It’s time for back to school, and you know what that means, don’t you?
Cocktails.
Okay, fine, maybe not—but in a perfect world, back to school at my house would mean a party on the patio with my besties, the pool a glimmering jewel that offsets the spread of h’ors d’ourves and drinks that the hot, young waiters are circulating through the crowd as we discuss our summer spent traveling the world while we compare our new jewelry and expensive shoes. Yeah, I think someone’s been watching a few too many episodes of the Housewives of places that are not here.
In reality, back to school means that I will be trying to get everyone out of the house in the morning, on time, so I can get home and enjoy a cup of coffee in silence before the day’s activities commence. And daydreaming about planning an actual back to school party where the pool is inflatable and the discussions include how relieved we are the kids are back in school and the school shopping is done.
Maybe a back to school party for moms isn’t such a bad idea; we could serve food that kids don’t like, discuss subjects that are inappropriate for kids and have a vast selection of adults-only beverages.
Enter the Bartule. It’s a one-stop cocktail making machine. The Bartule is a metaphor for how I see myself: a thousand uses and still aesthetically pleasing when not in use. A combination ice bucket, bottle opener, corkscrew, jigger, juicer and salt-rimming dish, how can you go wrong? Any music mama would be proud to display and use this piece of bar finery whilst whipping up some cocktails. The only thing missing is a shaker … however, I’ve found that the ice bucket + lid makes an effective vessel for shaking up a big old batch of awesome, well, awesomesauce!
How’s that for a garden party still life?!
So tell us, Music Mamas, how would you use the Bartule? Listen to the Back-to-School Party Playlist below and then tell us in the comments what songs are on your playlist and what you would whip up in the Bartule. The best part? We’ll pick a random winner from all the comments and that winner will win a Bartule of their very own. So leave a comment! And tell your friends.
Are Music Mamas eligible to win this?
Just asking.
And kidding.
Melisa´s last [type] ..Pet Peeve #248, Mostly In Run-On Sentences.
You are always a winner in my book, Melisa!
Mari´s last [type] .."Hipster."
You had me at liquor.
Funny, you had me at liquor too.
Mari´s last [type] .."Hipster."
Wouldn’t match a thing in my home… but would definitely be fought over the most in our annual Rob-Your-Neighbor game with my besties.
(I believe it would even beat out the smoker that was fought over last year!!) Who doesn’t love a kitchen gadget!?
I love the “rob your neighbor” game idea! But yeah, hopefully everyone is on board before you start playing (lol)! PS it comes in 5 (count ‘em) FIVE colors.
Mari´s last [type] .."Hipster."
As I am just coming off a week of “staycation” in which entertainment with guests included lots of things mixed with rum, vodka and tequila (but not all mixed together)…I can absolutely say with much conviction that the Bartule would be a MOST welcome addition to our home!
(And, naturally, as Head Music Mama in Charge, I cannot win one. Story of my life. *sigh*)
Ri´s last [type] ..Free Play
I think we need to have a bourbon-infused skype one of these days!
Mari´s last [type] .."Hipster."
Oh- this thing is AWESOME!
I’d be using it to mix up some margaritas & listening to “Summertime Rolls”- because Jane’s Addiction is definitely not toddler appropriate!
Bartule me, please!
margaritas + Jane’s Addiction = perfect way to spend an afternoon, IMHO.

Mari´s last [type] .."Hipster."
Would love one of these! But red really isnt my preference.. STILL. A free one would be great for entertaining here! What a great combo set and so easily stored! Great selection Ri!
Oh! Also… “That’s Not My Name” by the TingTings is on my playlist and I love listening to it when I get revved up for a workout!
Love that song! In the car or at the track or in the club or in the living room, it’s awesomesauce.
Mari´s last [type] .."Hipster."
Playlist? White Winter Hymnal by Fleet Foxes. Maybe I need to invent a cocktail with the Bartule and name it after that song… The White Winter… Mojito?
Babybloomr´s last [type] ..Sneak Preview Samples…
That? Sounds divine! What would go in a White Winter Mojito? Maybe some vanilla rum or vodka in lieu of the normal?
Mari´s last [type] .."Hipster."
One stop cocktail making machine? Sign mama up! What would I do with it? I would do everything it was made for and then come up with new uses for it. I’m good that way. It would be the perfect companion to keep my coffee pot company.
As for a playlist:
Raise Your Glass (duh!)– P!nk
Alcohol – – Brad Paisley
Brass Monkey – – Beastie Boys
It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere – – Alan Jackson
All I Wanna Do – – Sheryl Crow
Wait. I am sensing a theme.
Jenn´s last [type] ..A carpool PSA because you’re probably doing it wrong
Jenn, I think I love you. For reals.
Or, as Alan Jackson would say, “I’m in love with you honey & I don’t even know your name.”
Your blog is my new happy place.
Thanks for your comment!
Mari´s last [type] .."Hipster."
Oh, I love it! Too bad I can’t win it.
Thanks for Hump de Bump … love that song. Others on my list:
Don’t Turn Out the Lights – NKOTBSB
Young & Free – Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights
Thunder Road – Bruce
I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead – Bon Jovi
Summer Love – Justin Timberlake (release another album already, JT!)
Dirt Road Anthem – Jason Aldean
Brick House – The Commodores
Tiffani´s last [type] ..When is it OK to move on?
Ooh, Tiff! Great playlist!
Mari´s last [type] .."Hipster."
A one-stop cocktail making machine sounds divine. I’d love to whip up some lemon drop martinis with that kit while listening to my current playlist, including Katy Perry’s “Last Friday Night” and Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.”
Or just drink without a soundtrack, if necessary.
Christina´s last [type] ..The Mid-August Meltdown (of mine)
The way I look at it, if you drink with a soundtrack you’re not drinking alone!
Mari´s last [type] .."Hipster."
I am singing along to Blondie’s Dreaming while I whip up some margaritas because I’m having my own little summer party now that the wee ones are back in school. Right after I go get that mani/pedi I desperately need
Michelle´s last [type] ..This Is Their Theme Song
You paint quite the perfect picture, there! Sounds like a grand day
Mari´s last [type] .."Hipster."
In my play list?
Raise Your Glass (Pink)
Keep your Head Up (Andy Grammer)
One Day (Mat….uh….Matisomebody, can’t remember)
all songs I use during my Zumba workout.
After which, I think I need the Bartule to make myself an “after Zumba” relaxer!!! ;} Not sure what I’d whip up but I’d put in some pomegranate juice so I’d only feel 1/2 guilty. LOL
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Jenny´s last [type] ..my reviews
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