A Tale of Two Chairs: A Home Office Update

After running my Saturday morning errands, I headed to a couple of my spots to look for my office chair.  Since I had no luck last weekend and was basically overwhelmed by shopping for an entire room of furniture, I decided that the most important element of the looming office was the chair.  And I didn’t want any old chair, I wanted something with character that I could build around.

So I sashayed into the Ballard Back Room knowing she’d never disappoint me. And there she was…a tiger print Parsons chair ($89 minus 25% off =$67).  Oh, it had soooo many possibilites.  As I snuggled closer to it, I was cut off at the pass by a fab chica who told me that she’d just bought it and its twin sister.  I damned her (to her face, of course) as she explained that she was using them as the end seating at her dining room table and was having 4 others covered in an orange-y red fabric.  I was happy for her but felt sorry for myself…if only I hadn’t stopped to look at jewelry at the Atlanta Contemporary Jewelry show…if I’d only been 15 minutes earlier!

The One That Got Away!

As luck would have it, I did not have to sulk for long! I happened upon another Parsons chair with a Tiffany blue slip cover with a cool white border.  I was afraid to look at the price but finally built up the nerve and, y’all, the chair was $19.99.  No..there’s no typo: nineteen dollars and ninety nine cents! I’ve never loved the number nine so much in my life!  Before I got too excited, I asked one of the warehouse guys to verify the price (it was accurate) and asked if there were any defects (it had just been a sample in the Corporate office next door and they needed to move it; the slipcover needs to be tightened, though, and they offered to do so at no cost!). So $16 and some change later (yep, it was 25% off, too), I’d found my chair.  Was it exactly what I was looking for? Hmmmm, probably not…Could I make it work? Definitely…I can infuse white, black, more tiffany blue and punchy orange and build a fab office.

My Chair!

I also got this cute shoo fly print for $30 that’ll fit right in the new office.

Don't Shoo Fly!

So what do you all think?? Did I do OK?  I left BBR having spent just over $40.   That leaves me with $445 for a desk, corkboard, a bookcase, a file cabinet and accessories.  I’ll keep you updated.

Until next time,

TBS

Not Your Average (Trader) Joe!

 

Photo: sfgate.com

I’ve nearly seen it all (except Fiji but that’s another story). 

Did you know there is a webzine, Trader Joe’s Fan, dedicated to the market that we all know and love, Trader Joe’s? 

I stopped by TJ’s on Election Day to grab supper fixings because Alicia, Dee and Rhonda were swinging by.

The quick, frugal (less than $40 for groceries)  and easy menu consisted of:

• Cheese straws
• Chicken salad with currants and raisins on mini wheat pitas
• Scallops in a Garlic Butter Sauce on a bed of Couscous
• Baby Greens with Gorgonzola, Shallots and Grape Tomatoes
• Vanilla bean mini-cupcakes and sea salt brownies (yes…weird…but yes)
• Bellinis (I substituted the white peach puree with mango puree…divine!)

So I set out today to find out more about these Sea Salt Brownies.  Y’all it was the most bizarre experience…bitter, salty, sweet, crunchy, moist but it worked.  Well, lo and behold, I stumbled upon Trader Joes Fan.  It’s not affiliated with Trader Joe’s but is an independent site for those of us fans who want more information about our fave items…from reviews to recipes, it’s a gem of a resource.  I signed up for their newsletter today and look forward to how this machine works.

Is there a Trader Joe’s near you?  Which are your favorite items?

Until next time,

TBS

Tailgating 101…SCORE!!!

Into everyone’s life, the occasional sporting event surely falls.  Who said you can’t be fab and tailgate?

This Saturday, Rhonda and I will join Dee at her alma mater (of which she is very proud, no doubt…she’s even nicknamed her vehicles after it) for a day filled with friends, food and football.  Tailgating is one of those things that can be as simple or over-the-top as you have the time, creativity and money to do. 

I’ve pulled together yet another one of my primers (you know you love them) which will hopefully serve as a foundation for yet another fabulously frugal soiree.

Tailgate Chic

As you know, comfort is Queen.  Jeans or khakis are always reliable.  Dependent upon the weather, do dress in layers.  A light jacket atop a long sleeved tee is appropriate. Throw in a scarf with your team’s colors for extra measure…tah daaahhhh!!!!  What you might want to leave home, though, are your Jimmy Choos or Manolos. Tailgating + any heel over 3 inches = a very, long, miserable day.  Don’t do it to yourself; it will be atrocious and such horror can be contagious. 

Ideally, you want to appear pulled together without the appearance of having tried too hard (isn’t this a pillar of TBS’s Cardinal Rules?  Note to self: write this down… stat!).

The Fabulous Tailgate Tool-Kit

• A Blanket – For the ground (especially if you’re bringing the little ones) or the bed of your vehicle. 
• At Least Two Large Coolers - One for food, the other for beverages
• A Picnic Basket – Not necessarily for food but  it’s great storage for cutlery and beverages that do not require ice
• Trusty Bottle Openers and Corkscrews (two of each; God forbid that one gets lost)
• Fold-able Chairs – Who can really stand up ALL afternoon?
• Cutlery- A no-brainer unless you’re only serving finger foods
• Condiments – See how quickly you’ll lose friends if you serve a dry burger!
• Cups, Plates, Serving Dishes/Ware and Napkins – Try discount stores for sports-themed items
• A First Aid Kit – Hey….You never know!  Anything could happen!
• Hand wipes and/or Hand Sanitizer and Hand Creme
• Fire Extinguisher – If you are grilling
• Ponchos – TBS is not a stand-in-the-rain kinda girl but you’ll thank me for being prepared if you roll upon a sketchy looking cloud!  It’s good to have a couple on hand for good measure.
• Camera – Of course, for memories, precious memories
• Balloons – Represent your team colors!

Chic and Budget-Friendly Tailgating Menu Ideas

Brunch:

• Lox, Cream Cheese, Hard-boiled Eggs, Onions and Bagels served with Bloody Marys
• Low Country Shrimp and Grits (should there be a grill)  served with Mimosas

Lunch:

• Homemade Pimento Cheese on Sourdough Bread (I can’t wait until Katie T licenses me to share her recipe), Chips, and Olives served with Lemonade Beer (simply 1/2 beer to equal part pre-made lemonade)
• Grilled Salmon on Wheat Buns, Baked Sweet Potato Wedges (made at home) and Coleslaw (made at home) served with Peach Iced Tea

Dinner:

• Grilled Bleu Cheese Stuffed Burgers on Wheat Buns, Pickle Spears, Kettle Chips served with Martinis
• Italian Turkey Brats and Potato Salad (from the deli is fine; just season to your liking) served with Rum Punch

Desserts:

• A Sweet Tooth Tray – cookies, cookie bars, brownies, cupcakes

Consider the items which can be prepared in advance.  Who wants to spend the entire tailgating experience focused on food?  Better yet, spread the responsibilities with your tailgating crew.  This ensures that no one person is overly taxed (financially or otherwise).

Tailgating Etiquette

• First and foremost, have a good time!  Try to leave all troubles behind.
• Old fashioned ribbing the rival team is expected but becoming obnoxious is not cool.
• Share the bounty: one of the most wonderful elements of tailgating is community but don’t overextend your welcome (read: be greedy).
• Housekeeping – leave your tailgate spot better than you found it.  Who cares what the folk next to you do (or not)?

Do you enjoy tailgating?  Do you have tips/tricks to share?

Until next time,

TBS

That’s What Friends Are For!

I don’t think everyone have met my darling friend, Bridgette S.  As soon as we met, I loved her!  First of all, she’s absolutely gorgeous and never meets a stranger.  Secondly, she’s a “tell it like it is” kind of girl—love it.  I’m not fond of “Yes Wo/Men” and “B” (as I affectionately call her) shoots it straight, no chaser.

For the past several months, she’s been shopping for a signature gold ring.  I, of course, agreed to keep my eyes peeled for her.  Neither of us was ever able to stumble upon the right piece: ’twas definitely Goldilocks-ish: the rings were either too small, too shiny, had a stone that we didn’t like, yada, yada, yada.

As fate would have it, I ran across this ring at Nordie’s and thought about Bridgette but was SURE she’d settled for another one. So what did I do? What a good girlfriend would not: I bought it for myself in brushed silver (insert semi-shame).  “B” was having none of it and immediately dispatched me for its brushed gold bretheren.

It’s huge, chunky and just perfect.  I was able to swing it for less than $25 dollars (1/2 off the original price and tax included) and made my dear “B” very happy.  That smile was worth a million bucks<this is where Dionne Warwick’s “That’s What Friends Are For” cues up>!  Here’s a pic of “B” sporting her new bauble:

 

Until next time,

TBS

Vote! I Did.

Did you vote today?  No matter who your candidate is, our future depends on you, too!

 

Until tomorrow,

TBS

Trust Me On This One…A Steal From Talbots Plus A Bonus Coupon Code

Before I became the (ahem!) sophisticated lady that I am, I found absolutely, positively no reason to go near a Talbots except to linger outside the door whilst my mother shopped.  Thank goodness wisdom accompanies age because I’ve learned better.  Talbots’ tailoring and attention to detail has definitely changed my mind.  Some of the foundational pieces in my wardrobe have come from here.  What I’ve learned to do, though, is to wait for pieces to go on Sale or to The Outlet before making my move.

Since I’ll be tailgaiting this weekend and have been encouraged to dress in layers, I thought that a light jacket would be in order; so I headed to the oh-so-trustworthy Talbots.  I stumbled (I need to watch my balance these days, huh? Every time I turn around, I’m tripping over something! LOL!) upon the jacket below.

I can’t say enough about how fab it is.  Originally $98.00, it was marked down to $31.97 and I had a 20% off coupon code (it’s EVERYSIZE and valid through 11/30).  My total for the denim version was a whopping $26.00 plus $6 shipping! It will be less for Misses sizes (I, of course, shop in the Women’s department).  Trust me on this one.  This will become a staple in your closet and you’ll wear it for many years to come.  What I most appreciate is how well-fitted it is at the bodice…it offers a beautiful silhouette.  There appear to be several sizes left in Misses, Women, Petite and Women’s Petite.

Click here for the link to the Talbots stretch cotton jacket!

 

Photo: Talbots.com

 

 Don’t let this wardrobe staple pass you by,

TBS

Exercise Your Right To Vote Plus Some Culinary Swag!

We’ve all seen the debates, watched the ads and probably become more familiar with Sean Hannity, Keith Olbermann and Chuck Todd than we’d like to admit, right?

What to do? What to do next? Hmmmm….Hmmmm….Hmmm….

Exercising Your Right To Vote seems in order.  The grassroots brainchild of my dear friend and colleague(a one Ms Kelly Haywood—she’s absolutely darling, y’all), the “Exercise Your Right To Vote” concept centers around actually walking, running or biking to your polling place.  That’s killing two birds with one stone if I ever heard it! Kelly says it best: “November 4 is such a significant day!  It matters that we all get to the polls and I hope that you use that time to Exercise Your Right to Vote instead of just voting.”  Also, reaping the benefits of a little cardio and enjoying a bit of fresh air surely will not harm any of us!

When you’ve walked back from the polls, check out a few establishments which are dishing out complimentary goodies with proof of voting.  If you’re strategic, preparing supper on Election Night might not be necessary.  Just remember to continue to, well, exercise on Wednesday.

Starbucks is offering a complimentary tall cup of coffee if you vote (BTW..love this message!):

Ben and Jerry’s is offering a complimentary scoop for voters between 5-8 PM:

Krispy Kreme is offering a complimentary star shaped donut with sprinkles to voters:

For safe measure, please be prepared to present the proof that you’ve voted (in most all cases the “I Voted” sticker should suffice)!

Please vote,

TBS

Note: TBS does not guarantee the availability of these complimentary offerings and participation may be limited.

My Thanksgiving Dinner Menu…Done Yours Yet?

Can you believe that we find ourselves in the throes of November and quickly approaching the holiday season?

It seems that only yesterday that nature ushered in the beautiful colors and vibrancy of Spring.  Not to be outdone, Fall has burst onto the landscape with its own personal “bling”: varying hues of orange, yellow, brown and green. Who doesn’t love it?

Alas, it’s time to begin the planning process for holiday dining and entertaining.  I’ve begun to think a great deal about my Thanksgiving menu and, this year, I think I’d like to do things a little differently.  History shows that I am a traditional Southern Thanksgiving type of girl.  You know: Turkey, Dressing, Collard Greens, Ham, Sweet Potato souffle…  This year I am going to try holiday culinary sacrilege something a little different: no turkey!

The Broke Socialite’s 2008 Thanksgiving Menu

Corn Chowder

Mixed Baby Greens with Warm Bacon Dressing and Candied Walnuts

Herbed Lamb Chops

Lobster Tails

Potatoes Au Gratin

Oyster Dressing Muffins

Garlicky Green Beans

Coconut Cake

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Double Death by Dark Chocolate Brownies

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Peach Bellini Iced Tea, Wine, Champagne, Coffee

Have you decided your menu?  Won’t you share?

I’ve compiled some tips to help you create a memborable and cost-efficient Thanksgiving experience:

• Consider partnering with friends and/or family to share some of the costs.  Even in our current economic climate, you can still have a grand celebration if you pool resources.
• Start planning your menu…NOW!!!  It will be here before you know it.  If you share in meal preparation with others, jumpstart your communications.  This is a great time to research new recipes and conduct a trial-run, if necessary.
• After you’ve planned your menu, develop your shopping list and calendar.  Be sure to include specific action items, too.  Example: if you’re ordering dessert from a bakery, you’ll want to put it on your calendar immediately.
• Now is also a wonderful time to clean your pantry and refrigerator; you’ll certainly need the extra real estate.
• Clip coupons and grab weekly grocery store circulars for items from your shopping list.  Purchase those items that might be on sale already. Try to wrap up all food shopping by the Saturday before Thanksgiving, if possible.
• Take an inventory of all preparation dishes and cutlery, place settings, serving dishes, silverware, and stemware.  If it’s in your budget, invest in the missing pieces.  Ikea, TJ Maxx, Tuesday Morning and other discount stores are great for shopping.  Do also consider borrowing from family and/or friends.
• Dependent upon how formal (or not) your table decor might be, look for centerpieces.  Nature can be a phenomenal source.  A few gourds, leaves and candles can be elegant.
• Should you decide to order from your local butcher, bakery or restaurant, do allow two weeks to avoid the holiday rush.  Remember to record the name of the person who receives your order and ask if there are any special instructions necessary when you pick up.
• Think about your entertaining space and backdrop.  If you need additional chairs or a kids table, check out your local party rental store.  Chairs can usually be rented for under $1 per day or less and tables typically under $10 per day.  An iTunes mix (it’s tried and true) is always fun; consider multi-generational selections if your guests’ ages vary. 
• As you move closer to Thanksgiving Day, remember that it is a time for gratitude.  Should you begin to feel overwhelmed by the tasks, reach out to friends and family and solicit their elbow grease.

Saving time and dollars are the fruit of deliberate planning and time management. 

Enjoy the excitement of this looming holiday season,

TBS

Break Out The Bubbly…A Milestone and New Baubles!

First of all, there’s cause for celebration today.  As I scribe this particular post, my stats remind me that this is my 100th entry.  Hallelujah!  Who’d have ever thunk it? Me? A blog? Making my imprint in the blogosphere?  Meeting some of the most wonderful people ever?  If y’all haven’t noticed, The Broke Socialite is truly my passion and I am grateful to all of you who continue to read, comment, and yes, even lurk.  *Tears dropping*

This is also an opportunity for me to share that there are lots of phenomenal things on the blog-rizon for TBS and you!  Soon and very soon, I’ll be able to reveal more details. Just know this…the excitement definitely calls for a brown paper bag…I can not be held liable for hyperventilation!  Stay tuned…

When Rhonda, Dee and I were exercising our retail rights a few weeks back, I stumbled upon the most fabulous Ellen Tracy jewel-encrusted, heather gray, wool cropped jacket.  I slipped it on and wanted to spin around and around saying: “There’s no place like home…There’s no place like home…”.  Oh, it felt sooooo good.  My shopping partners were in awe when I cut the corner and I began to vascillate to and fro about the purchase.  See, I’m pretty classic in my approach to clothes and I leave bedazzled clothing to puff-painted tee shirts and my mother in law (heyyyyyyy, MiMi, girl!). So, in spite of prodding from the girls, I left it.  Because I don’t want to give Mr TBS a heart-attack (he comes over here sometimes), I’ll just say that the jacket was originally priced at $800 and the sale represented a savings of at least 75%.  If you want specifics, shoot me an email (wink, wink).  I even negotiated an additional 10% discount because 2 jewels were missing from the collar.

Fast forward two weeks and I get my copy of the StyleMaven’s book, How To Have Style. As I leafed through the pages, I came to page 77 and was stopped dead in my tracks because there IT was! The Ellen Tracy jacket was all gussied up and looking very un-Church Lady-ish.  That, my friends, was my signal.  I should have gotten the jacket. 

So you can guess what I did yesterday?? Called Off Fifth and asked if the jacket was still there in my size.  To say I made a beeline would be an understatement.  It’s now mine, mine, mine.  What shall I do with it? Well, I’m glad you asked.  This will be awesome with some heather gray trousers and the right pointed toe pump OR with trouser jeans (my mainstay)…there are limitless possibilities.  I consider it an investment piece and think that I’ll wear it for years to come.

 

The Jacket!

The Detail!

From How To Have Style

Cheers,

TBS

TBS’s Bargain Shopping Friday: The Fruit of My Labor

I did a little bargain shopping today and can honestly say that I don’t have to see another TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, Ross, or HomeGoods for at least another day week or two.  I got a few good bargains and wanted to share a couple of them.

First of all, our household is trying to do better with recycling and being sensitive to the needs of Mother Earth.  Everytime I throw away a bundle of those plastic shopping bags, I feel.so.guilty.  So today whilst I was getting the max for the minimum (do they even use that tagline anymore? Hmmm?), I stumbled upon the most wonderful totes that I’ll use for my grocery shopping.  At a whopping $3 each, I bought a total of four(two for my car, two for Mr TBS’s vehicle).  What I’ve decided to do is unpack the groceries and immediately return them to the car; this ensures that I’m not caught without them.  Each measures 19 inches (l) x 21 inches (w).  The handles measure 10 inches long.  Tres chic, as tough as nails and made of 100% recycled fabric.

 

Katie T made a good point one day after I bought the bamboo chairs: go to the TJ Maxx’s of the world in the suburbs or more rural areas for the best finds.  Her unscientific case study revolves around the notion that most folk in the ‘burbs really don’t know what’s good.  I know that’s a glittering generality and it’s not meant to offend anyone but I’ve tested this theory and I’ve yet to be disappointed.  Today for example: I found myself in Buford, GA (approximately 30 – 40 miles north of Atlanta) and discount store-hopping.  I was doing what I do first: meticulously digging throughsurveying the accessories and I saw a woman fidgeting with a matte gold box with a beautiful, bauble-y brooch closure.  Let me tell you: I willed that lady to put down the box….and she did.  Before I picked it up, I knew what it was (perhaps this was a how Charlie felt when he got the Golden Ticket)….Lily Pulitzer; I was just afraid of the price.  And then I peeked: my eyes saw two things…1)signature pink and white palm lining and 2)the price tag…$20.  The original price was $160.  Check my math but isn’t that, like, nearly 85 percent off?  I’ve grand plans for this cute clutch over the holidays. It measures (5 inches tall x 7 inches wide x2.5 inches deep). It’s a steal!

 

 

 

Until next time,

TBS