The Broke Socialite's Guide To An Oscar Party On A Budget

You've less than a week to watch any films that you might still be interested in and to plan an Oscar fete! Any old excuse for a party will do, huh?

Set the Scene:

*Grab the following items to turn any your home into your own personal Kodak Theater.

*Red carpet: How could you not? 

*Paparazzi: A camera for red-carpet photo ops is an absolute must!

*Songs from movie soundtracks make an cool playlist as guests arrive. What's your favorite soundtrack? I think, hands down, that mine is Love Jones.

The Spread:
*What is a gathering without a cocktail? I'm thinking martinis with double-stuffed bleu cheese olives or champagne. You can stick with the basics or serve a few movie-themed libations.
*To keep costs manageable, serve easy to prepare appetizers such as crostini, bruschetta, a cool dip with pita points, a veggie tray, a variety of cheeses, etc. Since the show usually begins after dinner, you might just want to focus on desserts.


Let's Get This Party Started:
*Create a list of this year's nominees for your guests to complete before the show begins. The person whose picks align with the actual awards should be awarded a gift. Think, well, movies: a gift basket with popcorn, movie candies, a gift card to Blockbuster, etc. is budget-friendly.

If you're into soirees, this one gets everyone involved and can be pulled together with very little effort and without breaking the bank!


Do you watch the Academy Awards? Which actors and/or pictures are you pulling for this year?

The Broke Socialite TV: Thrifting For A Men's Suit...TBS-Style

And a Happy New Year to you all!

Our son, Gareth, will attend his Senior Winter dance on Sunday and, being the good sport that he is so easily bribed, he allowed me to use him as a subject in one of my thrifting projects.

You see, Gareth wrestles and his weight is fluctuating like nobody's business these days. When I found that his suits were too big, I thought it might be a good idea to search a thrift store for a suit that he might wear to his soiree.  Though he is svelte right now, as soon as he can eat regulary again, he will filling out his old suits like the linebacker that he is. So why invest hundreds of dollars in a new one, right? Right.

Check us out as we begin our search at the Salvation Army Store. What I can reveal is that we DID find a suit. It's at the tailor and will be ready tomorrow. I'll share the pay-off in a post on Sunday. Y'all won't believe it!

Do you thrift? Found anything cool lately?

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

Soiree for Six: Only $94!

Last evening, I experienced the delight of hosting a small cocktail party in my home...nothing formal 'Twas an intimate gathering amongst the coolest friends and their significant others. At the end of the night, I was euphoric: from the spread, the libations and laughing (last night reminded me that it IS the best medicine).

As I developed my menu this week, I issued a self-imposed challenge: pull this thing off for $100 or less. In true TBS fashion, I met the mark. I left the market having spent only $94. If I could do that move where you jump up and click your heels together, I'd have been all over it.

Here's the menu:

*Crudite platter with homemade Caesar dressing

*Creole stuffed mushrooms

*Spicy shrimp skewers

*Deviled eggs with prosciutto and chives

*Two versions of individual macaroni and cheese: three cheese (ricotta, parmesan riggiano and cheddar) and lobster and bleu cheese.

*Cold shrimp salad with artichokes, capers and lemons (brought by one of my guests)

*Pinwheels (a veggie blend baked in phyllo dough and brought by a guest)

*Cheesecake (deliverd by a guest)

*Chocolate walnut brownie bites

*Louis Latour Pinot Noir

*Stella Artois (for the guys, of course...ok-and me)

I was thrilled that I was able to stay under budget. Dare I say that I was even proud of myself? Hey, I'm trying to do better!

Will any amongst us host any parties at home this holiday season?

TBS Needs Your Help: Which Pillows?!

Good morning, Dah-lings!

I hope you're doing well today. About a year ago, I found the fabulous chairs pictured above and declared that I couldn't leave without them. Aren't they lovely? They were $350 total and I paid less than $150. A TBS deal, right? Anywho...I've wiggled, waffled and wavered about what I should do with the chairs? Paint them? Put them in another room? Well, I'm still conflicted.

Until I decide their fate, I thought it might be cool to punch them up with some pillows. Sometimes us TBS' have to make-do with what we have until the budget loosens up, right?! Has TBS mentioned that The Boy is leaving for college in less than a year? Right. So lots of stuff is being re-purposed.

Here I have two options and I'm interested to know which you like:

1. Blue Dwell from Target - $25 each

2. Orange designer's pillow. I purchased these at a designer's tag sale. Originally $200 each, I paid $50 each.

Your assistance is greatly appreciated! Helllllllllllllppppppppppppppppppppppp!!!!!!!

Preparing For Oprah On Monday? Get A Headstart Today!!!

A couple of months ago, I shared what I thought was a pretty sweet magazine deal. Y'all remember, don't you? A 12 month subscription of Real Simple magazine for $5. I am thrilled to say that I have received and enjoyed 2 issues already.

Well, I've found the motherlode of magazine subscriptions on Amazon...O! Until September 30, you may purchase a two-year subscription for less than $20. To be precise, it's $19! If you don't receive the magazine, now is just the time. It's always chocked full of practical fashion tips, recipes and overall lifestyle appreciation. Get it...or gift it! It'd make a wonderful holiday or hostess gift. If you bought the mag from the newsstands, you'd pay $4.50 per issue. Let me do the math (insert cash register sounds). That comes up to $108...!!!

You can't walk away from this nearly 80% savings!

Get over there. Now.

Have a great weekend. And never say that I've not done anything for you. LOL!

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

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?

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

How Does A Broke Socialite Spend Wisely?

We should at least begin the week with good intentions, right?

Of course we should! I couldn't possibly ask you to turn down every deal or treat to yourself but do consider this tip:

How A Broke Socialite Spends Wisely:

Use online tools that your bank offers. For example, Wells Fargo’s My Spending Report with BudgetWatch lets you see where your money’s going and where you can cut back. The $40 you spend monthly for gas and electric? Probably not worth cutting back on, especially in winter. The $70 you spend monthly for a daily latte? Yep, $3.50 a day adds up to that Marc Jacobs bag you’ve been drooling over.

Where do you think you might trim your spending?

This tip has been provided by Wells Fargo.

My Dress Came Today!!!

Last Friday afternoon, the divine Miss Pink Slip sent me the link to this fabulous dress! It is waaaaay, waaaaay budget-friendly and it fits so beautifully. I will be switching out the self-belt for a cheetah print one. I'll also rock a neck full of baubles and these (I told y'all that I have to add them to my wardrobe). During the season's transition, I think I'll cover my arms (as I am not as confident as the First Lady) with a light-weighted cardigan (I'm thinking yellow or lilac...I heart color).

I'll need a bit of tailoring under the arms (yay!) but it's lined, very well-constructed and sooooo me!

Tip: don't forget about the home shopping networks (and their interest free flex plans)!

Budget (But Delish) Wine: Pinot Evil

Last week, Miss B from Blah, Blah, Blog recommended this pinot noir. I'm a sucker for the label so I thought I'd share! Google it for more reviews but at $6, I hear it's decent.

TBS Quits!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No...not really. As much as I think that I can stretch a dollar, I have been trumped by Leon Logothetsis...this guy traveled the world on $5 per day.

OK, maybe not. Begging/hitch hiking is not tres chic.

Could you live on $5 a day?

Photo credit: New York Times

A TBS Flower Arrangement On A Budget!

When I threw the dessert soiree a couple of weeks ago, I was on a budget. After I'd purchased the desserts and libations, I only had about $8 left for a flower arrangement. Each of us has our own personal touches and fresh flowers so happen to be mine.

If you don't have a signature touch whilst entertaining, think about what you do well and which element inspires you most.

So I arrived at the market around 10 AM, just before it got too busy and as the florist was looking to liquidate some bouquets that needed a little TLC. I found two bouquets for $2.50 each. I, of course, stuck to my budgetary guns and snatched up a seemingly hideous bouquet of white daisies and mums and red carnations (ummmmm...yuck!) and some additional fillers.

How was I going to pull this off? After some thought, I decided to remove all of the colors and pare down to a lovely bouquet of white and green in a faux bois ceramic container (purchased for $2 at a designer's liquidation sale).

What is your personal touch when entertaining?

For The Brides Amongst Us: From Filene's Basement

Check out Filene's Basement for more details. Feel free to forward to anyone who might be getting married soon!

Also, even if you're not in the market for a wedding dress, you should sign up for Filene's e-mail notifications. They send great coupons!

Menu Planning For 2009

I am guilty as charged!

I rarely plan for meals in a formal fashion but know that I need to do so much better. I know the drill: it maximizes groceries and, ultimately, saves money. I did a bit of research to find menu-planning tools and thought it'd come in handy to those who are menu-planning -challenged like me.

Check out the following resources:

The Six O'Clock Scramble

Meal Mixer

Saving Dinner

Dinner Planner

Efficient Dinner Prep Tips

Do you formally plan your menus? If not, why? If you do, any tips to share?

5 Tips for Grabbing Last Minute Holiday Shopping Deals

The stockings may be hung and the tree decorated, but not everyone is ready to sit back and enjoy the eggnog. Some of us still need to hit the malls and buy presents. But shopping procrastinators are in luck this year--retailers are offering mega-discounts and sales to those who still have money to spend.

To make sure you're getting the best deal possible, here are five tips to keep in mind, as well as a list of stores with some of the most tempting offers:

Retailers are desperate. With the retail sales forecast weak--TNS Retail Forward estimates sluggish growth of around 2 percent--stores are doing whatever they can to get consumers to open their wallets, and that usually means offering big discounts. Hefty markdowns for Black Friday spurred a short-term jump in spending, and many of those discounts have lingered throughout the entire month of December. That means you have the upper-hand. With retailers willing to do almost anything to win your business, you have room to do a bit of negotiating. Before setting foot in a store, compare prices through websites such as PriceGrabber.com so you know where to go to get the best deal. If you're visiting a boutique or craft market, then you likely have some leeway to ask for a lower price. A simple request, such as, "Can you give me a discount on that?" can lead to $5 off or more. As for the big box stores, Brad Wilson, editor of BradsDeals.com, says more retailers are willing to match their competitors' prices this season. That means consumers who see better deals elsewhere can point out the discrepancy to a store manager and ask for a price match.

Don't forget about last minute online deals. For those who prefer to shop from the comfort of their own homes, a few online retailers are still offering deals for delivery by Christmas. According to DealNews.com, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM and Teleflora can deliver by Christmas Eve if you order by 2 p.m. local time on Christmas Eve--so basically, you can order your bouquet and have it delivered within hours.
Last minute travel gifts are another option; websites such as Travelocity, LastMinuteTravel.com and Expedia feature last minute deals with bigger than usual discounts, so procrastinators can benefit.

But be careful as you click. Fraudsters are prowling websites for credit card numbers and other personal information, so be sure to enter information only on trustworthy websites. Never click on a link embedded in an E-mail or send credit card information over E-mail. When your January credit card statement arrives, check it carefully for any discrepancies. Credit card companies offer protections against fraud as long as it's reported in a timely manner.

For the best deals, check out these retailers:
-- J. Crew is offering 20 percent off through December 24, but it applies to in-store purchases only. That means the stores will be crowded, but you can snag some great deals on J. Crew's colorful winter collection.
-- If you like Lacoste's pastel colors, then you can take advantage of the mark downs on select Polo shirts for men and women. While the classic colors like yellow and blue carry their original $79.50 price tag, Wisteria purple, Storm Cloud blue, and others are on sale for $58.99.
-- The Gap is offering up to 40 percent off, while its sister stores Old Navy and Banana Republic are holding their own sales of up to a whopping 60 percent off.
-- At Target, shoppers can get visit stores to get up to 30 percent discounts--just make sure you check Target's weekly ad in advance.
-- Wal-Mart has put together its list of last-minute gift suggestions with some incredible discounts, including a Garmin GPS device with an mp3 player for $246, marked down from $498.

If you end up running out of time before Christmas, then you can still take advantage of the post-holiday sales through January. And next year, try to plan your shopping list in advance to prevent a crunch as Christmas approaches.

According to Greg Hintz, general manager of Yahoo Shopping, consumers tend to spend more when they wait until the last minute. Plus, he adds, making a shopping list ahead of time reduces the chances of impulse purchases--so that's another goal to add to the 2009 New Year's resolutions list.

U.S.News & World Report, accessed online 12/25/08, Kimberly Palmer.

Any Leftover Holiday Money? Holiday Sales After December 25

The responsible thing for TBS to do would be to tell you to save any leftover holiday cash but the euphoria of the potential post-holiday savings brings me is making me delirious! You've read the reports and seen the stories about how retailers are struggling but slashing costs left and right! If you can do so responsibly (no over-extending yourselves at my behest...no, no), watch how much more deeply prices are cut over the next week.

As not to become overwhelmed and end up with things you do not really need, I encourage you to:

*Establish your budget.

*Conduct a retail intelligence: study the sales papers and websites for the best deals.

*Make a list of the items that you'd like to purchase. Divide the list into two columns: "Need" and "Nice To Have".

*When making your list, consider any holiday decor for 2009 and formal wear such as cocktail dresses...prices will be rock-bottom on those.

*Do not veer from the list; be true to yourself and your budget.

Forbes.com has compiled a list of retailers with some of the best post-holiday deals.

Enjoy!

Will you shop after the holidays?

TBS Coup-of-the-Day: $140 Prints for $5 (And Some Change)

I started this day with the best intentions; unfortunately, it took a weird twist before I could infuse the pep in my step. Nevertheless, I felt a lot better after speaking with Mr TBS and a couple of friends.

But can I tell you what made me feel better? I happened upon 2 nice prints (they're huge: 24" square) at Ballard's Backroom that I thought would look nice with the $50 buffet/sideboard and $50-ish chic antler lamps. I was looking for a pop of color to try in the sea of chocolate wood so I thought I'd try the lovely eye-candy...after all if I didn't like it, it's only $5 (and some change), right?




Originally $69 each, they had been marked down to $10.49 each MINUS a 75% discount from the lowest price. Yes...a great big $2.62 each! Woo hoo. Metallic paisley design, chocolate, eggplant, orange and white rest on a bed of deep teal. Dare I say they look like a million bucks?


What do you think? I LOVE deals like this!



Any good deals for you today?

Coupon Clipping: A Girl After My Own Heart

Do you use coupons?