TBS Has Moved!!!

Thanks for dropping by!

TBS has moved to www.thebrokesocialite.com.  Won’t you visit the new digs?

See you soon!

TBS

Going Off-Line For A Few Days

Hi, everyone!

Due to a change in servers for the “new” blog, I am going off line for the next couple of days.  We thought www.thebrokesocialite.com would be accessible immediately.  Alas, it will take a couple of days to settle on the new server.

Please pardon the delay.  I’m a little bummed out about it but great things come to those who wait.

Come back by on Thursday; hopefully, all will be complete.

Until then,

TBS

The Broke Socialite Gets A Much-Needed Facade Lift This Week!

Some of you (OK…all 10 of you) may have noticed that the regularity of my posts have been spotty (at best) this week. 

While I’ve not had time to offer much budgetary fodder over the past several days, do know that I have been toiling in the creative trenches with my fantabulous, beautiful, funny, sweet and PATIENT blog designer, Karen, to finalize the overhaul of the new and improved The Broke Socialite blog (insert sounds of a cheering crowd!…teeheehee). 

When I was blessed with The Broke Socialite concept nearly two years ago, I never imagined that it would be so well received!  I also did not think it would manifest into a blog that would be the conduit to you and you and you.  My goal has always been this: to educate and to inspire! 

Several years ago, y’all, I lost everything…yep, EV-ER-Y-THING and was literally homeless.  Though it was a tumultuous time and not very comfortable(it was horrid, horrid, horrid), I—through prayer, family and friends— managed to hold my head high and continue carry myself with grace and dignity.  I was broke, but not brokeN.  It was my faith and commitment to fiscal responsibility that allowed for a fairly expeditious recovery.  Since that time, I’ve wanted to find a way to be a resource to those who want to live a fun, fabulous life on a dime (especially in the current economic condition). 

Here’s what you can look forward to:

• TBS Newsletters – chocked full of tips, tricks and ideas
• TBS Chat - if you’re looking for hard-to-find items, me or another reader might be able to assist
• TBS Twitter Shopping – if I’m out perfecting my craft and see an awesome item, I’ll shoot a message to everyone. Sign up now: my handle is ‘brokesocialite’! (Prime example: Yesterday I found three Hobo quilted black leather for $15 (regularly $95 each) in sizes medium and large.  I couldn’t use them but maybe one of you could, right?)
• TBS e-Learning via teleconferences and webcasts – from how to maximize your eBay experience to the essentials of a prepared pantry, TBS will offer a forum for live interaction and discussion.
• TBS Personal Shopping – I’ll partner with you to develop or enhance your personal style on a dime
• TBS Live! – ‘How To’ videos and live excursions

For your convenience, the URL will remain the same (www.thebrokesocialite.com)! 

In the spirit of hospitality and as an homage to my lovely friend, Monica,  let’s have a virtual potluck brunch to celebrate our move!

I’m bringing Grand Marnier french toast and bellinis.

What will you bring?

See you on the other side in a couple of days and I hope you like it,

TBS

I Was “Mugged” Tonight!

 

Photo credit: zazzle.com

 

OK, maybe that isn’t the best way to start a post.  My apologies to the faint of heart but that’s the best way to describe how I swooned when I saw this Anne Harwell mug on the blog of my new BFF (she doesn’t know it yet, though), Nina Knows Best. 

I was plugging along with my work this afternoon when Katie T shared Nina’s blog.  We both decided that if Nina lived in Atlanta, we’d surely have to loop her in our social circles somehow.  Check her out! She offers great tips, wonderful pics and loves all things social, style, home decor, etc. etc. etc. Doesn’t she sound like someone we should know?

Speaking of Anne Harwell, I’ve been a fan since beginning to read the interior styling-centric blog, style court.  Fellow ATL-ien, Courtney Barnes, writes style court and uses Anne’s artwork in her blog’s header.

At the very least, this mug is perfect for coffee, tea or that special toddy.  It’ll be great when you’re unpeeling the blog rolls of all of this talent in the blogosphere!

Until next time,

TBS

Breaking News: Harold’s Has Filed For Bankruptcy!

To all TBSs near and far:

The esteemed clothier, Harold’s, has sad news: they’ve filed for bankruptcy protection.

Though I hate to promote buzzard religion: their demise is our gain.  Everything…even new inventory…is 30-50% off.

They’ve several locations; click here for a location near you!

Thanks for sharing, Shannon S!

Until next time,

TBS

The TBS Mail Bag: Holiday Gift Idea

The Lovely Britney G!

Hey TBS!

I hope you are doing well!  I have a TBS-inspired idea! Since I recently got married and just made a move to LA, I am completely broke for Christmas;  but wanted to do something for my family back east.    I wanted to create a photo album for my parents, in-laws and grandparents.  Have you heard of the website www.picaboo.com?  Its great.  You can upload photos and create your very own photo albums.  The prices start at $19.99 + shipping.  The website also advertises special coupons for buy 1 get 1 free or 50% off your order.

 

This would be a great gift to show off your kids, a vacation you and some friends may have taken or any photographs in general!  There are 2 sizes (medium & large) and multiple album colors to choose from.

 

The way the economy is right now, we need to save as much as we can!

 

Enjoy!
Britney G.

Thanks for sharing, Britney G! Congrats again on the recent nuptials and I’m glad you’re getting settled in on the left coast!

Attention readers: Please feel free to share any holiday gift ideas!  We’re ALL looking to save $$$.

Until next time,

TBS

They’re Bonannos: B-O-N-A-NN-O-S!

Who’d have ever thought that I’d be talking about sandals when it’s, like, 40 degrees in Atlanta today?

Last night, I joined a few ladies for a BlogHer networking event at Twelve in Atlanta.  The soiree, chocked full of smart ladies, cocktails and tasty morsels, was co-sponsored by Saturn.  Though I did not get an opportunity to test drive one of the four vehicles (I was too harried from the ATL traffic), I was glad I went. Thanks for the invite, Christie (love her!)!

When I finally got home, guess what I found on my door step?  My Bonanno’s! The handmade sandals which are an element of Palm Beach chic.  I’d gotten my first pair mid-summer 2008 and longed for them in another flavor.  So when they advertised the $100 (a $40 savings)SunFest sale in August, I had to have another pair!  A part of the twist with the deal was this: arrival could take between 8-12 weeks.  Since I knew that on the front end, there was absolutely no problem.

I’ll be honest: they aren’t everyones’ style.  But y’all know that I am a monogram freak aficianado, right?  There’s something about a pair of shoes that are handmade especially for me that makes me soooo giddy! The craftsmanship is impeccable and these are, by far, the most comfortable flip flops that I’ve ever had.

If you’re looking for an awesome holiday gift, order your personalized Bonanno’s by December 8.

Tangine and Pink...Yummy!

 

Until next time,

TBS

If You’re Ever NOT Looking For Something, Call TBS!

I don’t have to say much except this:

Ellen Tracy knee-length dress.

Originally $459.

Putty colored brocade with mauve berry detailing and a bit of subtle shimmer.

TBS paid $20 plus tax.

Brand new with tags.

The picture doesn’t do it justice but if you’re ever NOT looking for something; do let me know.

It did not fall from the back of a truck.

 

Meet Brigette’s dinner party dress.  She’s invited all of us girls over for a grown-up, chef-prepared meal in a couple of weekends and I know that she’ll look fab when she greets us in it.  When I saw it, I knew it was sooooo “her” and she loved it.

What are YOU (not) looking for? 

Until next time,

TBS

The Best $6.99 I’ve Spent In A While…”Pashminas”

I admit it: I woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.  Instead of hopping right out, I snuggled in deeper, closed my eyes and listened to Chris and Sam banter on Good Morning America (BTW…love them and Diane and Robin).  When I finally decided to get up, I was in scramble mode: a la what shall I wear to work?

Our office is on the more casual side of business casual; so a nice pair of jeans will always do. Check.  I’d also found this really cute cropped jacket for $10 on clearance at Tar-Zhay earlier this fall so I thought I’d rock that. Check. Layering tank in chocolat (yes..I did mean to type chocolat..lol)? Check.  So I threw it all on and was bored by such the palatte of neutrals. What to do? What to do?

I remembered that I’d picked up a punchy reddish-orange “pashmina” .  First of all, all “pashminas”(read: not cashmere) are not pashminas and that’s OK.  This one, snagged at Ross, is not authentic but the quality is nice.  I usually wear scarves like this in the “noose” style but thought I’d do something a little different.  So I began to wrap and tuck and tuck and wrap.  Much to my surprise, I made a chic, little neck warmer.  I thought I’d share (pardon the iPhone…after all, I WAS running late and didn’t have time to whip out the real camera).  Even the color made me feel so much better during my commute!

Whether it’s a pashmina or a “pashmina”, scarves are essential to your cold-weather wardrobe.  You can do so many things with them.  Check out The Travelista’s video below:

Do you like to wear scarves?  If so, how do you sport yours?

Until next time,

TBS

 

I Can’t Always Write About Fun Stuff: 2009 Personal Budgets

Photo: Alexandra Rowley

For nearly the past three months in my “real” life, I have been in various phases of budget development at the “real” job (which, henceforth, shall be called “RJ”…aren’t I creative?).  Add this, cut that, justify this, quantify that…it’s been brutal; especially with the current state of our economy.

So I began to think about my austerity plan (read: I DO NOT WANT TO SPEND MY TWILIGHT YEARS AS A GREETER AT WAL-MART).  Though I have been getting some good bargains lately…those small receipts are beginning to add up.  Twenty dollars here; fifteen dollars there may seem great at the time but are stunning when the time comes to reconcile ye olde bank accounts. 

Most of you know it better than me: I can sniff a deal a mile away but my approach has balance.  I do have a budget and I usually honor it (shush, Mr TBS…no one asked you to say a word.).  So all of the number-crunching at RJ reminds me that it’s come that time of year that we sit down and outline our 2009 Household Budget.  If you’ve never written a budget, this is your chance…you have to start someplace (and not in your head…that’s lame). 

Do you develop an annual budget?  Do you go old school (pen and paper)? Or is your process automated?  If you don’t have a budget (and it’s not too personal to share….), why not?

• How To Create A Budget
• Download-able budget worksheet in Excel
• Living On A Budget
• Worksheet For Managing Monthly Bills

I know this is not as exciting as a $109 chair for $20 but one of my goals is to educate, too (so please don’t give me a virtual smack!).

Back to the fun stuff next time (I promise),

TBS