If They're Good Enough For Oprah, They're Good Enough For Me!: A Giveaway

Confession: I never really got on the Crocs bandwagon or the legions of lines of knockoffs that appeared on the market to chase them.  I don't know.  First of all, I never found them appealing though Crocs offered several styles: flip flops, wedges, sling backs...you name it.

So you can imagine my immediate *side eye* when I was contacted by Oka B., a collection of spa-centric fashion shoes.  I wasn't thrilled at the notion of trying out "spa" shoes that surely wouldn't be my style.  Then I got a pass at their look book and I began to eat my words.  I was pleased at the variety of styles and found myself longing for my next pedicure so I could test them out.

I opted for the Samantha and the ladies at my nail salon kept teasing me about the substantial baubles on the straps. One even began calling me "Rich Lady" because of the bling.  If nothing else, I'm ostentatious (*clutches virtual pearls) so the three of us got a great kick out of my prancing around in the thong sandals.  I was also surprised to find that the sandals are comfortable.  They've become a pair of my "go-to" errand shoes.  Mr TBS is threatening to pare down my collection of sandals by tossing some out; he'd better not touch these!

Not your typical spa shoes (they can be washed in the dishwasher and are antimicrobial), they were featured in O Magazine recently. Did I mention that the price is right? (Most all are $40 and under) Enough said.

The folks over at Oka B would like to share a pair of the shoes with you!  Here's the catalog.

Leave a comment (you may only enter once) with your preferred style and shoe size by 10 PM EST today and you'll be entered in the drawing.  The winner will be announced on Friday, May 14.  You may also follow Oka B on Twitter and Facebook.

Good luck!

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by The Broke Socialite Media. This blog does not accept any form of cash advertising, sponsorship, or paid topic insertions. However, we will and do accept and keep free products, services, travel, event tickets, and other forms of compensation from companies and organizations

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?

A Wonderful Week in TBSville!

Happy Friday, Lovelies!

It has been a remarkable week for The Broke Socialite. It's as simple as this: each day I am closer to my dreams coming true.  As I revealed yesterday, I've a new BlogTalk Radio Show set to launch in a few days and I'm near hyperventilation based on my level of excitement.

I'd also like to share another TBS project in the works.  As you have learned by reading the blog for the past year, I am the stepmom to a remarkable young man.  When I met his Dad, Gareth was a roly-poly, snaggle-toothed little fella of 7 years. We've learned and grown together for almost a decade and it has mostly been a great experience.  I remember, though, how afraid I was when we tiptoed through the garden of being a little blended family.  There I was: a new wife and trying to figure that out with the responsibility of a child.  There were certainly some pitfalls but many more successes.  When I think about it, there really weren't a lot of resources (oh, believe me...I searched) for a new stepmom.  So now that Gareth is about to transition to the next phase of his life (*tears*) and us to ours. I thought it'd be cool to create an interactive forum for stepmoms (stepdads are welcomed, as well). So...drumroll, please...on December 9 at 9 PM EST, I will launch a weekly live web television show on MomTV entitled, "UnWicked: The Modern StepMom's Guide To Keeping Her Cool".  There will be more information forthcoming over the next few weeks so stay tuned.

Finally, this week, I found that The Broke Socialite received recognition from the Atlanta-Journal Constitution in its 'Best of the Big A' Favorite Local Blogger category.  I was first runner-up in the popular vote and first runner-up in the editors' choice. First of all, peruse the list of finalists...I was in remarkable company but to think that little ol' me was in the midst of this mix, makes me swoon.  Thanks so much to those who nominated me!

I hope you'll continue to enjoy this ride with me.

Do have a great weekend!

Anyone have remarkable plans?

Wine Library TV - Heard of It?

Itching to become more educated about wine? Ummmm....aren't we all? Check out Wine Library TV. This guy, Gary, is all over the place and there's a treasure trove of information. Not sure about pairings? Body? Anything else wine-centric? This is a great stop for research.

Tell Gary The Broke Socialite sent you.

What are YOU sipping on these days?

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?

Riddle Me This?

Are you tired of the recession talk? Budget "this"? Discount "that"?


Or have you simply embraced the "new" normal that is the state of our economy?


Just wondering...

Happy Thursday: A Couple Of Shots From The Photo Shoot

Disclaimer: I absolutely HATE/DETEST/LOATHE taking pictures but since I slipped up and told y'all about the photo shoot, I figured I'd best give you the payoff. So here's one for you: the first official TBS headshot!

Having said all of that, here's a TBS tip: if you are an adult, you should have pictures of yourself. Whether shot professionally or done at home, update your individual pictures at least every two years!

Do you like taking pictures?

What'd You Do This Weekend?

Haaaaapppppy Monday morning to you and yours!

Besides it surely being too short, I so hope you enjoyed your weekend!

Mine was pretty low key with the exception of Sunday's TBS photo shoot. I have a few things in the work and needed some professional photos, so I spent Sunday morning with my dear, dear friend (and hair stylist), Najah of Like The River Salon in Atlanta at a photo shoot.

I wasn't sure how it'd pan out but, actually, it was a great deal of fun. I was admittedly a bit stiff initially but after my "Get It Movin'" playlist began to blast over the salon's sound system, my inner diva was unleashed. I am grateful to Najah, the make-up artist (Yolanda Parrish) and the photographer (Moses Robinson). I can't wait to share the final photos (I should have them by week's end) by week's end.

Here are a couple:

Above - me doing one of the things I hate most: sitting under the hair dryer!

Above - Lights, Camera, Action!

What'd YOU do this weekend?

Thank God It's Friday!

TBS dares you to dance into the weekend!

What's YOUR FAVORITE weekend song?

Happy Friday!

Sooooooo....Pink Is The New Black?

When you're out shopping (budget shopping, of course), do you wear pink?

Apparently (and per the NY Times), pink is the shopper's comfort color! Who knew?

Check out the story here!

What's your favorite color? Do you wear different hues to lift your mood?

Photo credit: The New York Times

Happy Monday!

Welcome, welcome, welcome to a brand new week!

I hope everyone had a great weekend. I enjoyed a much needed break and am glad to be "back"!

Are there any amongst us that scored any great deals over the weekend?

I actually did not shop for a change (trying to do better, y'all)...Go ME!

Make it a wonderful week and I hope you'll look forward to my posts!

What Are YOUR Kids Doing This Summer?

Thank God we are over this stage in parenting. Seriously...you have no idea.

Up until 2 summers ago, Gareth spent each late June-August at Camp Pasquaney in New Hampshire. Entering his senior year, he now spends his summers conditioning for the football season and will soon even be driving himself to campus for daily workouts...WooHoo!!!!! *insert pic here of Mr TBS and me doing the Running Man*

Even though we are out of the camp realm, I remember how grueling it can be to find the right fit for your kid.

I ran across this article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and thought it might be helpful to those of you who might be trying to save while keeping your child active this summer.

Enjoy!

Speechless...

In addition to being a shoe whore, I am a reality shoe junkie....Yeah. No big deal. Very rarely am I rendered speechless except when I saw that LuAnn from Bravo's The Real Housewives of New York City has actually forged ahead with her desire to pimp true etiquette. So she really wrote a book?! 'Tis a joke...she's violated nearly every premise of proper notions besides chewing with her mouth full of food. And that's probably going to happen on next week's episode. This lady is fun to watch and definitely a train wreck waiting to happen.

Which reality shows do you watch?

Photo credit: Class With The Countess

Need Something To Do On March 21?

above (l-r) Wifey's friend, Wanda; Wifey (aren't they darling?)...love the wraps!

One of TBS's dear readers, Wifey, and her crew of girlfriends will be featured on The Travel Channel's Great Cruises series. Set your Tivos and DVRs if you won't be home. As you know, TBS LOVES free entertainment and part of my penchant for the same includes living vicariously through others, if only for an hour!

Wifey has a fab blog or two ; check her out!


When was the last time YOU cruised?

Photo credit: Wifey's House

Raindrops on Roses, Whiskers On Kittens...

What are three of your budget-friendly, favorite things?

Mine are:

1. A $1 parfait from McDonald's
2. A NetFlix Movie With Mr TBS
3. Margaritas made at home

Make it a Remarkable Wednesday!

Welcome To Monday! (Again...)

Good day to you all!

Spill it...

Since I was under the weather, I must live vicariously through all of you.

Did anyone take advantage of any good sales this weekend? Any bargain basement finds?

Have a great day!

TBS Has FLIP-ped Out!

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

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

If I Were A Boutique...

I'd be Social Primer!

Check out style court's review of this new boutique in the City of Angels!

Do also see the Social Primer blog here.

Is there a LA TBS amongst us? Someone needs to swing by here and come back to us with a full report! We need to find out what kinds of inspiration is amongst those 4 walls!