bring 7 liters of water to a boil.
3. Add one can of malt extract. Stir and cook uncovered for 20 minutes.
4. Add the sugar and stir to dissolve.
5. As soon as the sugar is dissolved, pour contents into the carboy. Pour, or 'splash', the contents quickly, which adds air to the mixture. The more air the yeast get initially, the better. It allows them to rapidly grow and get things going.
6. Top up with bottled drinking water or tapwater until temperature is neutral. (If using tapwater, it is recommended to boil first to kill bacteria, or use an ultraviolet light water filter.) Test using a clean, sanitized thermometer. The carboy will now be a little more than half full.
7. Sprinkle in the yeast, and stir well. Cover with lid. (Set lid on loosely; if capped too tightly, a carboy can explode from the carbon dioxide gas that is produced.)

Keep covered and avoid unnecessary opening. The beer will be ready to bottle in 6- 10 days, depending on ambient temperature of the room and amount of sugar used in the brewing. Room temperature should be 20-24 Celsius at the highest; 16-20 Celsius is better but it will take the beer a day or two longer to ferment.

Test for readiness with a hydrometer. Set hydrometer into the beer and spin it once to release bubbles which cling to it and give a false reading. The "ready to bottle" reading should be about 1.008 for dark beers and 1.010-1.015 for light beers. If you don't have a hydrometer, you can judge readiness by tasting a sample - it should not be sweet tasting. There should be little or no bubbling action in the beer.

Bottle

Set the carboy on a sturdy table and the 12 2-liter bottles on the floor, with newspaper underneath to catch drips or overflows. Using a funnel, put 2 level teaspoons of sugar in each bottle.

Siphon the beer into the bottles, trying not to disturb the sediment on the bottom of the carboy. (One method is to tape a plastic straw alongside the bottom end of the siphon hose with 1" projecting beyond the end. The tip of the straw can touch the bottom of the carboy without the siphon drawing up sediment.) Tip the carboy as you near the bottom.
It is important to not splash or agitate the beer too much when bottling as any oxygen introduced can lead to oxidation and a “cardboard” taste.

As you fill the bottles, keep the end of the siphon tube near the bottom of the bottle to avoid frothing. It is essential that the bottles ar not completely filled - leave an airspace. Screw the caps on tightly. Invert each bottle and shake to dissolve sugar on the bottom. Set bottles in a warm area for the first few days, then store in a dark, cool spot. You can drink the beer within a few days of bottling, but it will improve with age.

Scrumptious Recipes Using Coca-Cola

2010-05-27T06:45:00.000-07:00

Coca-Cola will always be known as a cool, refreshing, soda-of-choice for many, and Pepsi rival for others. Back here in Pittsburgh from where we are writing this blog, it is currently 80 degrees outside and rising! Barbeque, swimming, and a nice refreshing drink are all I can focus on in this blistering heat! Speaking of bbq and Coca-Cola, I have always heard people talk about the mysterious, exotic taste that Coke can bring to your typical bbq dish, so I decided to explore. Lucky for you, I am going to share all of these yummy recipes...any HEY, even if your freezing your patootie off in sub-artic weather, these recipes will be sure to warm you up!

Your Typical Bbq, With Coca-Cola Flare

Prep Action:

Coca Cola Barbeque Sauce

Cook 1 chopped onion and 2 chopped cloves garlic in 2 tablespoons butter until soft.
Add: 2 c. catsup
6 oz. Coke
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. Mustard
2 tbsp. Vinegar

Simmer 1 hour or until thick.

Appetizers

Baked Beans

3 cans pork & beans, drained
1 c. Coke
1 c. catsup
1/2 onion, chopped
2 slices bacon, cut up
1/4 c. sugar

Stir all together and bake 1 hour at 350 degrees.

Pineapple Empanadas

6 c. flour
2 c. butter flavored Crisco
8 to 10 oz. Coke, at room temperature

FILLING
1 (16 oz.) jar pineapple preserves
4 to 5 tbsp. Cornstarch
1/2 c. sugar

Bring filling ingredients to boil. Mix flour and shortening together. Make sure shortening is well mixed. Add Coke, gradually mix well. Make dough into balls, according to the size of empanadas you want and press ball using a tortillera (tortilla press). Press around edges after filling has been added. Bake in ungreased cookie sheet at 350 degrees. Sugar the empanadas as soon as they are done. Yield: 4 dozen.

Main Courses

Brisket

1 package Lipton onion soup mix
1 jar chili sauce
1 can regular Coke
1 lg. untrimmed brisket
Put brisket in roasting pan, fatty side up. In bowl, mix soup mix, chili sauce and Coke. Pour over brisket. Cover roaster and bake in 300 degree oven for at least 5 hours. Remove brisket from gravy and slice diagonally. Skim fat off gravy and serve as sauce for the meat.

Crock Pot Spare Ribs

2 to 3 lbs. country style spareribs (pork), fresh or frozen
1 c. ketchup
1 c. coke

Combine ketchup and cola. Place ribs in crock pot. Pour mixture over ribs. Cook 2 hours on high and at least 2 hours on low. May cook for several hours on low. Baste occasionally if desired. Serve with a side dish of cauliflower in cheese sauce.

Barbeque Wieners

10 oz. Coke
2 tbsp. Horseradish
1 c. ketchup
2 tbsp. brown sugar
2 pkg. Wieners

Mix. Cut wieners in bite size pieces. Bring to boil, then simmer, cover until sauce thickens, about 25-30 minutes.

Dessert

Cola Frizz

1 can Eagle brand milk
1 (12 oz.) Coke

Mix both ingredients together. Put in an ice tray and freeze overnight. Cut in squares and eat with a spoon.

Applesauce Brownies

2 sticks margarine
3 squares chocolate
2 c. sugar
3 eggs
1 c. applesauce
2 c. flour

Melt margarine and chocolate; add remaining ingredients. Bake in greased and floured oblong pan at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

FROSTING
1 stick margarine
3 tbsp. Cocoa
6 tbsp. Coke

Melt margarine; add cocoa and coke. Bring to boil; remove from heat. Add 1 box powdered sugar. Stir until smooth, then pour while hot over cake.

Food & Beer Pairings

2010-05-26T08:47:00.001-07:00

Wine and food pairing is very popular these days, and is a simple way to impress your guests at a party. However, what about all the beer drinkers? Have we been left out of the world of pairing? Most people don't even consider pairing their beer and food selections, however it is a great way to compliment your lunch or dinner menu. Check out our custom choices, and explore the options!

Appetizers

Fried Food with Pilsner, Pale or IPA

Soups

French Onion with Strong red or Brown ale
Cream soups with Pilsner
Beef Stew or hearty soup with Porter

Salads

Caesar with Pilsner
Leafy Green with Brown Ale
Fruit with Fruit or Wheat

Poultry

Chicken with brown gravy with Nut Brown Ale
Fried chicken with white gravy with Oktoberfest
Turkey with Bock

Beef & Lamb

Porterhouse Steak with Porter
Prime Rib with Brown Ale
Herbed Lamb with ESB

Seafood

Crab or Lobster with Stout
Shrimp with Wheat
Fish with Pilsner
Oysters with Stout

Dessert

Chocolate with Oatmeal Stout
Cheesecake with Chocolate Stout
Ice Cream with Fruit Beer

The Truth Behind Ed Hardy

2010-05-25T06:23:00.000-07:00

Here at Trendsetters, we sell Ed Hardy products. Everything from flasks, to neon signs, and cell phone covers, and do you know why? We love Ed Hardy, but several people today have turned their back on this brand due to the new portrayed image. When looking for definitions of Ed Hardy, some may have stumbled upon these...

"A douchebag brand NOT worn by hipsters. Ed Hardy consists of ridiculously low quality garments at a hideously jacked up price. No, people aren't jealous of Ed Hardy wearing Douchebags, they actually have better taste.

The average person who wears Ed Hardy probably thinks he's "hardcore" and the girls who wear them are Trendwhores. If you have an Ed Hardy shirt, True Religion Jeans or Rock and Republic or Juicy Couture, guess what? You are a douche. Please log off earth."

Well then...it's a good thing that we don't sell shirts. However, we want you to get to know the real Ed Hardy, that nobody bothers to even understand. We want to show you the true designer behind the clothing...Don Ed Hardy.

Did you know that the clothing and so called "expensive" clothing you see were actually not put out there by Ed Hardy himself? Christian Audigier licensed the rights to produce the Ed Hardy clothing line, which is based on Hardy's imagery. Prior to the Ed Hardy clothing line, Audigier was the Head Designer at Von Dutch Originals, which marketed the imagery of Kenny Howard. In fact, today Ed Hardy is focusing on print work, and painting rather than tattoo designs. It is a shame that society has forgotten that Don Ed Hardy is known worldwide for his paintings and intricate designs, along with tattoo work. Several now bash the brand, due to the once celebrities that were drawn to Ed Hardy clothing, that now attract virtually anyone. It is no longer exclusive, and people miss that.

However, here at Trendsetters, we still honor Ed Hardy! We know when to value someone's work, and even though were up to date with trends, we believe Ed Hardy's true work lives on.

You may know the Ed Hardy designs that are ever so popular such as "Love Kills Slowly," and the Geisha, but we bet you have never seen the designs featured below:

Trend Report: Iron Man & Marvel Comics

2010-05-24T07:46:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the new Iron Man yet? Do you remember reading Marvel comics? Are you surprised by the recent uproar? We want your thoughts, rants, raves, reviews, and feedback on the new movie! Looking for Marvel comics gear? Check out www.trendsettersthestore.com for all of our gear!

Captain Morgan Mixers and Shots!

2010-05-19T06:49:00.000-07:00

Today be focusin' on th' Captain hisself! We be havin' tons o' recipes fer ye, which be all easy t' make an' be havin' Captain Morgan in them! By th' way, we be havin' all th' Captain Morgan merchandise yer wee heart desires. Got a wee Captain in ye? We sure do!

Cocktails

Captain wi' a skirt:

2 oz Captain Morgan rum
2 oz white wine
fill with Coca-Cola
1 slice lime
ice cubes

Mix Captain Morgan`s an' white wine in a glass. Add Coke an' ice. Garnish wi' a slice o' lime.

Sex wi' th' captain

1 1/2 oz Captain Morgan rum
1 oz amaretto almond liqueur
1 oz peach schnapps
fill with 1/2 cranberry juice
fill with 1/2 orange juice

Build drink in glass o'er ice. Garnish wi' a cherry

Cuban crime o' passion

1 part Captain Morgan rum
1 part Bacardi light rum
1 part Captain Morgan Parrot Bay coconut rum
1 part triple sec
1 part pineapple juice

Pour all th' ingredients into a mixer glass, shake violently, an' then pour th' mixture into a 12 oz. glass wi' ice.

Baby aspirine o' humbolt

3 oz Captain Morgan rum
5 oz orange juice
1 splash grenadine syrup
1 dash lime juice

Serve o'er ice in a chilled pint glass.

Captain Morgan`s Steamy Applecolada Dream recipe

4 oz apple cider
1/2 oz Captain Morgan rum
1/2 oz Captain Morgan Parrot Bay coconut rum
1/2 oz DeKuyper Sour Apple Pucker schnapps

Start wi' hot or steamed apple cider. Add equal parts apple pucker schnapps, spiced rum an' coconut rum(parrot bay). Stir

Shots

Three piece o' eight hooker

1 oz Bailey's Irish cream
1/2 oz Captain Morgan spiced rum
1/2 oz Rumple Minze peppermint liqueur

Stir ingredients in a cocktail shaker wi' ice. Strain into shot glasses.

Buried booty number two

1 oz Captain Morgan Original spiced rum
1 oz Goldschlager cinnamon schnapps

Pour th' rum an' Goldschlager into a shot glass an' serve. Also works best when screamin' "Arrrr!" immediately after consumption.

Sea dog has somethin' up his butt

1/2 oz Captain Morgan spiced rum
1/2 oz DeKuyper Buttershots liqueur

Shake ingredients in a cocktail shaker wi' ice. Strain into glass.

The Davy Jones' Locker

1 splash Bailey's Irish cream
1/2 oz Captain Morgan spiced rum
1/2 oz sake rice wine

Pour th' Sake an' th' rum. Top off wi' th' Baileys. Let Bailey`s settle t' th' bottom.

Walk th' plank

1/3 oz Captain Morgan spiced rum
1/3 oz Blue Curacao liqueur
1/3 oz Captain Morgan Parrot Bay coconut rum
1 splash pineapple juice

Mix Equal parts Captain Morgan`s, Blue Curacao, an' Parrot Bay wi' a splash o' Pineapple Juice in a shaker wi' ice.

We hope ye enjoy these tasty shipmate, Captain Morgan recipes! Swashbucklers always be havin' th' most fun.

Top Ten Microbreweries in the US

2010-05-18T06:21:00.000-07:00

We all love microbrews, so were setting you up for a challenge, and quite possibly a great road trip idea too! These ten microbreweries are arguably the best in the states! Some I have been too and can most definitely vouch for their success. Others, we will just have to trust word of mouth! If you can, get out there and explore!

Top 5 in the West

1. Full Sail Brewing Company: Hood River, Oregon

Try any of their top brews, including their Amber, IPA, Winter Ale, and Brewmaster Reserve...plus several others! Sit down, and sip on the flavor while overlooking Hood River, and the Columbia valley.

2. Breckenridge Brewery: Breckenridge, Colorado

This brewery was founded by a ski bum himself, who wanted to ski all day and drink beer all night. Keeping that in mind, he opened the brewery deep in the rocky mountains in Breckenridge. If you love bold flavors, you gotta go here! I personally love the Oatmeal Stout, and the Avalanche Ale.

3. Aspen Brewing Company: Aspen, Colorado

This of course is my favorite in the west, however I'll let you decide! Come take a tour here, and not only will you be meeting with the locals, but you may even rub elbows with fame! All these beers are brewed in house, and distributed by the two owners, and thats it. The beers are delicious! From the Brown Bear Ale, to the Conundrum Red Ale, you will find your favorite in their wide selection.

4. Moab Brewery: Moab, Utah

Moab is home to Canyonlands and Arches National Parks and is unique in the world for its mountain biking scene. When visiting the Moab Brewery, check out the Dead Horse (named after the famous Canyonlands vista point) and Deraillieur Ales. Or go with a Scorpian Ale. With six different hop additions, you'll be sure to taste the sting!

5. Russian River Brewing Company: Santa Rosa, California

Can you imagine a beer with 10% content? You can find it here! This brewing company has a number of beers from Belgian style ales, to limited release brews! Brewmaster uses Lactobacillius, Pediococcus and Brettanomyces which are all bacteria, along with yeast in his brewing process.

Top 5 in the East

1. Lancaster Brewing Company: Lancaster, Pennsylvania

You may have thought to only head here to visit the Amish Land, however nestled deep in the middle of nowhere, Pennsylvania you can find Lancaster Brewing Company. My favorites are the Milk Stout, and the Strawberry Wheat. You can find some very interesting flavors here, along with a great lunch and dinner menu to pair.

2. Clipper City Brewing Company: Baltimore, Maryland

When you head here, go straight for the Mutiny Fleet beer selection. These are the most intense, aged flavors of beer. The double IPA is a triple hop, while the pumpkin ale is aged in bourbon barrels! However, a must have here is the Siren Noire or to you non-pirate folk: Imperial chocolate stout. Named for the Sirens who lured seafarers off course and ultimately to their demise...

3. Long Trail Brewing Company: Bridgewater Corners, Vermont

This brewery is full of ales, year-round, seasonal and brewmaster & limited edition. A must try here is the "Blackbeary" wheat. Full of flavor, and available year round you really can't go wrong! Warning: do not pair this with sweets!

4. Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales: Dexter, Michigan

One of the younger and smaller breweries on this list, Jolly Pumpkin ages all their beers in wine barrels to lovely effect and know their way around farmhouse ales and winter brews as well as any American brewer. They have set the standard for their beers as "French."

5. New Glarus Brewing Company: New Glarus, Wisconsin

This brewery was founded by a woman...so we know that the beer is going to be stellar! The raspberry tart is a must have! There is an extremely large amount of brews here, so be sure to have at least a day for a tour and tasting session!

Add a Little Flare to Your Party: Add a SHOTSKI!

2010-05-17T06:52:00.000-07:00

Legend of Shotski

Skis were made to be in snow right? Wrong...in the early 1800's, a man by the name of Sir Edmund Swisherwasher (an evil king in Switzerland) wanted an easier way to kill off the criminals, gypsies, and theives in his land. Sir Edmund came up with the brillant idea to poison more than one person at a time, and so the Shotski came about. He decided to make a wooden plank, and place five small glasses on top. He would fill the cups with poison and make all the criminals drink at once. We have long evolved from those days, from killer plank, to skis, and now the SHOTSKI which is currently being used to indoxicate several people at a time, while celebrating a long time tradition.

Is this the true legend of the Shotski? No way...we just made it up, but believe what you want!

Shotski: One ski with five glued shot glasses on it. The glasses must be filled with a ridiculous amount of liquor, and then five drunks take the shot at the same time...they usually lift the ski at one moment, and yell "SHOTSKI" before they take the shot. Indoxicated results of this method can almost be seen immediately.

How to make a Shotski:

Step 1: Buy ski. (you can find nifty old vintage ones at your local Thrift Shop.) Lay ski down and space out shot glasses equally along the whole ski, once you have decided where you would like to glue them make a small mark for reference.

Step 2: Get glue out and apply to bottom of shot glasses individually, place and hold firmly where you marked on the ski.

Step 3: Once all 5 glasses on placed on ski let dry on counter top adequate time so securely placed onto ski.

Step 4: Now that Shotski is done have five lucky individuals hold ski with both hands and fill shot glasses with shot of preference. Count to 3, yell SHOTSKI, and let the good times roll!

For fun and interesting shot glasses, check out http://www.trendsettersthestore.com/

Party Foul: What is it, How to Avoid Them, and What Not to do

2010-05-14T06:22:00.000-07:00

Today, were talking all about party fouls, which can come in many different shapes and sizes! This is the party blog, and we want you to make the most out of it, so please listen to our advice and try to avoid these party fouls! If you see someone else doing them, feel free to yell as loud as possible...PARTY FOUL!!!!!

A party foul is simply when something stupid, embarrassing, or simply unacceptable is done at a party. (See example below.) Sometimes they are done on purpose, and sometimes out of plain stupidity. Even if it was an accident, everyone at your party should stop what they are doing and break out laughing. We compiled the following list of what we believe are party fouls. Feel free to add to the list in a comment! Oh, and to make sure your party is on top of things foul-free, check out www.trendsettersthestore.com

Top 15 Party Fouls

1. Spilling your beer or cocktail: Simply not right to waste!
2. Falling alseep on the couch while everyone else is partying and doing shots.
3. Stealing someone else's beer or drink: C'mon! Not only does this spread diseases, but stealing is NOT cool!
4. Vomit on the carpet: Unless you plan on paying for a full steam treatment to get your puke off the floor, try to make it to the bathroom.
6. Cut someone in line for the bathroom: WAIT YOUR TURN!
7. Face-plant into a fire pit at the beach, or a hard peice of furniture: This just makes you look like a complete ideot, but will make everyone else burst out in laughter.
8. Ask someone about their major: Were glad your concerned about their education, but save it for a day where someone actually cares.
9. Getting thrown in jail: Enough said.
10. Talking about work when you're supposed to be drinking
11. Changing the song in the middle of Take Me Home Tonight
12. Leaving the party with the ugliest gal, or dude!
13. Leaving with another guy's gal, or another chic's man: Not right at all. Grow up and find your own romancer.
14. Throwing a punch, or starting a fight: (Exempt this rule if you live at the Jersey Shore.
15. Wearing sneakers in Vegas: Or at any fancy party. Suits with sneakers don't exactly pair up, unless your Steve Urkel!

Ben Roethlisberger n'at

2010-05-13T06:39:00.000-07:00

First off, we want to say that we are very ashamed at Ben as most of you can imagine. Being born, and raised in Pittsburgh I am especially disapointed at the accusations and acts made on his part. It makes the Steelers look horrible, and many Pittsburgh-ers are going to fall off of Steeler Nation because of this...

To make things worse, Ben was recently featured in a Sports Illustrated magazine. As we were reading this article, we stumbled upon a picture of Ben's carport...and what did we see? OUR PIMP SIGN! Thats right...Ben Roethlisberger had our sign hanging in his car port!

You know, anybody else in the world could pull of this sign...we LOVE this sign. Its funny, entertaining, and a good gift! However, this sign in Ben Roethlisberger's carport is not a very good notion on his part. After all of his acusations, seeing this sign in his car port does not make him look any better! Actually, we think it is kind of funny how worse he made things for himself, and it just so happens our sign helped envoke those feelings on former-fans.

So, in honor of Ben's screw up, were offering 25% off on all of our Pimp signs. C'mon! Be a "team player!" Hurry up, because this offer won't last long. Purchase one of our fabulous Pimp signs...however PLEASE, whatever you do, do not think that since you have the same sign as Ben, you can act the same as him!

The Best & Worst Party Themes of All Time!

2010-05-12T06:57:00.000-07:00

With all the themes out there for your next party, how do you know which will bring results, and which ones your guests will simply not RSVP to? We have the answers for the best and worst themed parties, and a bit of reasoning behind that. Let us know what you think, and feel free to add suggestions!

Top Themes

BBQ Bash

Having a bbq bash is one of our favorites for many reasons. First, you can't go wrong with a bbq! Everybody loves free tasty grill features, and on top of that nobody feels pressured into dressing up, or wearing something nice. Your guests can feel at eaze and simply relax. So what if you don't have a big enough back yard? Simple solution: go to your closest neighborhood park that allows grilling. Also, if you have a vegetarian, try grilling veggies! Zucchini and other sqaush make great grill choices, and taste good too!

Ugly Sweater Party

Even people who hate wearing sweaters will love this theme...you know why? They get to make fun of the ugliest one they have, that they swore they would never wear again. This is also a very cheap theme party! If your low on cash, but want to have a get together, have an ugly sweater party! The ugliest sweaters of all exists in the deep, dark corners in the sweater region of thrift stores, and can usually be purchased for under $1.00. This party makes for great pictures!

Wine Tasting Party

We love this one! To avoid purchasing all the wine and turning this into an extremely expensive party, ask all of your guests to bring a bottle of wine, and be specific! When you send out your invite, ask some of your guests to bring a red wine, some to bring white, and some to bring a blush or desert wine! Soon the tasting can begin, and your guests will be feeling quite fine.

Worst Themes

Lobster Boil

Your probably wondering why a lobster boil is a bad idea, but we have our reasoning. First off, lobster is expensive, unless you ask all of your guests to bring a live lobster...but that would be weird to say the least. Second, what do you plan on doing while your lobsters scream and shreek in the boiling pot? We don't think your guests want to sit around and hear death cries from the food they are about to eat. This is a horrible idea unless you buy the lobster cooked...but then it wouldn't be a lobster boil now would it!

Masquerade Party

Yeah, yeah your also probably wondering why this is not a smart theme as well. One reason...strangers in a mask is not very attractive. There are horror stories out there about women who thought their "masked prince" was a stud, and times where the men thought their women in costume were hotties. They were wrong. If you want to have a costume party, be sure the costumes don't involve masks...the outcomes arn't pretty.

Foam Party

This is undoubtedly the most unsanitary of them all! Not only will you have to endure being groped, but it will be by a slimy wet hand. On top of that, who do you plan on hiring to do all the cleanup? Do you even have a venue suitable to hold gallons of foam, and enclosed so the neighbors don't question your insanity? We didn't think so...

Seasonal Drinks: Recipes for Your Party at Any Time of the Year!

2010-05-11T07:03:00.000-07:00

Its fun to have seasonal parties, and seasonal drinks to match! Check out our ideas for Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall. Were sure you'll find a tasty, scrumptious new beverage!

Spring

Trendsetter's Lemonade

1.5 parts your choice of Gin
2.5 parts your favorite Lemonade

Fill one of our highball glasses with ice, add gin and top with lemonade. Garnish with a lime wheel and two mint leaves. A fabulous choice for your spring party!

Acai Trendy Cosmo

1.5 parts Absolut Acai
.75 parts Triple Sec
1 part cranberry juice
.25 parts lime juice

Place all ingredients in one of our fabulous cocktail shakers. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass. Top with an orange slice.

Jellybelly shot

.5 parts Blackberry brandy
.5 parts Sambuca
.5 parts Southern Comfort

Pour the brandy into a shot glass, followed by a layer of Sambuca, and finally a layer of Southern Comfort.

Summer

Watermellon Daiquiri

4 cups peeled, seeded, cubed watermelon
.5 parts light rum
.25 parts fresh lime juice
.25 parts orange liqueur
Ice cubes

Place all ingredients in a blender, until smooth. Pour into your favorite Trendsetters glass, and enjoy!

Pom Pom-Tini

2 parts vodka
2 parts orange liqueur
2 parts pomegranate juice
1 cup crushed ice
1 twist lemon zest

Pour all ingredients into one of our shakers, shake your heart away, and strain into any of our martini glasses.

Kool Aid shot

1 part Amaretto
1 part Midori
1 part Cranberry Juice

Pour Midori and Amaretto into a shot glass, and fill with Cranberry Juice.

Fall

Black Magic

2 parts Blavod black vodka
.5 parts grenadine
lemon-lime soda
maraschino cherry for garnish

Fill one of our Collin's glasses with vodka and grenadine, and fill with soda. Top with cherry! Be sure to get the black vodka, for a spooky touch on this cocktail.

Maple Syrup Meltdown

1 part 42 Below Honey Vodka
.5 parts maple syrup
.75 parts lemon juice
dash of bitters
lemon zest and orange peel for garnish

Add all ingredients into a shaker, and shake! Pour into a wide selection of our martini glasses, and garnish with the lemon and orange peel.

Into the Grave shot

.5 parts Tia Maria
rum cream
.5 parts overproof (150 proof) rum

You need to layer this one. Pour the Tia Maria into one of our shot glasses first, next layer rum cream, and float the 150 proof rum on top!

Winter

Trendsetters White Out

2 parts white crème de menthe
hot chocolate
.5 parts green crème de menthe
whipped cream

Pour white crème de menthe into the hot chocolate. Top with whipped cream, and drizzle green crème de menthe on top.

Northern Lights

2 parts Yukon Jack Canadian Whiskey
dash of peach schnapps
orange juice
cranberry juice

Pour Yukon Jack and peach schnapps into one of our Old Fashioned Glasses. Fill with ice. Top with a mixture of cranberry and orange juice.

Wild Sleigh Ride shot

.75 parts Wild Turkey Bourbon
.75 parts peppermint schnapps

No layering necessary. Pour bourbon and schnapps into a shaker, and strain into shot glass!

Well, we hoped some of these recipes helped! No matter what season you are entering, we imagine that you found a drink your dying to try! Don't forget, we have all the glasswear you need, whether you plan on making a cocktail or a shooter!

History Lesson 101: Das Boot

2010-05-10T06:28:00.001-07:00

Ever wonder the history of Das Boot, or where it came from? Take one guess...(if you answered the movie Beer Fest, your wrong!) So, consider this your history 101 lesson for the week...

First off, the term Das Boot was indeed coined during the 2006 film Beer Fest, however it is not the first time it was heard of! Das Boot was also a movie in the 80's about WWII, men at war, and German submarines.

In Germany, beer boots are called Bierstiefel, and they have claimed that they invented the glass boot (that we now feature on our website!) Besides that, there are a number of legends of where the boot came from, and were not sure which to believe, so we'll let you decide.

One tradition states that during World War I, German soldiers had nothing else to drink from. That being said, before battle, they would pass around a leather boot to drink their brew from! They would flick the boot before drinking, and again after drinking to ensure good luck on the battlefield. Kind of gross...ehh?

Tradition two says that a Prussian general swore to his troops that he would drink beer from his boot dependent on the successful outcome in a coming battle. When victorious, the general ordered a glass fashioned in the shape of a boot to fulfill his promise without "having to taste his own feet". YUCK!

The movie Beerfest popularized the theory that "the secret" to drinking out of a beer boot is to point the toe sideways. Has anyone actually tried this? Does it work? Were not sure, but go ahead and buy your Das Boot (many styles and sizes) at Trendsettersthestore.com, and then try out our game! Now you know a bit about the history, and you can have a bit of fun.

Trendsetter's in Das Haus, Beer Boot Game

1. The beer boot is passed around a group with individuals taking a sip and passing to the left
2. Once the boot is first picked up, it cannot touch the table or be set down until empty.
3. Each player must flick the beer boot prior to and after taking a sip.
4. If you get splashed in the face, you drink again
5. The beer boot's toe is to remain pointed upward and no turning of the beer boot is allowed
6. If you finish the beer boot, the person before you buys the next fill or is required to fill the next "Das Boot".

Looking for a New Project? How to Create Your Own Basement Bar for Under $500.00. (Alcohol Excluded)

2010-05-07T09:39:00.000-07:00

So your an entertainer right? You probably throw your own parties, and most of the time your guests sit around the kitchen table, in the living room, or outside on the deck. If your an entertainer, your most likely creative...so we've got a project for you! For under $500 dollars, we will show you how to turn your creepy, moldy smelling basement into a thriving private bar for all of your friends and family to enjoy. Of course, stocking the bar would cost a few hundread more, so were going to leave the alcohol up to you!

First and foremost, your going to need two things we can't provide...space, and the ACTUAL bar. (I would try finding some plywood to start with, or a stone finish if you wan't to get all fancy...) FOCUS were here to accessorize!

Next, every bar has bar stools. These are practically an essential to having a cool basement bar. We have everything from beer brand designs to famous sports teams. All ranging from $49.99 to around $55.00. We suggest buying four to start with.

total for unique bar stools: 199.96 to around 220.00

So now you have the bar and the stool, but you need pizzaz! Luckily, we have Neon wall signs to compliment any basement bar. Check out this Margaritaville sign for only $168.00! Check out all the designs at www.trendsettersthestore.com

Now were up to $367.00, and a long ways to go!

Essentials to any bars are shot glasses. However, we have over 150 different varieties, and we know you value your time. Why don't you try our random assortment! For only $5.50, you will recieve five random shot glasses. Your opening day is going out with a bang, so we suggest starting with fifteen shot glasses.

total: $16.50

Not only a mandatory item for a bar, but any room for that matter is a clock! However, why not have a cool neon clock for your bar? Priced right at only $33.00, you can have a crucial piece, at a price you can actually afford. We have all different types of styles, including your favorite sports teams!

Grand total so far: $416.00

Next, we think you need some metal signs to accompany your bar! Browse through pages of different beer brands, liquor brands, and car brands such as Ford and Chevy. We suggest trying to different styles of Captain Morgan. Both for only $19.50.

At this point, we only have $64.50 left in your budget, and we know exactly what to do with it!

Accessorize with barware! Grab some pitchers at only $4.50, for the beer. Next, grab a set of Corona coasters for $10.00. Throw in a Martini shaker and glasses for $25.00, and finally grab six more pint glasses for your friends.

Grand total: $500.00 (don't forget about our free shipping!)

This may be the cheapest home renovation of them all, and even better...your friends will probably want to help you finish it, since they will be the ones spending the most time in your new bar!

Our Stimulus Plan: Great Gifts Under $10.00!

2010-05-06T08:11:00.000-07:00

We all know that in this economy, nobody can afford to be spending outrageous amounts of money. That's why we have created our $10.00 and under page at Trendsettersthestore.com. Maybe you'll find something for yourself, or what about your friend who's birthday is next week? You could try pulling off the cheesy "I was going to give you $100 dollars, but I got you this awesome card instead!" gig, but they would probably not consider you their friend in the future. Instead of all the drama, check out all of our gifts at a price you can actually afford.

Gifts for her:

Ed Hardy crystal phone decals: For just under $10.00, you can purchase one of these crystal decals for your phone, designed by the intricate and talented Ed Hardy. We have all the popular designs. The Koi fish, geisha, pin up girl, and all the sayings, like "love kills slowly." A grey phone is a lame phone, so jazz it up! Ed Hardy for under $10.00? Now thats a stimulus package.

Branded beads for sports games: Your probably wondering why we put this under gifts for her...sports and women usually don't get along. However, if she is going to have to be dragged to the game, you might as well get her some beads for your favorite team! Beads get any girl excited. Check out Pennstate, Ohio State, and even the Pirates! With fun colors, and big logos, she will love these! Layer them, or wear them alone, and all for under $6.00.

Gifts for him:

Beer Belt Buckles: We all love stuff that doubles up when it comes to functioning. With these unique beer branded belt buckles, you or your man can be fashionable and practicable! How convenient! These belt buckles actually have a beer bottle opener in them. Now you can be a trendsetter too. We bet all your friends will love these. How many times have you found yourself looking for a bottle opener, then landed up hurting yourself trying to open a bottle without the opener? Exactly...

Wallets, and money clips: Remember your friend's birthday next week? They actually will be getting money from their real friends...but you can gain back their friendship by getting them a wallet or a money clip to hold all of that cash! Several designs are available from chrome playboy money cips, to biker style Rocky wallets. These are completely classy, and will make a great gift for practically anybody.

Gifts for the kids:

Character Lanyards: Maybe we should even have an under $5.00 page, because the kids are getting lucky with gifts under five dollars! These lanyards are perfect for children, or even the adult who still acts like one. With characters like Dora the Explorer, and Tinkerbell, kids will love to wear them around their necks. Now you can send your kids to school, with the house keys close by...

High School Musical Nightlights: Again, for under $5.00, these nightlights make a great addition to any child's bedroom who loves High School Musical. Bad dreams go away in an instant, and a sense of comfort can be brought to your child. We have different night lights that feature the whole entire High School Musical gang, so you can be sure we have your little one's favorite!

So go ahead and go guilt-free shopping! We even have free shipping over $99.00, so you can have a bigger sense of saving.

Corona Beach Bash Ideas

2010-05-05T11:33:00.000-07:00

Now that summer is here, isn't it about time that you started planning your Corona beach bash? Trendsetters has everything imaginable to get your party started! So what if your not at the beach? Our products will enable you to feel like your in the tropics, without leaving your backyard.

Of course, when going to the beach, you need a towel! You can choose from several designs of Corona beach towels, where you can bath in the sun and achieve the perfect tan! So what happens when the sun starts to set? When your at the beach, the party continues into the night, and you can make that possible at your Corona bash by using our Corona bottle string lights. All through the day and night, you'll need bottle openers and glassware to accompany your crispy cool Coronas, so dont' worry, we have all the accessories to match your beer! Who knows! Maybe you could even add a bright, neon light...now that's one accessory that will really make you feel as if you were in a beachside bar.

The options are endless, so feel free to let your imagination run wild! With prices like ours, and products nobody can beat, you can't go wrong!

Tis the Season for Gift Giving

2009-11-12T11:09:00.000-08:00

So, the holiday season is fast approaching and for some of us, this is a stressful time of year. Trying to find the perfect gift for your family and friends can sometimes be down right painful. Here are a few tips on how to make the process easier...hopefully.

1. Do they have a hobby?
Sometimes it's as easy as this. Find out what they love to do and get them a gift related to that. You can help add to their collection or get them a gift certificate.

2. Cell phone accessories
Almost everyone has a cell phone these days. Even my grandma does. There are some really great accessories for phones like covers, cases, decals, lanyards and more! Help add some pizazz to anyone's phone.

3. Gift Basket
I know what you are thinking...I am not crafty or creative. Well, that is not true. Think "Big Idea". Think "Theme". It's easy. Again, think of something they like or need. And pull several different items together to form your own gift set. Once I put together some hand towels, dish soap and spatulas. Instant "Kitchen" gift set.

4. Big Fans
On the same lines as the hobby idea - are they a big fan of someone? Do they love Elvis, Marilyn Monroe or Lucille Ball. There are a ton of cool collectibles out there - there is barware, clocks, neon signs, bath robes, slippers and so much more.

5. When all else fails...
There is the gift card. Maybe not as personal but still just as appreciated.

I hope this helped spark some gift giving ideas. Have fun shopping!
Cheers!

Dorm Time!

2009-08-10T10:15:00.001-07:00

Grab those books, kiddo. And the sheets. And the microwave. You’re not mommy’s little baby anymore. You’re striking out for the first time, and you’re going to make a mark on the world. But can you really expect to make much of a mark on the world if you can’t make a mark on the 10 x 10 cement-walled cube where you’re sharing a bunk bed?

We’re talking, of course, about your dorm—your first home away from home, the first place that you can truly make your own, the place where you will make your own rules (just don’t eat your roommates Doritos) and your own decorations.

The walls might be a bare shade of taupe, and the window might be barely enough to allow you to see the time of day, but think of those sparse conditions as a blank canvas—and get to work!

Add a little glow to your room with one or two (or three!) Ed Hardy lightboxes. While the colored boxes give off a soft neon glow, Ed Hardy tattoo designs will spice up the room with some much-needed edge.

Next pick some bathwear that will make you stand out. Make sure your shower towel is a knockout with an officially-licensed Rocky Balboa oversized towel; or if you prefer to show off a little bit of vintage feminity, choose a Betty Boop classic black towel.

Finally, make sure you actually have a way to get back into your dorm after a long weekend of studying. Keep an extra set of keys on hand and make sure your keychain is noticeable and easy to spot after all of that studying. You can pick something oh-so-hip, like an Ed Hardy tattoo design, or something kitschy, like a retro Pink Panther.

There you go! Make your dorm the most happening place to be on your floor, and we’re sure the RA will recommend you for an upgrade to the big kid dorms for your sophomore year. Keep stopping back to the Trendsetters Party Blog and the Trendsetters Online Store for more tips, tricks, and trends for keeping your life on the cutting edge.

Summer's Not Over! Not Even Close!

2009-07-17T12:23:00.000-07:00

Okay. The pool you worked so hard to groom and perfect during a pre-memorial day summer high has people become a soggy cesspool of unswept leaves and paddling waterbugs. The days are still hot, but now they’re humid, and the sky breaks into rain either every morning or afternoon (sometimes both.) You had a few parties, but your weird uncle got drunk on the fourth of July and hit on your fiancé (well, ex-fiancé now) and your dad tried to mend the fence by explaining that you never dated or probably even kissed someone until they came along. This summer, as usual, was not what you had hoped for.

Thing is, you don’t want to give it up. Your swimming pool with an improper Ph balance and a sodden July heat are little slices of Shangri La compared to dark morning commutes with the moon still glowing or compared to mid-terms in a class you thought would the perfect senior blow-off until you found out it was being taught by a doctorate student with something to prove (you know what I’m talking about.)

But guess what? Summer’s not over. In fact, it’s barely even half over. So, put on your party clothes and get ready to host the bash that will have your friends (and their friends and their friends’ friends) talking well into the Spring of 2010.

And what could you use to make sure your party looks like a blockbuster bash, and not a cul-de-sac block party?

Why not start by adding a little bit of edge to your barware with a set of Ed Hardy leather-wrapped pint glasses? Ed Hardy designs just keep heating up, and it seems like these items still haven’t reached critical mass! Complement it with a few coasters, and you’ve created a cutting-edge set of barware; so invest in a few compelling designs and transform your barware for seasons to come!

Next, every hot party needs its king and queen of kitsch; so why not make it official with matching Pimp and Ho chalices by Royale Pimp? It’s funny, it’s funky, and it’s going to get whomever you pick as the Pimp and the Ho very, very drunk.

Finally, add a little something to keep the night illuminated with string lights and neon signs. Corona string lights are a natural choice for a backyard barbecue or to add a little tropical flavor to your bar or rec room. Top it off with a matching Corona neon sign, and it’s a party, whether you’re hosting a shindig or not.

So, there you have it. Summer isn’t over. In fact, it’s hardly begun! So, put on that swimsuit, get you’re your decorations together, and start partying!

And, of course, keep visiting the Trendsetters Party Blog and Trendsetters Online Store to always stay on the cutting edge of fashion, function, and decoration.