Blog Customization

Before:




Just a basic blog template.


After:



I browsed multiple template sites and found this one that I fancied. I did make some adjustments to the CSS in the template. I changed the font color and the background color in the header, container, sidebar. I also switched up font, weight and spacing for a different aesthetic. One problem is that it seems that none of my links are working. I'm going to have to figure that out.

A DIY guide to gourmet bartending...

(My entire site will contain step by step lists along with accompanying photographs.)

Infuse:

1 a: to cause to be permeated with something (as a principle or quality) that alters usually for the better :infuse the team with confidence b: introduce , insinuate infused into American art — American Guide Series: New York2: inspire , animate infuses scientific research3: to steep in liquid (as water) without boiling so as to extract the soluble constituents or principles4: to administer or inject by infusion infuseed into the patient

— in·fus·er noun

Terminology:

Rocks: Ice
Straight up or "up": To serve a drink without rocks
Neat: Straight up usually warm in a sipping glass
Shot: A 3-ounce glass meant for tipping back a shot in one swallow
Twist: A twisted piece of lime or lemon peel. By default it is always lemon unless specified otherwise.

Things you must know how to do: (this section will have step by step instructions on how to perform each of the following) It will also include photographs. I will include all of the instructions in this section as soon as I figure our the drink I want to make because the type of syrup and bitters will depend on the drink.

Sugaring a rim
Muddling a drink
Infusing a liquor
Preparing and infusing simple syrup
Making homemade bitters
Counting portions and proper shaking
Proper pouring



Glassware:

Martini glass: a v shaped glass with a long stem. Traditionally were only used for vodka and gin martinis, but now are used for any cocktail served up.
Rocks glass: 4-7-ounce glass used to serve straight liquor on the rocks.
Pint glass: A 16-ounce glass commonly used for serving pints of beer. It is also used to muddle and mix cocktails in before transferring into another glass.
Bucket (or double old-fashioned) glass: A 10-ounce glass used for traditional liquor + mixer drinks (Vodka + Tonic, Rum + Coke, etc.)
Footed coffee mug: Good for hot coffee cocktails (Spanish, Moroccan, Irish, etc.) and hot toddies
Balloon wine glass: 12-ounce goblet-style stemware is great for daiquiris, margaritas and of course, Wine.
Champagne flute: To serve champagne and mixed drinks containing champagne.


Tools:

Tempered pint glass: Sturdy enough to withstand heavy muddling.
Stainless-steel cocktail shaker: A wide-mouthed stainless-steel cup that fits easily on top of a pint glass to shake up a cocktail.
Muddler: A wooden stick with smooth, rounded surface on the end. The pint glass is your mortar and the muddle stick is your pestle. It breaks up and extracts all of the essential aromas of your fresh ingredients.
Bar spoon: A 12-inch stainless-steel swiveled bar spoon used for stirring drinks.
Zester: A tool used to peel the skin of lemons and limes into twists for your cocktails.
Glass jug with a lid: Can vary sizes according to how much liquor you wish to infuse.
Strainer: To strain the ingredients from the liquor when the infusion is complete.
Pouring Spouts: to easily and smoothly pour from the liquor bottle to the glass.


Ingredients: ( I haven't quite decided upon the drink that I want to make, I need to play around with concocting some various cocktails. I need a little more time than one day to figure all of the ingredients and proportions out, but this is a rough idea.)

Liquor Infusion:

Simple Syrup Infusion:

Homemade bitters:


Where to find the proper tools for your arsenal:

Rose's Restaurant Supply
Sur La Table
Liquor Stores

How to ideas

Idea #1 is to do a tutorial on how to make your own liquor infusion with fruits or tea and make a delicious cocktail. I would take photos, list ingredient amounts and write a step by step guide.

Idea #2 is to do a tutorial on how to make your very own terrarium. Where to find the plant and necessary items. It would include a step by step guide as well as photographs.

3 sites I don't like...

1.) The Lily + Jae site irritates me a bit. I like the home page and photograph, but the collections link has a drop down menu that is shifted way too far right and looks as if it is for the retail or press link. Also, I find it a little unexciting and lackluster. The setup up for the actual collections page could be better. There is a main center photo and the photos on either side are cut in half. There is no way to scroll left and right or enlarge the photo. In order to see the next photo you must click on the number at the bottom of the page. It just does not flow well.

2.) I love the design, font and background on the Misprinted type site, but the navigation placement and the portfolio layout make it really complicated. I think this could be much better with a few adjustments. The navigation gets lost in the design/logo. If it were moved down and enlarged, it would become more noticeable. The portfolio view is really clunky because each title you click on opens up a new window. There is no previous and next to view the next media. The viewer must close each window and open up the next image.

3.) The Fritz photography website is all flash and appears cheap, it reminds me of a bad tattoo. It takes way too long for each image to load, the navigation is clunky and the aesthetics greatly detract from the beautiful photographs. I love the images, but find it hard to focus on them.

3 sites I like...

1.) Julie Blackmon's website is well designed because of its smooth navigation and streamline appearance. The gallery/portfolio website is one of its strongest features. The thumbnails remain stationary, do not have a scroll bar and move when the viewer scrolls right and left. Each thumbnail that is selected fills the space of the main photo container in the center of the page for larger viewing.

2.) I enjoy the CURRENT/ELLIOT clothing website. It has a simple, yet artistic and natural feel to it. The set up is a little different than most clothing websites. To view the clothing you simply choose the season/year and then choose which piece you want to view from a list of descriptions. A photograph pops up of the clothing worn by a model. It is selling a lifestyle vs. just selling the clothing on a dressform. Unlike most clothing websites, you can't zoom into the details or click previous and next to quickly scroll through the photos. What I like about the idea is that it slows you down and takes you through the journey of their message.

3.) The website for Pistils Nursery does a great job of conveying the overall mood and mission of the nursery. The color palette is earthy and the accompanying photos are well done. The clear layout and navigation make it easy to move from each main point of interest.