The Broke Socialite's Primer To New Year's Day Brunch On A Budget

If you're anything like TBS, you're still trying to figure out what I'll do on New Year's Eve. While uncertainty looms on the New Year's Eve front, one of the things that I enjoy most during the holiday season is preparing a New Year's Day Brunch for family and friends.

Even if you have other plans, you should always be equipped with some ideas for a budget brunch!

When planning your brunch, do remember that your guests will likely be recovering from celebratory New Year's eve, so start around 11 AM. Stress that passes will be issued for tardiness; this encourages folk to drop in at their leisure (do however set a firm soiree end time).

Set the ambiance: jazz in one room while college football bowl games are offered in another can be just the right backdrop. If you can get them in enough time, fill a huge bowl with fortune cookies (maybe check with a local Chinese restaurant)---this is a built-in icebreaker.

Upon arrival their arrival, be prepared to issue either a mimosa, a very strong cup of coffee or a tall bloody mary to your guests. Mini ham biscuits or cheesestraws are great for quick bites. Do also consider a basket of mini-muffins.

Your main menu should be effortless: a mixed fruit salad, a frittata or egg casserole and hashbrowns (or even a green salad) will suffice. Do also consider dishes that you can prepare the night before such as baked french toast.

A dessert platter will top off the festivities nicely. Cookies and brownies will comfort everyone as they head home for a nap and before they begin to consider their supper of collard greens, black-eyed peas, et al.

What's on your New Year's Day menu?

Sweet Kudos From TBS's Mailbox...Thanks Diva527

Y'all,

I got the sweetest note from Diva527 yesterday! Please see below...

Diva527 has left a new comment on your post "Tailgate Chic: The Wardrobe Essentials":

**de-lurking for this** THANKS! For the overstock.com recommendation. I had been looking for Hunter wellies on zappos.com for almost double the price I paid on overstock.

Awwwww....I'm always glad to help and feel so good when my tips convert this well. Yayyyy!

Thanks for reading, Diva527. Many hugs to you and enjoy those Hunter boots.

Anyone else looking for anything special? TBS is happy to lend her help. If so, shoot me an email.

Cafe Au Lait: If You Haven't, You Certainly Must

IMO, one of life's simplest pleasures is a piping hot cafe au lait.

I'm not sure how my rurally-bred self was first exposed to the delicacy. My maternal grandmother used to drink instant Maxwell House, I wasn't allowed to drink coffee until I was an adult (and I opted for International House's Suisse Mocha) and when I lived in Seattle in my early 20s, I was damned to limiting my coffee intake because I was afraid to stain my clear ceramic braces. Oh, that was torture.

As best as I can recollect, my first swig came when I visited New Orleans in May 2005. Bourbon Street, great cuisine, beautiful homes....yeah, I loved all of those things but I most remember becoming infatuated with the cafe au lait.

Here's a recipe. Try it if you've not before. Take your time. Don't rush it.

What's your fave coffee drink?

Tailgating 101…The Guide To A Swanky Spread!

Into everyone's life, the occasional sporting event surely falls. Who said you can't be fab and tailgate? Yesterday, we talked about your chic tailgating wardrobe; today, we tackle entertaining, food and beverage!

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


The Fabulous Tailgate Tool-Kit

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

Chic and Budget-Friendly Tailgating Menu Ideas

Brunch:

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

Lunch:

*Homemade Pimento Cheese on Sourdough Bread, Chips, and Olives served with Lemonade Beer (simply 1/2 beer to equal part pre-made lemonade)

*Grilled Salmon on Wheat Buns, Baked Sweet Potato Wedges (made at home) and Coleslaw (made at home) served with Peach Iced Tea

Dinner:

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

A Sweet Tooth Tray - cookies, cookie bars, brownies, cupcakes

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

Tailgating Etiquette

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

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

Tailgate Chic: The Wardrobe Essentials

Though we're still in the dog days of summer, football is in the air...can't you smell it? How could you not? The Broke Socialite absolutely LIVES for this time of the year! Pigskin, beer, friends and tailgating just tickle my fancy. I look at tailgating as an opportunity to picnic creatively.



There are a few elements to the perfect tailgate experience: food, beverages, the elements/ambiance and, yes, wardrobe! Because you might need to budget and it's likely the more pricey of them all, let's start with wardrobe (*happy dance, happy dance*).



Truth be told, it's time to move beyond wearing jerseys and sneakers when tailgating *clutching my virtual pearls* Stop your bellyaching! There are tons of ways to exhibit team spirit without looking like SpongeBob when wearing a mesh...ahem...shirt (if that's what you'd like to call it).

Having said that all, TBS is to the rescue. You no longer have to fret about how to be 'tailgate chic'. For maximum comfort and an effortless look, add the following pieces to your wardrobe:

1. A pair of great jeans: as we've all learned, it doesn't matter how much you spend on jeans, just make certain that you look and feel your best in them.
2. A pair of chinos (full-length or cropped): See rationale in #1.
3. Layering tanks and tees: Pick up a couple of different sleeve lengths to accomodate the change in seasons.
4. A wonderful, tailored lightweight jacket: Grab a one in denim and another in khaki. You can find great ones in Target, Wal-Mart, Gap, et al. I've even noticed nicely tailored blazers in TJ Maxx and Marshall's.
5. A layering vest: Only if you're the "vest" type (TBS certainly has been on occasion).
6. A white collared shirt: Tip...ask the dry cleaner to starch the collar 'up' (thanks, Monica. That suggestion changed my life).
7. A pair of Wellies: Be sure to check sites suck as Overstock.com. You can find Hunter Wellies there for more than 50% off.
8. A lightweight sweater or cardigan: For early morning or late evening socializing.
9. A pair of ballet flats or driving loafers with nice cushioning: Do ensure that your shoes will enable walking and standing for long blocks of time.
10. A cross body purse: No fanny packs, please. You'll need something to hold your ID, keys, lipgloss, business/calling cards (for networking with other alumni), cell phone and camera.

Rah, rah! Shish, boom, bah! You're all set!!!

Do YOU tailgate? What do you normally wear?

Ode To The Driving Moc: How Do I LOVE Thee?

My dear driving moc

How many ways do I love thee?

I believe I shall count the ways...

I love you with the perfect pair of jeans

With cropped pants even.

I love you when driving in stilettos

Would be brutal on my ankles....

If I've said it once, I've said it twice, the driving moc is so essential to the wardrobe. I am always on the prowl for a pair. Though I do have a couple of pairs in my repertoire, I thought I'd add to my collection. After all football season is coming up and it's muy importante to be athletically-chic, right?

I found the pair above at Overstock.com. Aren't they fabulous?! They should arrive any day now and I simply can't wait. What is the most glorious about them? Ummmmm...they were $39 including tax and shipping! YESSIR!!!

Did I say how much I LOVE Overstock? If you've never shopped there, you're really missing out. You can almost, always Google a coupon code, too. Follow them on Twitter via @overstock for some of the best deals.

What does your FLATS game look like? Driving mocs? Other Loafers? Ballet flats?

Need Picnic Ideas: The Minimalist To The Rescue...Again

With outdoor concerts, family outings and other fresh air opportunities, it's always a great idea to consider bringing your own picnic to cut corners and save money.

The Minimalist has made it easier for us all with '101 Dishes for Inspired Picnics'.

Bon appetit!

Have you enjoyed a picnic this season?

The Minimalist Does It Agains: 101 Salad Recipes

Who wants to eat loads of heavy food in the heat of the summer? Certainly not I. Mr TBS stumbled upon one of The Minimalist's latest musings, '101 Simple Salads For The Seasons', over the weekend in The New York Times. 101 salads? The boredom of just regular old greens are over! Whether preparing a variety of these salads for yourself or a soiree, this list of recipes should be eternally filed in your recipe boxes.

What's YOUR favorite salad?

A Guide to Buying Wardrobe Essentials

A Guide to Buying Wardrobe Essentials

How To Build A St John Wardrobe On A Budget

One of my favorite people in the whole wide world is this fabulous lady, TravelDiva! Not only is she beautiful but I love her smarts (she's a West Point grad, y'all), candor (don't hang with her if you don't want the truth) and style. I love her style because she's one of the very few modern ladies I know, who does St John right!

I immediately thought of her when I was visiting Luxe Redux today. Do check out my dear Robin's suggestions on building a St John wardrobe on a budget. Mwah, Robin!

I can now be like TravelDiva when I grow up!

Are you a St John fan? Any secrets for saving on the collection?

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?

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?

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?

Wooden Hangers, Please.

I spent a little time on Sunday afternoon exchanging my winter wardrobe with some more transitional pieces for spring. First of all...gasp!...my closet is a mess but that's another post for a different day. TBS is evolving and trying to do better so I'd like to share my epiphany: NO MORE WIRE HANGERS! Yes...I've evoked my inner Joan Crawford!

True style isn't only about clothes. It's about how clothes are organized, stored and maintained. Most of us aren't in a position to overhaul our closets and install an expensive organization system, so there is a more budget-friendly way to take care of our wardrobes: wood hangers.

There are 2 basic types: the tapered version for shirts, blouses and jackets and it's sister version with clips for trousers and skirts.

The basic blonde wood hanger runs about $5. Of course, more expensive versions are available in cherry and mahogany. Whatever the price, they add life to your wardrobe. Invest in 10 at a time for a few months and within a short quarter, you'll have another way to treat your clothes better.

Try the following resources for wood hangers:

• *Ikea's version starts as low as $1.99.

• *Target, of course, is always an option. Thirty hangers for $20...you do the math!

• *You might also consider stores that are going out of business and are looking to liquidate wood hangers.

Do you ALWAYS use wooden hangers? Are you guilty of using the flimsy, wire hangers from the dry cleaners? How is YOUR closet looking these days?

From Bloomacious: Saving Electricity At Your Home

The lovely Carrie at Bloomacious posted a very good article about saving on electricity at home.

Every little bit helps, right?

What do YOU do to save on utilities?

Easter Centerpieces/Favors On A Budget From Dear Reader, CreoleInDC

If you're looking for great centerpiece ideas this weekend, TBS has you covered. Dear reader, CreoleInDC, eliminated our leg work and created a budget friendly centerpiece that will also double as favors for her dinner party guests. LOVE her (and want to be like her when I grow up)!

What is YOUR favorite centerpiece idea?

It's Nearly The Weekend, Baby!

This has been a long week...and it's merely Wednesday, right?!

Well, I can't wait until Saturday evening when Gareth is off to the prom and Mr TBS and I can sit back and enjoy a few cocktails. One of the things that I enjoy is listening to some nice tunes whilst sipping my libations. The weather is supposed to be nice (75 degrees or so, I think) and we might partake of our drinks al fresco.

I was recently reading the March issue of House Beautiful and came across a list of cocktail tunes as chosen by musicians and bartenders alike. How cool, huh? I thought you might like it as inspiration and preparation for the weekend.

Here's the link. I hope you enjoy.

For good measure, I've also included some cocktail hour planning tips.

What's YOUR favorite cocktail hour song? Mine is "Mr Magic" by Grover Washington, Jr. Oh, so smooth.

Keep Pineapples and Peaches In Your Pantry: Hear Me Out!

Occasionally, we've chatted about the well-stocked pantry here at TBS's lair. These are key items that make it easy for us to pull together a quick meal for our families or entertain at the drop of a hat.

My dear friend, Kate, for example, swears that you should always, always, always keep a container of Trader Joes' Fresh Salsa. The lovely Shannon swears by Trader Joes' Hummus. Neither is expensive but each tickles our palattes like a million bucks.

Well...I discovered a wonderful non-perishable at Wal-Mart this weekend: Sam's Peach Pineapple Chipotle Salsa. Oh. My. Goodness! I picked up a jar on Sunday afternoon on a whim. I thought it'd be a great snack before supper later in the evening. Can I say that it is a hit?! Though I enjoyed it with Baked Lay's Tortilla Scoops, I began to think of all of the possibilities besides dipping! It would make grilled chicken breasts divine. It'd also be lovely atop a salad of field greens, avocados, bell peppers! Ah....I love it! I can't wait to get another jar or two.

Ummm...did I mention that it's $1.89?! Enough said. Get some.

What is YOUR "I Always Have (Blank) In My Pantry" Staple?

SWITCH! Time For White Wine: All Under $20

With the dawn of Spring, it's now time to prepare our palettes to more light and exciting wines. Our dear friends at bon appetit have pulled together an inventory of budget white wines which all ring up for $20 or less...LOVE them, huh?

What's your favorite bottle of white?

Photo credit: bonappetit.com

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