Obsessed With The Holidays...

Doesn't this sound like the name of a movie that might star someone like Sarah Jessica Parker or Kate Winslet?  I HATE to be pushy about Thanksgiving and Christmas but November and December are, by far, my most favorite times of the year.

Family. Friends. Food.  I don't think you can really go wrong.  Every year I say that I'm going to entertain more, nest more deliberately and BAKE! With all that's going on with lavish!, I'm still going to do my darndest to get it all in. The Boy was home for the first time from college this past weekend and I even cheffed up a pan of gingerbread.  After this weekend is behind me, I'll start planning our Turkey Day menu in earnest; I'm really hoping for something low-key.  The dear Annette alluded to her family's plan which includes luxuriating in their pajamas all day, grazing and watching movies.  Move over, Joseph family! Make room for two more ( Due to football obligations, The Boy will not come home for Thanksgiving)!

What I also love is that November is the month I married Mr TBS.  In exactly one week, we will have been married 10 years (I know...I know...I wouldn't be married to me, either. Yes. Mr TBS is a saint!)!  It truly seems like yesterday that we exchanged vows early one Saturday morning in the midst of family, friends and many, many pumpkins.  *spins around* I simply love autumn. One of the things that we will do to celebrate our 10th year is to attend a fundraiser for Wish Upon A Wedding.  We've had such a delightful marriage and it's important to us that others have an opportunity to start off on the right foot, as well.  If you're in Atlanta, you should really consider coming out to this fabulous event for a great cause.

This is the time of year I long for during the muggy summer days.  I simply can't get enough.

What do you love most about autumn?

Something New!

Though I'm appreciative of tradition, I've been known to go astray and freestyle quite often.

Such will be the case with my Thanksgiving meal this year.  I've been searching for new recipes to try out on my family that challenges them to think a little differently, too.  Over the next couple of weeks, I'll share my ideas (and the recipes) with you.

As my Grandma Pinkie (may she rest in peace) used to say, "That internet knows EVERYTHING, doesn't it?" Yes! It does.  I spent some time over the weekend scouring various and sundry websites for great culinary ideas.

One that moved me was 'Roasted Carrots and Parsnips With White Balsamic' from Bon Appetit. Yummy! This alongside oyster dressing makes me faint at such the savory thought.  I'm thinking of doing a couple of different desserts that I'm already on the hunt for.

Are YOU trying any new recipes for Thanksgiving?


Photo credit: Bon Appetit

A TBS Primer: A Halloween Soiree On A Budget for the Chic, Fabulous and Us Procrastinators

I usually do little more for Halloween than try to evade the candy-grubbing kids in our neighborhood—all six of them! Hey, why should I buy a monstrous bag of candy for only six kids? I’d rather pretend that I’m not home. Furthermore, since The Boy is off at college (Go SMU Mustangs!), the fun for me has almost been vacuumed out of Halloween.

Since Halloween 2010 is over the weekend, I’ve been giving some thought to a soiree. A few friends, a few cocktails, a few bites, and a few BWUAHAHAAHAHAS are the perfect potion for a swanky Halloween cocktail party! If you’re not sure what’s on your agenda, I’ve included tips for a budget-friendly partay!

Costumes? On such short notice, encourage everyone to simply wear black. Masks are optional. One of the most stressful elements of Halloween is trying to figure what you’re going to “be.” Make it easy for your friends. You might also have favors; they are plentiful in Dollar Tree-ish stores.

Your backdrop? Rent Carrie, Friday the Thirteenth, or any scream-inducing movie, pop it in, and put the TV on mute! Dim the lights, ignite a few candles, and pop in your iPod with a Halloween-inspired play list. I’ve included some suggested tunes below:

• “Ghostbusters,” Ray Parker, Jr.
• “Thriller,” Michael Jackson
• “The Monster Mash,” Boris Pickett
• "Jaws"theme
• "X-Files" theme
• "The Munsters" theme
• "The Adams Family theme
• “I Put A Spell On You,” Nina Simone
• “In the Midnight Hour,” Wilson Pickett
• "Twilight Zone" theme
• Also include various Halloween-esque sound bites.

Decor? If you’re inspired to carve a pumpkin or two into jack-o-lanterns, do so this weekend. As mentioned above, your lighting will be the saving grace, so pop a couple into the scarily-etched gourds. Not that ambitious? Well ... buy a few of those $1 plastic jack-o-lanterns and place them throughout your entertaining space. Fill them with treats! If you’re so inclined (and it’s in your budget), pick up festive cups and napkins.  My dear friend Eddie Ross whipped up a fiendish feather wreath for just a little cash. Here are his instructions.

Libations? Dependent on your audience, grab a case of beer and a few bottles of wine. It is critical that you whip up a signature drink! Try a Almond Joy or Milky Way Martini or Witches’ Brew.

Bites? Finally! Think tapas. An antipasti platter. Nuts. Popcorn. Skewers (veggie, shrimp, chicken satay, etc.). Reference The Minimalist’s small plate recommendations for ideas.


Entertainment? Should the natives grow restless, keep them entertained with: karaoke, Halloween MadLibs, or Halloween-inspired charades (using a stack of index cards write words related to Halloween, split in two teams and the guessing game begins).

Cheers to hoping you’ll do something fun on All Hallow’s Eve. All that’s missing from this concoction is you and a group of great friends!

What are YOUR plans this year?

Happy Father's Day, Daddy TBS!

Daddy TBS (he's a semi-professional bass fisherman if you didn't notice:-))

Dads have it so tough.

The greeting card industry has made a circus of Mother's Day but if you visit any Target today there will be no one clamoring over sweet prose on folded paper.  Head over to a spa right now and there will be very few buying gift certificates for their dads.

A true Daddy's girl, I certainly know mine like the back of my hand.  Truth be told, he'd rather Sissy TBS and I not spend any money on him so that we can do something for ourselves. We, of course, ignore that and purchase his annual pair of white Reebok sneakers (Hey! They are what he want!), give him a gift certificate to his beloved Bass Pro Shop (the ONLY store in which I've never been able to find a thing to buy) and share a wonderful dinner.

I can't wait for this Sunday.  I'm preparing dinner: Yogurt-marinated and grilled chicken skewers over rice,  drunken shrimp, grilled corn, mango coleslaw, strawberry cake and homemade lemonade.  Daddy TBS will tell us what we're doing wrong with our cars, our flower beds and our mortgage rates.  We'll protest with rolled eyes, sure enough, but secretly feel an extra layer of protection.  Daddy TBS means well.  It reminds me how, even though I'll be walking into a new decade in a few years, I'm always his girl.

Any special plans this weekend for you?

Merry Christmas!

I am so grateful that our paths have crossed. Mr TBS, Gareth and I wish you a Merry Christmas and hope that you have a wonderful day.

Cheers!

Non-Traditional Holiday Decor On A Budget

I saw this wonderful picture story in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution about holiday decor.  The designers challenged readers to decorate areas of the home that aren't traditionally explored. I also love how the dress form has been brought into the holiday decor.

Have you decorated your home?

Any money saving tips to share?

Photo credit: The Atlanta-Journal Constitution

The Holidays and Family Traditions: A Contest From The Broke Socialite

(above - The Broke Socialite's Family Christmas Tree, Shaka Zulu)

*singing* "It's the most wonderful tiiiiiiiimmmmeeee of the yeeaaaarrrrr..."

OK. I won't burden everyone with my sopralto tendencies but the holiday season just makes me so giddy. I know...I'm a big sucka.  You probably will not be surprised to know that I absolutely adore my family.  Mama and Daddy TBS each have a couple of siblings and everyone is very close.  Though I don't live in the town where I grew up any longer, I do try to get there as much as I can. Now that Mama TBS is on the mend (her stage IV breast cancer is in remission...yeaaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!), our lives are beginning to normalize again.

One of the things that I used to LOVE growing up was our 'holiday rounds'. My Aunt Angie and her family lived next door and my Aunt Matt lived just down the path (I'll bet you didn't know that TBS is a "country mouse" did you?).  We'd start the morning by everyone gathering at our house while my mom cooked breakfast.  We'd dish out the gifts from under our tree and share (or not...especially if it was an Easy Bake Oven) our toys with our cousins.  Sister TBS and I were most always fortunate enough to find that Santa had brought everything on our lists.  Then we'd go to Aunt Angie's to see my cousins toys and end the morning with a stop at Aunt Matt's. Aunt Matt is now 80 years old (and very spry, might I add) and was a remarkable seamstress.  Each year was filled with anticipation toward what she made us.  One of my favorite Christmases was when she presented us all (and we were most all married) with homemade quilts that matched our personalities. I'd just gotten married the month before, so mine was a wedding ring quilt. I'm tearing up as I think about it. What a strong influence she has been in my life!

After we got home from 'rounds, we'd slip into a new holiday outfit and head to "town"...that's where Daddy TBS's family lived. My Aunt Peggy, who was (and is) a fashion plate would come from Atlanta with huge bags of gifts in tow and Uncle Greg (who lived next door to my grandparents) would always come in pretending to be Santa (and he is STILL as funny).  We'd exchange gifts with my cousins before settling in to greet the various and sundry family members who would stop by for dinner.

The folks at Fair Winds Trading, as a part of their Path To Peace initiative, have invited us to share our favorite family holiday stories.  If you share your favorite holiday tradition in a comment below, you will be entered to win a Rwandan basket that will hopefully add to your family's traditions. The contest will run through December 14th, 2009 at 11:59 pm and you may only enter once.

Here's the story behind the Path To Peace baskets from Rwanda. It's truly remarkable! The "bowl" baskets symbolize different things based on the patterns like patience, bountiful harvest, and good fortune.

What's your favorite holiday tradition?

Disclosure: I have a material connection because I received a gift or sample of a product for consideration in preparing to write this content. I am not expected to return this item or gift after my review period.

The Broke Socialite's Guide To White Elephant Party Gifts

If I had a dollar for every White Elephant holiday soiree that I've been invited to this season, I could knock $10 off those fab D & G pumps below. Once you get to the party, it's always, always great but the drama which leads up to the actual swap can be ulcer-inducing. TBS to the rescue!

Price:

On average, I see that the price limit is $20 or so; this isn't so bad. I've gotten a couple of invitations with $50 gift limits...ummm, yeah, no. I had to decline (gracefully, no doubt). After all (and let's say it together again), I AM The BROKE Socialite.

What To Bring:

So, assuming the target limit is $20, I thought I'd offer some gift ideas (ohhh, you're very welcome!):

*If there are lots of cube dwellers involved in the swap, try the Cubicaller(tm), a cubicle doorbell. What a cool idea, huh?

*Nesters in the fold? Who doesn't love natural kitchen cleaners? For $11.25, Caldrea offers a sweet set with dish soap, countertop cleanser and two sponges. Doesn't the ginger pomelo sound lovely?

*If the audience is comprised of women, who doesn't love a nice wrap? Target offers a nicely weighted wraps. Opt for a neutral color.

*Desk Calendar = A Year's Worth of Inspiration.

*Amongst friends who like takeout? Isn't this the coolest? This takes organization to a whole new plane.

Tips:

-Don't bring anything that you wouldn't want to receive. Simple.

-Understand the notion of gift limit. If you find a great contribution that's $15, you've saved $5. Don't be pressured to spend exactly $20.

-Be creative. Candles and wine are always nice but can be overdone in this environment. And certainly (though at a point, it may seem tempting) do not come bearing a $20 gift certificate. That's just...well...lazy.

-Don't forget to wrap the gift.

-Discreetly place your contribution on the "gift table".

-Eliminate the pressure by picking up items throughout the year and it will be breeze.

-Have fun!

Have you participated in any White Elephant parties this holiday season? Any gift ideas to share?

The Broke Socialite Featured In Today's Atlanta Journal-Constitution!

Thanks to Rana Cash and the folks over at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for featuring The Broke Socialite in today's "Bargain Hunter Section".

Click here for the story!

Are YOU doing anything non-traditional for Thanksgiving?

More Turkey Talk: How To Carve One From Real Simple

Are your turkey carving skills up to par? Or do you delegate it to someone else? If you're not confident, consider purchasing a couple of cornish hens to prepare and practice at some point over the next week or so.

A Reminder From TBS: Time To Order Holiday Cards!

Notice a theme? Well...you'll thank me later. I'm just trying to ensure that everyone is thinking about/prepared for the holidays.

Don’t panic. Really, settle down. Yes, there’s still time. Yes, even for some fabulous personalized holiday cards. Come back.

Phew! I’m so glad that you’ve come back from the ledge of being overwhelmed by one more thing to do. Here’s a glass of wine (some good wine, too). Let’s chat.

You need to order your holiday cards right now. But in the midst of preparing for tailgates, Halloween, and Thanksgiving, who had time to think about them? Very few of us. I am always thrilled when I receive holiday cards in the mail and try to take the time to find cards which reflect the personality of my family. Hopefully, the tips meticulously outlined by TBS will help you firm up your order in a jiffy.

Holiday Card Etiquette 101

•  If uncertain if the recipient celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah, or another religious faith or tradition, then send a neutral card with a greeting of Happy Holidays, Season’s Greetings, Warm Wishes for a Happy Holiday Season, or Peace on Earth.
• Write the recipient’s name inside the card.
• Write a short note wishing them well; a simple sentence is better than nothing.
• Even if your name is preprinted in the card, sign your first name after your short message.
• Including a photo of the family is always delightful.
• Send cards out in time for the recipient to receive before Christmas.
• Only send holiday newsletters to close friends and family who would be interested in the details.
• Remember to include your return address on the envelope.
• Send a card to everyone who sends you one.
• E-mail greeting cards are not a substitute for an actual holiday card.
• Buy stamps as soon as possible.

What will you do for holiday cards this year? Buy them? Make them? Photo? Not?

The Broke Socialite’s Thanksgiving Menu Planning Primer

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 soufflé. This year I am going to try holiday culinary sacrilege something a little different … no turkey!

The Broke Socialite’s 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

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!
 
Have you any time/cost saving Thanksgiving tips to share?

Happy Easter!

May you and your family enjoy this wonderful day!

From TBS, Mr TBS and Gareth

Dear TBS: From Dear Reader, bmichelle...Budget Vacation Help Needed!

Dear TBS,

I sooooo need your help!

Eleven of my closest friends and I take a summer trip together each year. This year, our money happens to be a tad funny and I was hoping that you'd be able to give us budget travel ideas so that we would not be forced to forgo our reunion.

Most of us are live in the southeast (GA, LA) and the others live in TX and Chicago. Unfortunately, a trip to the Carribbean (this was our initial thought) seems to be out of the question...so don't worry with going there!

Where should we go? Should we cancel?

What would should we do?,

bmichelle

Dear bmichelle,

Hello, Doll! Have no fear...TBS is here!

I have juuuuuuuuusssssttt the thing for you and your friends!

TBS recommends that you and your posse save costs but maximize fun this year by renting a beach house in the panhandle of Florida and on the Gulf Coast.

While it's not the Caribbean, your state of mind can change that all very quickly! First off, for those who must fly, I recommend flying AirTran to Pensacola (based on travel dates June 20-25, the current discount airfare is approximately $250 from Chicago, $165 from Atlanta and $350 from Dallas or Houston).

Travel:

When you arrive in Pensacola, rent a couple of mini-vans (approximately $125 for 5 days)and make the 1 hour drive toward the Beaches of South Walton.

To save a little more cash, you might ask everyone to fly into Atlanta (if it's even less expensive) and you all can drive in a caravan to Florida. Those who are not fans of the road trip, be warned: it IS nearly a 5 hour drive. But hey...you can play games such as I Spy or create a road trip playlist on your iPods and sing to the top of your lungs whilst traveling! Share on gas and call it a day!

Lodging:

There are miles and miles of beautiful homes for rent on Florida's Gulf Coast. There are quaint inlets with delightful shopping and great restaurants. To find a home that will accommodate a group of your size, check out Vacation Rentals By Owner. You can choose which area you prefer (TBS fancies Seaside or Seagrove Beach), view the homes (most all have photos), check availability and work directly with the owners or property managers. Since fewer people are actually vacationing, be certain to ask the house manager if there are any additional discounts or if the rental rate is negotiable. Likely, they will be pliable.

Properties usually rent for $2500-5000 for 5 days. The median cost is about $300/person for the entire stay!

Dining:

TBS recommends that you plan your menus and shop for groceries before leaving for the beach. Markets and package stores in resort areas can be pricey during the peak season. Save money by pairing up and cooking meals for dinner. Consider continental breakfasts and sandwich and salad lunches...who wants to eat heavy foods and be exposed to the sun all day? Your savings on meals might lend to being able to go out to a local restaurant on the night before you leave. It'd be fun to have theme dinner nights...perhaps a seafood boil one night and burgers on the grill for another! I can't recommend planning, planning, planning more in this regard. You might even want to designate a couple of people from your group to coordinate the dining efforts. Discount warehouse clubs such as Sam's and Costco are great for bulk shopping.

Entertainment:

Ummmmm...the beautiful water and beaches of the Gulf Coast? Alas, even TBS can not indulge on the beach alone. This is the perfect opportunity to catch up on the books you've been meaning to read. Designate a movie night. Game night never disappoints. You've even enough people in your group to have a talent show. This is another area where I'd designate a coordinator to ensure that everyone is prepared when you arrive at the beach. If you get a little bored throughout the day, window shopping is always free! Treat yourself to an ice cream cone as you stroll the boardwalks.

I hope I've given you some food for thought. I do not think you should sacrifice your annual trip...you owe it to yourself and your friends to make this work. After all, different economic times call for a bit more creativity. I encourage you all to set a budget and stick to it. Dividing the costs by 12 can seem inexpensive, but the cumulative cost can sneak up on you...be careful!

Let us know what you decide!

Dear Readers: Any Other Tips/Ideas To Share?

Here's to fun in the sun,

TBS

A Few President's Day Sales

In honor of our presidents , the usual suspects such as Macy's are holding celebratory sales.

Here is a link to some more that might be a tad off the beaten path!

Enjoy! And remember to search for coupons before you finalize your purchases.

Happy Monday!

Happy President's Day And A Weekend Recap (Recipe and Product Reviews Included)!

Well...

A Happy President's Day and A Happy Monday to you all!

I do hope everyone had a fabulous weekend. Valentine's Day was absolutely fabulous in The Broke Socialite household. Since Mr TBS had to work on Saturday night, I was treated by a brunch prepared and served by my dear, sweet husband in the late morning. When I returned from Saturday morning errands, I was met with a bouquet of a dozen pink (my absolutely, positively FAVE color, of course. Y'all know that!) roses and a lovely spread. *swooning* We had a remarkable afternoon.

Saturday night was blast with some of my dearest girlfriends. The wonderful Shannon (and her delightful pooch kids, Chloe and Remington) hosted a Valentine's Day Dinner Party at her home. Sitting around the table were: Ashley, Shelley, Kate, Brigette and Miss Pink Slip.

The menu? Here goes (and, yes, I'm clutching my pearls...in a good way!)

Appetizers: bruschetta (Kate says you should ALWAYS keep a jar of the Trader Joe's Bruschetta in your pantry), goat cheese and carmelized onion tarts and a cheese and veggie focaccia. TBS picked up the tarts and foccacia from Star Provisions in Atlanta. I certainly didn't want to cook on Valentine's Day! Furthermore, EVERY TBS should have a bakery's number in her cell phone!

Shrimp and Corn Bisque - while everything was delicious, Ashley's bisque was the biggest hit. I promise you, you should try it. Like soon!

Corn Casserole

Chicken Parmesan

Green Beans with Parmesan Crisps

Cupcakes

Dessert Platter of Lemon Bars, Chocolate Walnut Meringues, Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars and Wedding Cookies

Kir Royales (SCORE!!!, Ashley)

A Box (Yes, A Box) of Pinot Evil - Equivalent to 4 bottles of wine (at $18/box), I was a bit hesitant to have the girls try this. Can I say it was a hit?! If you are looking for a less expensive bottle (or box), this is a viable option. Though I mostly sipped on kir royales, the girls (who are mostly wine snobs) gave it rave reviews!

RECAP:

• Get a bakery in your speed dial


• Try the Shrimp and Corn Bisque! Ashley says it's so easy!


• Add a bottle (or box) of Pinot Evil Pinot Noir to your "cellar"...ha!

What was on your Valentine's menu?

Have a great week!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope that everyone has a great Saturday!

Smooches!

Happy Valentine's Day Weekend!

How romantic would it be to recite a classic love poem to your dear love?

TBS to the rescue!

Here is a link to a collection of the world's most famous sonnets and such! A great idea would be to read poems whilst devouring strawberries and sipping Prosecco.

Very chic, fun and inexpensive.

I've included my favorite sonnets below.
Do you have one?


Sonnets from the Portuguese 43: How Do I Love Thee
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight.
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men strive for right
I love thee purely, as they turn from praise
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, --I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! -- and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

- Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Last Minute Valentine's Day Ideas

Welcome to Wednesday!

We've nearly made it through this week. I wish I'd had more time to invest in more Valentine's Day tips but I know that I can always count on Real Simple to be there for us in a pinch.

Check out this treasure trove of information to find some easy and budget friendly ideas for Saturday.

Photo credit: Rick Lew, Real Simple

From Dear Reader, Adrienne: Post-Holiday Steals!

Dear TBS,

I couldn't WAIT to share my superb deals (PS:my 9 year old picked the colors for this year. She wanted blue, silver and a "splash" of hot pink)!

This is what I call FABULOUS!!!!

The 7.5ft tree was $175 and the 4.5ft tree was $40

3 candle holders $13 each

3 silver ornaments $5 each

2 blue ornaments $20 each

9 pink "things"(I honestly don't know what they are called so if anyone knows, please clue me in) $6 each

5 snowflakes $6 each ( I am OBSESSED with snowflakes so I HAD to have these...I got one to represent each person in my family)

GRAND TOTAL: If I had purchased it DURING the season.. $393.00 and that is NOT including TAX!!! I spent $30 and CHANGE!!!!!!!!

THAT my dear is a GOOD deal!

Take care and keep doing what you do,

Adrienne

TBS's Review:

Adrienne, you've done well; thanks for sharing. Over 90% in savings? Please don't dethrone me! We can't wait to see the tree in its full glory later this year. Y'all, please visit Adrienne at Real Life: Live & Unscripted. Please feel free to send your bargain finds to me at thebrokesocialite (at) yahoo.com!