Back In The Saddle! TBS Returns With Deals In Tow!

Hello, My Fair Friends!

I have certainly missed everyone over the past week. I've been out clearing my head and recuperating from a major surgery. I am thrilled to report that I feel better than I have in a very long time. While on my slight hiatus, I managed to score a couple of finds that I'm sporting in the picture above. First, the army green short-sleeved jacket was scored from Ross (dare I also say that I scooped up the black one, too?...I usually don't do Ross but I was surprised...don't sleep on it!) for $3! Yep, a whole $3...you can't beat that with a stick! I am also enjoying a new necklace gifted to me by Mama TBS... $5!

Any great finds for you over the past couple of weeks?

Modern Manners Monday: What Would You Do?

Good morning! I hope y'all had a great weekend. I am looking forward to the holiday portion of this week and I'm sure you are, too.

Since potlucks are often a part of holidays, this week's Modern Manners Monday scenario comes to you with that in mind:

You've a delightful friend. You have known each other for a couple of years and socialize regularly. Each time that she's brought a dish to a potluck gathering, she insists that you try it and you do. Unfortunately, none have ever tickled your taste buds. On today's occasion, she escorts you directly to her dish. She's so proud and tells you that she's tried a new recipe from Real Simple magazine. It looks inedible. Grotesque even. She insists that you try it. Right then. Right there. She has a spoon in-hand. What do you do?

Meet Mama TBS & Our "New Normal"

As some of you may know, Mama TBS's breast cancer has recently returned after nearly 7 years in remission. We were all stunned at the news but, like normal, we have rallied together as a family as we deal with our "new normal" (thanks for coining that phrase, Shannon S!). Mama TBS began her first round of chemo treatments a couple of weeks ago and despite a few bumps in the road, her optimism and faith remain very strong.

A woman of great faith, I thought I'd share the first installation in her video diary. She (and we) are hopeful that she might be an inspiration to others who are going through similar circumstances.

She'll begin her 2nd full cycle of chemo next week and we'll be right there holding her hand. I usually try to keep it light over here but this is NO sad occasion. You are our friends, too, and there is strength in numbers. We solicit your prayers and invite you to share with others.

Entertaining Soon? Servingware On Sale...

If you're anything like me, you are ALWAYS in entertaining-mode.

I can never get enough of serving ware: from plates to cups to pitchers to platters. I've been shopping around for some pieces that are fun, within my budget and will withstand the test of time. I've been thrilled to find that lots of stores have begun the liquidation of their summer serving offerings and there are great bargains to be had.

Williams-Sonoma Home, which is historically pricey (but that's just my take), has some AWESOME pieces in their Semi-Annual Sale. My favorite collection is the Coral Melamine Collection, which ranges from $$18-30. The platters are divine.

Crate&Barrel's Online Outlet is a great one-stop shop, too.

When I found myself in Big Lots on Friday, there were also fabulous offerings there, too. They always have fun margarita/cocktail glasses. I also peeped tropical umbrellas and such. Oh, they make me happy!!!

Do you coordinate summer servingware? Any soirees planned for the balance of the summer?

Photo credit: Williams-Sonoma Home

Modern Manners Monday: What Would YOU Do?

You've recently been laid off from your job. You're really not sure about what your next move might be but you've enough in your savings to tide you over for a while; so you're in no hurry.

You've a friend who continues to ask you about which sites your using during your search and is constantly sending you job leads. You've told her (quite nicely, even) that you are taking your time and are waiting for the right opportunity to come along. She continues to send you leads on an unsolicited basis. All day. Every day.

What do YOU do?

Today's Visit To Big Lots!

It's no secret around these parts: I 'heart' Big Lots. Like in a majorly obssessive way. There isn't one near my home; so when I stumble upon one of their locations, I nearly lose my mind.

Today, I thought I'd swing by a store in the 'burbs because I'm looking for plant stands for the deck project. While I was not successful in the pursuit of garden decor, I did manage to stumble upon some other fab odds-n-ends.

Here's the list of finds (l-r in photo):

*Spices ($1 per bottle: Cajun Seasoning, Seasoning Salt, Red Pepper Flakes...pantry essentials) = $3

*A plastic sugar container (who knew, right?) = $2

*A box of 12 individual packets of Bear Naked Granola (which y'all KNOW I LOVE and is great atop yogurt) = $5

*A DVD copy of one of my fave movies ev.er...I nearly know the script by heart: The Holiday. A classic = $6

*(Let me qualify this next item by saying that I have not been a Crocs aficianado in the past...however...) A pair of black ballet flat Crocs which will be great for cleaning/mopping/running the occasional errand = $12

I nearly need a paper bag. I am thrilled with my bounty. What a great way to kick off the weekend.

Good luck finding your own bargains this weekend! See you on Monday...

Sipping on Sangria: A Delightful Warm Weather Libation

Last week I received an email from one of my favorite people, the Fabulous Rhonda J.

You see, she was entertaining a group of friends from college over the weekend and was looking for a fun cocktail for the girls. She wondered if I had any ideas for libations that might be interesting. Offffffffffff course, I did...

I steered her directly to one of my most cherished warm-weather drinks: sangria. Sangria is a fairly budget-friendly drink and it works wonderfully if you are serving a medium-to-large sized group. What I have found about sangria is that there's no right way to prepare it. It can be built on a foundation of red or white wine. The types of fruit that you can use - from apples to berries to citrus fruits - totally depend on your palatte.

As we go into the weekend, I thought it might be cool to share a few sangria recipes.

Best Party Sangria

Citrus Sangria

Sangria 6 Ways (including a non-alcoholic version)

Do you enjoy sangria? If you make it, what ingredients do you include?

TBS TV: Deck Decor...An Outdoor Rug For A (Smart) Bargain

Here's the link to the rug on SmartBargains.com!

I purchased the 3.5' x 5.6' rug...while it looks small in the video (and I'm STILL trying to figure how to get the best angle with this Flip camera); the scale actually works nicely and doesn't spill over to the grilling area.

I was also able to take advantage of a 15 percent discount as a First Time Buyer...yayyyy, for being a newbie for a change. You can find your own discount via Google by searching for 'Smart Bargains discount codes'.

I am soooo excited to build from the rug that I can hardly stand it!

Any one else score any great deals recently or, most immediately, over the weekend?

Modern Manners Monday: What Would You Do?

I can't tell you how much fun I had on Saturday with Eddie Ross and his partner, Jaithan Kochar. I absolutely love those two! I'm sort of bummed that the guided tour has come and gone and there is no real reason to e-mail Jaithan regularly. Being the dear that he is, he invited me to stay in touch. I will post on the trip tomorrow because Eddie really had some great tips. You MUST get over to his blog if you haven't already.

It's that time again. Modern Manners Monday. Here's this week's scenario:

You are hosting a fabulous barbecue at your home. Naturally, the festivities have been relegated to the main floor of your home which includes the living area, kitchen, patios and the bathrooms in between...perfect for entertaining. In the midst of mixing and mingling, a guest approaches you and says: "This is the first time I've been to your home. Aren't you going to give me a tour?"

What do YOU do?

Sunglasses, 2 Guys and A Fainting Chair: A Preview To TBS's Weekend

Someone should pass me the most widely-rimmed, black Jackie O sunglasses that she can find. I will need them to conceal the tremendous bags that I will surely have under my eyes on Saturday morning. Is "Is TBS clairvoyant?" going through your gray matter? Well, I'm good but not quite that good.

I live my life by this mantra: 'To thine own self be true!' and, lovelies, I. Know. Me.

I already know it, I will not get one wink of sleep tonight because I (yes, little ol' me) is spending tomorrow morning with the fabulous, magnificent, wonderful, handsome, stylish (blah, blah, blah, blah, blah)

EDDIE ROSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *someone...anyone...fetch my fainting chair*. I'll be too excited to count any sheep.

Can you believe it? First of all, who doesn't know Eddie Ross? Shame on you! He looks great on paper but, baby, his style and 'eye' supercede a mere three or four paragraphs of biographical information. Eddie is a brand, baby!

ANYwho, Eddie and his partner, Jaithan (my BFF...LOVE him) will swing through Atlanta to lead a tour at Scott's Antique Market here in Atlanta that's focused on getting the best items for a bargain when antiquing.....Doesn't that sound very TBS-ish? Now you know why I HAD to be there. The things this man does with antique linens and dollar store bounty (yes, I said dollar store!) is AMAZING! His budget-centric projects will surely make you swoon.

Joining me tomorrow are my dear friends Kelly and Amy, so you should expect pictures and great stories. While I'm eager for Eddie's trip, I am shopping with a purpose (this is for you, Mr TBS). I need plant stands for the deck and have been seeking art or "art" for the powder room and foyer. It will surely be a blast!

Should Eddie and Jaithan decide that they need TBS as their personal assistant, I will be writing from their country home on Monday.

Until then, what are YOU doing this weekend?

Photo courtesy: Eddie Ross

Modern Manners Monday: What Would You Do?

Happy Monday! Of course, I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.

This week's scenario is less of a scenario and more of a question so I'll cut to the chase.

What time is too late to call someone's home if there is no emergency involved? What is the latest that you accept phone calls at your home?

Bubbles, (Not So Tiny) Bubbles...

Good morning, Lovelies! How are you? I'm so glad it's Friday and am looking forward to the weekend.


I thought I'd share what's making me happy today. As you all have grown to know, TBS LOVES signature necklaces. Very little reeks fabulosity more than a confident woman with stunning accoutrement. For quite some time now, I've been stalking this bubble necklace at J. Crew. Let's be very clear about something, TBS will not be paying $150 for it. You won't be surprised to hear that I've also continued to watch the turquoise and coral versions of this necklace come and go. Sigh.

Last afternoon, I was flipping through Etsy and please see what I found! Gasp! My bubble , J. Crew-inspired necklace duplicated by the fabulous Kate Gray. In turquoise. For $60!

Can YOU tell the difference (besides the obvious stone color)?

So I go into my weekend not only happy but very, very happy and nearly an extra $100 in my pockets.

Tell me...any good deals for you this week?

Are You Trifle-ING?: A Kitchen Essential

I found myself in a local Pier One Imports recently (and only because they're going out of business and everything in the store is at least 20% off) and came upon a kitchen staple - a glass trifle bowl. If you don't have one in your pantry, you should certainly consider the investment. What I've found is they aren't expensive at all! The one that I spotted on Pier One's shelves was $10 minus the 20% discount. At $8, you owe it to yourself to own one.

I've had my trifle bowl for nearly as long as I've been married (approaching 9 years). It's always come in handy for whipping up a last minute berry-centric dessert. Fresh berries, custard, lady fingers, a fancy liqueur cordial...throw some flour on your brow and you'll win rave reviews! If you find juuuuussstttt the right recipe, you'll also realize how inexpensive trifled desserts are.

Some recipes to get you started my dears:

Strawberry-Blackberry Summer Trifle

Lemon Curd Trifle With Berries

Pumpkin Praline Trifle

Trifle Cake

Are YOU trifle-ING? Have you a trifle bowl in your pantry? Any recipes to mention or share?

Operation Oui Oui Begins (On A Budget, Of Course)!

Next year, 2010, will bring great things for the TBS household. Our only child will graduate from high school and hopefully enter the college of his choice. Mr TBS and I will celebrate 10 years of matrimony, as well.

After we've gotten The Boy off to school, we've decided to take a trip to Paris, France in celebration of our marriage. Over the weekend, we discussed how much fun this might be. It would be our first time to Paris and we'd have the opportunity to experience this significant event together. *swoon*

Mr TBS and I have decided that we will plan this trip without the aid of credit cards. This decision, of course, means a deliberate savings plan and that the plan, Operation Oui Oui, begins right now. We will put $200 per month toward our trip until we depart in November 2010.

In addition to our financial health, Operation Oui Oui dictates that we intend to be in our best physical shape. In addition to ramping up our individual exercise, Mr TBS and I will be joining Weight Watchers this week. We view it as an investment in ourselves and each other. Our Weight Watchers classes will also give us another "date" (and I love those) each week.

So join us in our excitement! We will definitely be enjoying Paris on a budget and I can't wait.

*adjusting my virtual beret*

Have you ever implemented long-term planning for a vacation? Any tips/ideas? Been to Paris?

Modern Manners Monday: What Would You Do?

Happy Monday to you all!

I hope that your weekend was delightful. TBS is working on a couple of projects and I can't wait to share them with everyone soon.

Today's MMM has surely happened to everyone. I can attest that I am a magnet for this scenario and am almost always stumped about how to handle it. I'm eager to hear what you think!

You're sitting in the waiting room of your doctor's office. As always, you're minding your own business, right? The waiting room is fairly full and seating is becoming a bit cramped. A nice lady walks up and asks if she might sit in the chair where your fabulous purse is resting. "Of couuurrrrsseee", you say. You pick up your bag and she sits down. Whilst you wait, you are currently enjoying the latest copy of Real Simple magazine. Before you know it, 'the lady' sitting next to you is looking at the magazine WITH you. As you turn each page, she's right there with you. You even hear her mumble a "Hmmm." in response to one of the feature sections.

What do you do? Allow the lady to continue to read the magazine "with" you? Or do you say something? Has this ever happened to you?

TBS's Holiday Test Kitchen! Oh, What A Blast!

Happy Tuesday, everyone!

I trust that each and every one of you enjoyed your holiday weekend. Mine was awesome. Because I was a bit under-the-weather, Mr TBS and I took it easy whilst Gareth spent the night with a friend.

I did manage to try a new recipe this weekend and thought I'd share photos. A couple of Fridays ago, my post focused on some recipe options from bon appetit. We opted to try the Shrimp and Cojita Enchiladas. I'm SO glad we did. They turned out quite nicely and I even have pictures to share! The grocery tab was $26 and yielded 6 servings. Not too shabby for a hearty meal, huh? We also whipped up a nice pitcher of frozen margaritas. Is your mouth watering yet? I really recommend this recipe if you like Mexican fare and are up for trying something different.

When was the last time YOU tried a new recipe? Do you do so often?

TBS Is A Copy Cat (Well...Not Really But Sorta) !

If I am nothing else, I am an individualist. Make my own decisions, follow the beat of my own drum and all THAT jazz.

In spite of that, last week one of my fave friends, Erica B, posted a comment on Facebook about Purex Complete 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets and my interest was piqued. The purported beauty in this new product? Well, the dryer sheet-esque solution was detergent, softener and an anti-static sheet in one. Who'd have ever thunk it, right? Erica wasn't so sure about it so when I noticed them in Tar-zhay when I (and by "I", I mean Mr TBS and Gareth...for I was surely over in the magazine section) was picking up the patio furniture. At $5.99, a little less than my Tide Complete (and when were laundry products incomplete? Have I been hoodwinked with partial concoctions in the past? Geesh...the marketing!), I was eager to try it. I usually spend about $12 on laundry detergent and dryer sheets; so I was more interested when I saw a potential savings benefit. (insert 'high-five' here)

Lo and behold, I was catching up on my blog reading last night and I saw that one of my other fave friends, AskWifey (y'all...this is one of the sweetest, prettiest, nicest girls I know; who is tied with her sister for being totally awesome---you'll be seeing a lot more of them soon....there's a shoe-shopping trip on the horizon but N.E. Way) had been selected by Purex to test this product. So I thought I'd share AskWifey's experience...LOVE her!

I'll be trying mine out this weekend as I have mounds of laundry to keep me busy. I certainly live 'the life', huh? Woo hoo.

If you haven't, might you try a 'complete (ha!)', all-in-one laundry solution? What are your fave laundry brands?

Click here for a coupon! Yay!

Have a great weekend!

Video credit: AskWifey.com

Shuffling The Deck! Shopping For Outdoor Furniture On A Budget

Mr TBS and I have decided to fancy up our urban deck after a couple of years of being in our home. There is no particular reason that we've been here for a while and have not fashioned the deck...we just hadn't gotten around to it. After seeing photos of a friend's deck, Mr TBS became inspired and we decided to take the plunge. Because we do live intown and have limited space, it only made sense that we'd maximize our square footage and create living space outside; especially since the weather has been so beautiful lately.

We immediately looked on-line for ideas (from AuthenTeak to Wal-Mart) and decided on a budget. After determining the deck's measurements (and the exisiting grill's space), we finalized our shopping list: a love seat, club chair and coffee table. Because we're plus-sized people, our final selection also needed to be well-constructed and the seating deep.

Ever so anxious, I stopped by Horizon Home Collection (they are definintely nice folk but their inventory is too rich for my blood) in Atlanta because I saw their signs for a tent sale on my way home from work. Tent sale? They must be ready to wheel-n-deal, I thought. Well, an estimate for $1700 later, I quickly strolled away and wondered if these folk knew about the state of our economy. Yeah. No. I posted about that experience on Facebook and the fabulous Roslyn quickly shot back a recommendation that I go to Tar-zhay. Boy, I'm so glad I listened!

I found exactly what I was looking for at Tar-zhay! My selection is well within my budget and I still have money to buy an outdoor rug, some cool lights for the patio and greenery! I have included a picture of the set that we chose but will definitely share the finished product within the next few days or so. I've also found a cool soup-starter link which gives tips on creating a cozy outdoor space.

Do you have outdoor living space? Were you on a budget when designing it? Any tips/resources to share?

Photo credit: Target

The Art of Packing For A Weekend Away

My most recent travels have been work-related and involve hauling the largest suitcase in my wardrobe (and shelling out a $15 fee for checked luggage but that's another story); so I thought I've nearly forgotten how to pack for a weekend jaunt!

When I do have the occasion to travel for a holiday or long weekend, I am always bewildered, anxious about what I might forget to bring and, therefore, most always end up bringing nearly my whole wardrobe. Not the most efficient, huh? TBS contends that a well-packed suitcase saves $15 (heeeeeyyyyyy!) and solves the age-old dilemma of 'What Shall I Wear?' when you're on the road.

Enter LuxeTips! My dear friend (and y'all, this girl is B-A-D! Love her!) has whittled the art of packing for a weekend away down to its most fabulous essence. With her anchor pieces, cross-functional accessories and everything in-between, you'll be ready to wave 'Bon Voyage!' quicker than you ever imagined.

Take a peek at her advice! It's awesome!

What's in YOUR suitcase when you travel for a weekend?

Photo credit: LuxeTips

Modern Manners Monday: What Would You Do?

Good Monday, everyone!

I trust that you and yours enjoyed a fabulous weekend. Mine was pretty good but I'm most looking forward to a long Memorial Day weekend in a few days.

Today's Modern Manners Monday dilemma is one that I think we're all facing in this age of technology and social networking. It's become one of the greatest debates. Legions of social networkers across the globe ponder this on a regular basis: 'To friend or not to friend'?

By now you've likely figured that I'm speaking of the Facebook phenomenon. The art of friend acquisition, sharing "What's On Your Mind?" and miles and miles of photo albums has infiltrated most all realms of society.

So here's today's scenario:

You receive a Friend Request from an acquaintance.

You wouldn't consider them a friend but you're friendly when you see them.

You know said requestor can sometimes be outspoken and rude.

What do you do? Do you use Facebook? What are some of your criteria for 'Friend' acceptance? What might cause someone to become de-Friended?

15 Recipes in 15 Minutes! Even YOU Can Do That!

If you haven't already, pick up the June issue of bon appetit magazine. In addition to a wonderful recipe for shrimp enchiladas that I must try, I so enjoyed a story which highlights '15 meals in 15 minutes'.

God only knows how much help I need with time preservation these days. It's really been crazy, y'all. My life seems to become crazier and crazier by the day. I'm trying to figure it out...how do I juggle it all?! I've even recently begun to think about giving up the blog (gasp!)...sad but so.

Until I decide what I'm gonna do with myself, I'm trying to cut corners.

When I saw this story, I reveled in the possibilities. I think the herbed chicken with blue cheese might be an entree that I'd like to take a stab toward soon!

So...from me to you! Consider these ideas when you're shopping this weekend for next week's meals. A bonus: the ingredients in most all of these dishes aren't that expensive.

What is YOUR quick go-to meal?

Photo credit: bon appetit

Survival Strategies: What Are You Doing Differently?

I noticed that The New York Times has created a featured message board called "Living With Less". It's readers are invited to contribute the different ways we're approaching the global recession in our daily lives.

From "Drink water. It's good for you and free!" to "$5 Foot-Longs from Subways! Eat half for lunch, the other half for dinner.", the subscriber-provided advice runs from useful to hilarious. I was pleased to find, though, that most of it is quite practical.

Before you post your advice there, why don't you tell us: What Are You Doing Differently?

Supper Clubs: Dinner Anyone?

Though TBS simply doesn't have the time to participate, a couple of groups of friends have begun to save costs and share recipes by orchestrating supper clubs. A great way to save money, socialize and expand your culinary repertoire, the has been a revival of sorts of this chic dinner party.

I've found a few tips/resources for those who might be interested in saving a little money and enjoying the company of their friends a bit more.

How To Start Your Own Cooking Club

Good Potluck

Do you or have you ever participated in a Supper Club? Any tips to share?

What Would I Do Without Nicole?

I thought it was high time that I introduced my dear, sweet readers to one of my FAVE people and blogs.

Meet Nicole at The Sale Rack. I thought I loved a bargain but she's nearly got me beat. Nicole works hard to help us lurkers and readers find the best fashion savings on the web. She takes a lot of guesswork out of mining for deals...even for TBS. From J Crew to Saks and everything inbetween.

Get over there for the latest and greatest deals!

What are some of your fave deal-centric websites? Share! Share them all :-)

Modern Manners Monday: What Would You Do?

Good morning, Lovelies!

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Mine was just as I designed it: very restful.

While I was away, I enjoyed several group dinners and there's been a little something bugging me for a while:

When enjoying a toast, what is the correct approach to participation? So I did a bit of digging and here's what I've found...

Clinking of glasses after a toast can be done in a variety of manners depending on the country, culture, and level of formality. In some countries, to show respect to someone, you would hold your glass lower when about to clink. In other countries, clinking of glasses is not done. In certain cultures, everyone clinks together in the center of the table.Basically, in the United States, glasses are clinked at weddings, parties, and casual dinners.

Phew! I've not broken any social rules.

Do you 'clink' or not? Any particular reason for how you enjoy a toast?