Weird or Wonderful? 10 Wooden Bow Ties

What once seemed like an idea only for the overly-enthusiastic, stylish carpenter is now a trend that we’re hoping will stick around for a long time. The wooden bow tie is a quirky, artisan take on a mens formalwear classic, and there’s so much you can do with it! With a plethora of wood, stain and fabric options there’s got to be at least one to suit your style!

1. Earl ($45): Two Guys Bow Ties has become the standard for wooden menswear. And it’s no wonder. These snazzy accessories are handcrafted with tremendous detail. This one is made from White Oak and the “knot” in the center is wrapped in herringbone, which would make a great complement to a herringbone suit.

2. Wood Bow Tie ($37): This tie is all California. A little more modern in its cut, this neck ornament is finished off with brushed aluminum for that old school industrial feel. It’s made from all reclaimed materials so it’s eco fashion at its finest.

3. DIY Wooden Bow Tie: It’s time to bust out the saw and sewing machine. This is the perfect gift if you want to go for something handmade that lasts a little longer than baked goods and is a little more fancy than a scarf. Have fun matching your wood stains and knot fabrics and your ties will be instant faves. (via The Merry Thought)

4. The Lord Alfred Hayes ($65): There are ways to make a statement without statement jewelry. One of them is this preppy little number. The wood is carved to match the waves in real fabric tie and its stained with colorful poppy stripes. This is a piece that will definitely leave a lasting impression.

5. Arrow Dark ($55): If you’re more a light suit guy, this one will really pop out from your lapels. Named for the form of an arrowhead and made from North American Walnut, this tie comes with options of different colored knots… which are actually wound twine. The neck strap is made of leather for ultra comfort.

6. Groovy ($26): Groovy, indeed! This bowtie resembles a cartoon mustache and has all the curves of your favorite retro print. Finished off with a vintage floral print for the knot, this one is as cute as a home decoration as a wardrobe one!

7. Mustache Wooden Laser Cut Bow Tie: If you find that a real handlebar ‘stache is a little extreme, this is a temporary alternative that’s also a wardrobe conversation starter. The light Alder Wood and the dark edges make it look like wearable Modern Art.

8. Bernard ($65): Here’s another keeper from Two Guys that we found rather classy. What the Earl has in quirk, the Bernard has in class. It’s carved from Shedua wood in a lovely medium brown that perfectly suits the grey knot in the middle. This one will snazz you (or your best man) up in no time.

9. Wooden Bow Tie and Cufflinks Set ($79): This neck fancy takes a “no knot” approach with just a single bending piece of wood. And to tie everything together (pun intended), there are cufflinks to match.

10. Bow Tie Necklace ($25): If you’re a lady who wants to get your own wooden bow tie but you’re not one for the tom boy look, try one hanging from a delicate chain! We love this more feminine take on a male classic so the girly girls can get in on the bow tie fun!

What’s your favorite style in the world of wood ties? We’d love to know down below!

Every day is a day closer to visiting the Emerald City! The new Wicked movie, which hits theaters November 22, serves as an origin story for The Wizard of Oz's Wicked Witch of the West. Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) start out as rivals when they arrive at Shiz University, but quickly become friends once they realize they're not as different as they appear.

Wicked originally premiered on Broadway in 2003 with Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, and it gave a whole generation of theater nerds a hopeful, ethereal, and beautiful story to fall in love with. It's complicated and emotional, and I am, without a doubt, going to sob my way through the entire thing. Especially after watching the new Wicked trailer, which dropped September 5. Check it out below!

The new Wicked trailer gives us a better look at characters like Jonathan Bailey's Fiyero, Ethan Slater's Boq, and Marissa Bode's Nessarose. Fiyero and Elphaba have one of my favorite relationships in any Broadway musical, and I can already tell Jonathan Bailey and Cynthia Erivo have incredible chemistry. Their rendition of "As Long As You're Mine" is going to DESTROY me.

Universal Pictures/YouTube

But the movie musical also fixes one thing the original Wizard of Oz movie got wrong — in the book (and the musical), Dorothy's slippers are silver, not red! Their design in the Wicked movie is both structured and delicate, with curly cues and diamonds. But the bright red lining of the box is the perfect callback to Judy Garland's ruby slippers!

Another important thing to note about the Wicked movie is that it's actually only the first part of the story. Based on the songs and moments we've seen in the trailers, I'm guessing the movie will end where Act I of the musical does: right after "Defying Gravity" (and its iconic riff). It's hard to believe we still have to wait two and a half months to see the film, but all of the cast's behind-the-scenes looks are making the time fly.

Ariana Grande/Instagram

Ariana Grande's recent selfie with Cynthia Erivo marked 80 days until the movie's release, and it showed us an up close and personal look at their costumes. I can't get enough of the feminine, delicate details on Grande's pink gown (especially since she's who I'm planning to be for Halloween!), as all the rich, lush texture in Erivo's black dress. This is going to be a cinematic experience to remember!

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Lead image via Universal Pictures/YouTube

While some people go absolutely bonkers for PSL season, I share the same fervor for Peppermint Mocha season and would argue that it beats out all things pumpkin (don't come for me, PSL nation). Once Starbucks starts serving up their winter menu, I know the holidays are on their way – and there's no better, cozier feeling than that! When I was a barista, I loved that time of year.

Though the coffee chain just dropped their fall menu, I'm already looking ahead to winter. If you're also one to anticipate Starbucks' new menu releases way before they're officially announced, you've come to the right place for the scoop on the upcoming winter lineup. Ahead, find everything you need to know about the 2024 Starbucks winter menu, including my personal predications for what tasty drinks and snacks could be available to order once the PSL hype has died down!

When does the 2024 Starbucks winter menu come out?

Starbucks

The Starbucks winter menu release date hasn't been officially announced yet. Last year, the winter lineup debuted on November 2. In 2022, it hit stores on November 3. Based on this timeline, we anticipate the Starbucks winter menu to be released sometime during the first week of November.

What drinks will be on the 2024 Starbucks winter menu?

Connor Surdi for Starbucks

Again, the exact items for this year's Starbucks winter menu have not been announced yet, though there are some seasonal favorites we definitely expect to return for 2024. The Peppermint Mocha has been a staple in the chain's winter menu since 2022, so we don't see it going anywhere. The Chestnut Praline Latte, Caramel Brûlée Latte, and Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte have been featured for the past several years, so it's very possible they could return to menus, too.

Will Starbucks have holiday cups for 2024?

Meredith Holser

Starbucks is known to launch specially-designed holiday cups once their winter menu hits cafes, and we foresee them coming back again this year. In the past, the cups have featured red, green, and white motifs to usher in the holiday season. Over the past two years, the Starbucks holiday cup designs played with illustrations of stars, Christmas trees, swirls, and stripes. The holiday theme has touched both hot and cold cups to suit hot or iced beverages!

My Starbucks Winter Menu Predictions

Starbucks

Peppermint Mocha

This undeniably classic winter menu item blends Starbucks' espresso, mocha and peppermint syrups, and milk to create the perfect sippable start to the holiday season. Like I said before, it's likely not going anywhere! The chain has also served up White Peppermint Mochas before.

Starbucks

Chestnut Praline Latte

Starbucks has served up a ton of nutty flavors like hazelnut and pistachio over the years, but I fear nothing beats this chestnut-praline combo. I probably ordered this sweet drink 15 times last year because it's that yummy. I predict it will return for 2024, but I'll admit that's just be because I'm a huge fan.

Starbucks

Caramel Brûlée Latte

Caramel has been a mainstay in Starbucks' coffee bar for years now – customers seem to really love it! That's why I predict the Caramel Brûlée Latte will make an appearance on the 2024 winter menu. This latte is perfectly toasty and sweet to soothe any seasonal craving (that's not peppermint).

Starbucks

Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte

This drink has historically been made with sugar cookie syrup and Starbucks' blonde espresso, which gives a sweeter effect than their regular blend. The most cheerful part of the bev is the red and green sprinkles that get added on top. I want it to return for that reason alone – it's too good!

More Menu Predictions

Starbucks

Since Starbucks debuted their non-dairy cold foam this year, I could definitely see them leveraging the new menu offering for one or two new winter drinks.

In previous years, they've featured flavors like Irish cream and gingerbread, but I'd love to see them venture out into even more wintery, holiday-esque flavors like red velvet, nutmeg, or even cranberry! It'd also be a massive holiday miracle if they decided to re-launch the Eggnog Latte!

Starbucks

As far as snacks go, the Cranberry Bliss Barbetter come back to menus this winter, or else I will riot. The sweet snack boasts a tasty baked layer, cranberries, cream cheese icing, and orange zest to evoke all the seasonal feels. The Snowman Cookie is also a must-have holiday item (and is totally pic-worthy), so I anticipate it to return as well.

Starbucks has surprised fans with a wide range of different snacks throughout the years, like the Sugar Plum Cheese Danish and Chocolate Pistachio Swirl, so I expect a few new never-before-seen bites to join the winter lineup for 2024. Of course, there's gotta be a cake pop in there, too!

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Hut! Hut! Hike! Football season is officially underway, which means that tailgates (and tailgating DIYs) are about to dominate your weekends. It’s arguably one of the best parts of attending a football game, especially when you have the hookup on food. You’ve got the healthy tailgate recipes and cocktail recipes for football season on lock, now all you need are tons of sliders for everyone to munch on. We have you covered with 20 amazing slider recipes for every tailgating need. Whether you’re noshing on a fish slider while rooting for the Seattle Seahawks or throwing down a hot chicken slider while cheering on the Tennessee Titans, one of the recipes below will be your new tailgating fave.

Stuck on Sweet

Pulled Pork Sliders With Garlic Aioli

If you’re stuck on what to bring to a tailgate, you can’t go wrong with pulled pork. Make a quick yummy aioli to serve on the side for a different twist on the classic. (via Stuck on Sweet)

The Original Dish

Buffalo Blue Cheese Fried Chicken Sliders with Sweet Pickle Slaw

Sliders are a great way for everyone to have a burger while still getting to sample all the other goodies. These are topped with spicy buffalo sauce, blue cheese, and sweet pickle slaw! (via The Original Dish)

Tidy Mom

Beer Battered Buffalo Shrimp Sliders

Beer in the batter? Check. Spicy AF? Check. These zesty buffalo shrimp sliders are sure to cause quite the stir at your tailgate. (via Tidy Mom)

Kim's Cravings

Mini Chicken and Waffle Sliders

Chicken and waffles are a southern staple, so these mini sliders would be welcome anywhere below the Mason-Dixon line. Who are we kidding? *Anyone* would be happy to have these before a big game. (via Kim’s Cravings)

Averie Cooks

Beer and Bourbon Barbecue Chicken Sliders

Beer, bourbon AND barbecue? Now that’s a trio you can’t refuse! Pile your chicken BBQ on top of a toasted bun and add a couple slices of thick dill pickles to finish it off. (via Averie Cooks)

Lisa G Cooks

Chili-Cheese Sliders

If there’s one dish that screams football, it’s chili. Make it portable and easy to eat by turning it into a cheesy slider. (via Lisa G Cooks)

Will Cook for Smiles

Cranberry Asiago Turkey Sliders

If your tailgate is in the middle of the day, these bistro-style asiago turkey sliders are perfect for lunch. Serve them up with a crockpot full of soup and you’ll have a bunch of happy, full bellies. (via Will Cook for Smiles)

Averie Cooks

Ham and Cheese Sliders

If you’ve never had these sliders, where have you been? Everyone loves them and they’re basically Pinterest royalty, so you know that they’re a safe bet no matter what. (via Averie Cooks)

My Modern Cookery

Nashville Hot Chicken Sliders

Between college football and pro football, Tennessee is a huge tailgating state. Impress everyone with one of Nashville’s signature dishes by making these crispy hot chicken sliders. (via My Modern Cookery)

Brit + Co

Avocado Bun Sliders

Carb watchers, here’s your slider. You may have to eat it with a fork, but it’s SO worth it. (via Brit + Co)

Chelsea's Messy Apron

Crockpot Meatball Sliders

The slow cooker makes preparing these sliders a breeze. Transfer the whole thing to your tailgate and everyone can make their own as they’re ready to eat. (via Chelsea’s Messy Apron)

How Sweet It Is

Meatloaf Sliders With Frizzled Onions

Meatloaf is *such* a comforting meal, and now you can have it in slider form and topped with onion rings, no less. Just don’t forget to make extra frizzled onions to eat on the side. (via How Sweet It Is)

Kevin & Amanda

Cheesy Party Burgers

These sliders have everything you want in a burger in a more travel-friendly package. They’re buttery, cheesy and full of spice — what more could you ask for? (via Kevin & Amanda)

Cooking for Keeps

Philly Cheesesteak Sliders

Philly cheesesteaks are normally large and in charge. This tiny version has all of the same components in one tiny slider. They’re perfect for a Philadelphia Eagles tailgate. (via Cooking for Keeps)

Salt and Lavender

Pork Sliders With Grilled Pineapple

Pork and pineapple go together like a way more delicious peas and carrots. Stir together mayo, mustard and honey for a quick and delicious topping. (via Salt and Lavender)

Half Baked Harvest

Gingery Steak and Brie Sliders with Balsamic Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is typically reserved for Thanksgiving dinner recipes, but there's no harm in adding it to these gingery steak and brie sliders! Once you blend ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic and ginger together, you'll be on your way to quick bites of Heaven. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Land O Lakes

Slow Cooker Reuben Sliders

Start these babies off by slow cooking your corned beef in the crockpot. Once you’ve done that and thinly sliced the meat, the rest is easy peasy and everyone will be asking who made the Reuben sliders. (via Land O Lakes)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Pizza Sliders

When you love pizza as much as we do, the idea of eating it in slider form is beyond exciting. We'll take 20 of these cute sandwiches please! (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Sugar & Soul

Easy Taco Sliders

This taco meets slider hybrid is the most genius combo we’ve seen in a while. Who needs a taco shell when you can have a warm buttery dinner roll instead? (via Sugar & Soul)

How Sweet It Is

Grilled Veggie Sliders With Goat Cheese and Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette

Veggie sliders don’t have to be boring. These are packed full of vegetables, whipped herbed goat cheese and topped with a sweet red pepper vinaigrette. Even the die-hard meat eaters will devour these. (via How Sweet It Is)

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This post has been updated.

Header image via Cooking for Keeps