The Broke Socialite + Martha = Mayhem

Oh yes, that Martha! Can you believe it?

On January 14, I have been invited to participate in The Martha Stewart Show's taping on bloggers and what makes them tick.  My dear friend Ashley of IceMilk Aprons (you must see Ashley's line of heirloom (and stylish) kitchen wear) has orchestrated it all.  When I got the news, I was so speechless that I could barely respond to the email confirming my attendance.  Though I've accepted the lovely reality of it all, I'm STILL overwhelmed and amazed.

My emotions have run the gamut: Are they SURE they want me to come? to What ever will I wear? (with the most energy spent on the latter, for course)

I know all of the details will fall in place and I've sorta figured what I'm going to wear, so I can ease some of the pressure.

As a participant in the show, one of the questions that we had to answer as part of the acceptance of the invitation was "Do you experience any challenge in gardening, cooking or crafts that you'd like to ask Martha about?" Uhhhhhhhhhhhh, yeah! My question for The Big M centers around my ability as a Southern country girl to make the perfect buttermilk biscuits. I can't. My street credibility amongst the rural set is waning.  Hopefully, Martha's staff will choose my quandary for the air. Who knows?

What would YOU ask Martha Stewart about gardening, cooking or crafts if you had the opportunity?

Modern Manners Monday: What Would YOU Do?

A group of friends (some close, some not) has gotten together for a holiday White Elephant gift exchange.

You LOVE these types of gatherings and have spent a great deal of time selecting your gift that falls within the realm of the pre-set $25 budget.

After libations and bites have been served, everyone gathers for the game.

As it turns out, the hostess did not think through the rules of the exchange and chaos has set in.

Rules are being made up as the festivities go on. It's all getting out of hand and your nerves are becoming tattered.

What do YOU do?

The Broke Socialite Does...Sugar Coma!

I am on a sugar high. Seriously. I am nearly bouncing off the walls over here.  Some very wonderful things are happening in The Broke Socialite's world and I've been dying to tell everyone more.

On January 16th, 2010, The Broke Socialite is hosting some of my friends in social media and a few average Joes/JoAnns on a whirlwind tasting tour of some of Atlanta's bakeries, cupcakeries and sweet spots. We'll meet pastry chefs, taste new recipes and enjoy the venues. And there's more!

Joining us on the tour as our Sugar Mama (Grand Marshal) is Helene from Tartelette.  Yes. Wonderful Helene. The Queen of the French macaroon.  She will answer questions about her training as a French pastry chef, blogging, her recipes and lots of stuff in between.

Now you know why I'm so giddy lately.  Planning this wonderful soiree has been so exciting! We've some great tour stops and wonderful sponsors on board.

What I'm pleased to share today is that Yelp Atlanta! has come aboard as a partner. All sorts of fireworks should be going off right now; well, they are in my head.  This has been the most exciting news.  In coming weeks, I look forward to sharing more information about the stops and our sponsors.  Some of the details are still under wraps but do be prepared to be knocked off your feet!

How do I love that Yelp Atlanta is involved? Oh, let me count the ways:

1. Yelp Atlanta's community manager, Kathleen, is simply the coolest. I loved her immediately.
2. Yelp Atlanta has developed a wonderful community and is making strides in social media.
3. Having them on TBS's team gives participants in the tour an opportunity to give feedback to the sweet spots on the tour in real-time. 31 percent of Yelp users go there for restaurant reviews. Win/win, right?

Sugar Coma is the first in a series of swanky soirees.  It's no secret that I LOVE to entertain; so I've decided to take this experience to the masses.  There are many others to follow. I can't wait to share soon.  Registration will open to the public in the next couple of weeks!  If you're in Atlanta, you should definitely join us.

Do YOU utilize Yelp in your city? What's YOUR favorite sweet spot in your town?

He's Baaaaaccckkk: Eddie Ross Is Coming To Atlanta!

It happens almost as frequently as Haley's Comet (or at least it certainly feels that way) but my dear, dear Eddie Ross is blowing back through Atlanta in a few weeks.

Though he's family at The Broke Socialite, let me introduce him to you again. Eddie and his partner, Jaithan, are my BFFs (well...at least in my head) and just as delightful as they come. I first became a fan of Eddie when he was a contestant on BravoTV's "Top Design", further positioning himself as a lifestyle expert whose diverse background (including a stint at Martha Stewart Living. Yes, that Martha.) includes interior styles, catering, floral arts and most everything in between.

Most of you have seen Eddie's blog and enjoy his posts regularly but I'd like to talk about the real Eddie.Our first encounter was a big hug; that says a lot. He's so brilliant and his eye is impeccable.  Though he's recognized throughout the world, he's just a regular guy. Really. That's what I love most. He and Jaithan are hard workers and so very down to earth. I can't say enough good things about them.

What I think I love about Eddie's projects are that most are very budget friendly. This, by far, is my favorite. Whenever I'm telling someone about him, I ALWAYS reference it. The concept (and amount of money NOT spent still blow my mind.)

If you're in Atlanta or remotely nearby, you MUST see them while they are in the city. There are a couple of opportunities to benefit from Eddie's expertise and choosing between the two is like picking a favorite child; so you MUST do both. I've said it; that settles it. Ha!

From Eddie:

"If you live in Atlanta or are planning to visit in January, I'd love to see you! On Saturday the 9th, we're doing the Tea at Two framing workshop, sponsored by Larson-Juhl. Then on Sunday the 10th, I'm leading a flea market shopping trip to Scott's starting at 11:00 am. Admission is $10 for the workshop, but free for bloggers(!); $50 for the flea market. For reservations, email Jaithan(jaithan@eddieross.com). Hurry, though, space is limited! See you in Atlanta, everyone!"

The details for the Atlanta visit are here. I took the tour of Scott's back in June and, I promise you, it's priceless. Another thing I can guarantee is that it WILL sell out.  Eddie and Jaithan work hard to ensure that the experience is intimate.

I'm also pleased to share that Eddie will join me on January 4, 2010 as my first guest of the New Year on my BlogTalk Radio show, Gasp.Swoon.Faint.: Incessant Chatter About Delightful People, Places and Things. Join the Facebook page for updates. I can't wait to dish with Eddie about the things that are taking his breath away.

Please join us for these exciting events in January! It's going to be a good time.

Do you read Eddie's blog? What's YOUR favorite Eddie Ross project?

Photo credit: Eddie Ross

The Broke Socialite Television: A Lovely Reader Needs YOUR Advice!

Last weekend, I attended a delightful baby shower for my dear friend, Aaronica.  One of the shower hostesses, Ori, recognized me and we began to chat about some of the projects that she and her husband are working on, including renovating an older home.

Ori told me about a Broke Socialite-ish problem that she is currently facing. I invited her to share with us via video in hopes that you, The Broke Socialite's readers, might be able to offer a bit of advice. After all, I don't have all of the answers.

Won't you give Ori your feedback after watching the clip?

Good luck to you and your husband, Ori!

Modern Manners Monday: What Would YOU Do?

You have a friend, a really good friend, who is chronically late.

You've been patient as long as you can and have always held your tounge about her...erra...habit.

Your original plan falls through and you ask her to drive you to the airport.

She's late. Again.

So late that you can no longer check your bag.

It's a 5 day trip.

What do you do?

Awwww, Sugah, Sugah...Low Country Luxe Candles: A Great Gift Idea

If you're like me, you are likely still shopping for Christmas gifts. I'm not hasty in my pursuits...I always try to match a gift with the personality of its recipient; so I don't take the shopping lightly. I've seen lots of gift guides on-line and have even seen unique items in stores but few have made an impact on me like Low Country Luxe candles.

Disclaimer: I, The Broke Socialite, am a candle snob. There I said it. Yes. I am OK with it. From Jo Malone to Votivo, I've always appreciated a better candle; even if I had to wait to purchase them on eBay.

There's not enough space for me to write about the eco-friendly (and chic) line from Georgia artisan, Natalie Evans.

First of all, you must see the detail of the candle. The glass holders are substantial and very reminiscent of Cadillac-quality.  The candle itself is soy based and offers a clean burn (See? Didn't I tell you I know my candles?).  Next, the aroma envelopes the air much like a cashmere pashmina does your shoulders.

As a true Southern belle, I love the creativity that reeks all things country coast found in lovely Savannah and Charleston. Doesn't it make you think of sleepy moss trees and mansions?  Check out the background.

"Sugah" from the most recent additions (including "Belle" and "Beau"...how cute, right?) simply tickled my fancy.  What I think I love most is that $3.50 from the purchase of each candle goes to the March of Dimes. How, well, sweet. I know. I can't help it!

Consider gifting "Sugah" (or any of the other delightful candles in the line) and you'll surely warrant a kiss. (Yes. Pun sweetly intended.)

Low Country Luxe can be followed on Facebook and Twitter.

Photo courtesy: Low Country Luxe


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.

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.

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?

The Broke Socialite Loves A TV Dinner

Once again, I've something that I MUST confess.

I, The Broke Socialite, am obsessed with The CW's Gossip Girl.

Am I likely too old? Yes.

Do I care? Absolutely not. I'm of the 90210 generation and this gang satisfies my thirst for trash television. So there.

I love to hate the circuitous storylines and threaten to stop watching it every other week. The problem is that I can't seem to tear away.  Where else can I get my fill of teen angst except from the fictitious brood of Upper East Side-ers (except Vanessa, of course)?  First Nate dated Serena then Blair then Vanessa then (fill in the blank here)...Now Dan and Jenny (due to their father, Rufus', relations with Lily Van der Woodsen, no doubt) have moved up to the de-luxe apartment in the sky-iy-iyyyyyyyyyy.....

Then there's the teenaged be-ascot-ed Chuck Bass, the heir to his deceased father's hotel empire (of course). *swoon*

Your head spinning yet? Gotta love it.

So imagine my delight when I saw this Gossip Girl TV Dinner menu on Epicurious.

Though this spread is quite delightful for mindless television. I think it'll translate to YOUR favorite show or for any occasion for that matter.  I hope you are inspired!

Do you watch Gossip Girl? Which is your favorite character? If you're not watching it, what's your TV candy as of late?

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr. Are You A Cougar?

OK...not the Courtney Cox/Demi Moore type but have you bought into fashion's little peek of animal print here or there? I actually LOVE a pop every now and again.  I am the proud owner of zebra/cheetah/giraffe-tinged shoes, bags and belts.

Check out my friends Suchita and Nyssa as they discuss this season's appropriate (and tasteful) infusion of animal print in a wardrobe. Just a dab will do ya.

Are you wearing animal prints this season? What's your favorite piece?

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?

Modern Manners Monday: What Would YOU Do?

You arrive at an intimate holiday gathering and are greeted by your hostess.

She takes your coat and her hostess gift (of course) and offers you a drink.

"Red wine?", you request.

"Sure", says she, "Is a Pinot Noir OK?"

Your palatte is tickled as you nod and anticipate the stem and its bounty.

She returns and passes your glass.

You lift your glass as a toast to your hostess.

You take a sip and the top of your lip is bumped by a piece of ice.

What do YOU do?

The Broke Socialite's Primer To Surviving Black Friday

Barely past Halloween this year, most major department stores (Macy’s, Dillards, et al) and Big Box retailers (Wal-Mart, Target) have wasted no time with holiday sales commercials. You didn’t notice? You must live under a rock. Some stores have even “leaked” their Black Friday sale items. Remember how you used to wait until Thanksgiving Day? Unprecedented!

The business of Black Friday shopping is serious. Consider these tips if you’ll be heading out:

o Coffee. Stat. Believe me…if you want the best deals, you’ll need to get up early. You might even need to camp out in a line or two at twilight. Coffee is coffee. Plus…it’ll be a few hours before Starbucks opens.

o Your budget. Let your bank account be your guide. Spend within your means. There will still be sales after Black Friday; so take this into consideration. Do think about any online or post-holiday sales that you might want to take advantage of.  Remember that Cyber Monday are a mere three days away.

o Sales circulars in a folder. Organization is key. Take a little bit of time on Thanksgiving night mapping out your route and what you’ll purchase at each store.

o Navigation system.  TomTom, OnStar and MapQuest are a few solutions that are helpful when hopping from store to store.

o An alarm. The name of the game is grabbing what you’ve isolated and moving along to the next spot. Either set your watch or a cell phone.

o Cell phone charger for your car...especially if you don't have a smart phone.  You'll want the flexibility to call back to your command center (read: home) to check on the natives or to ask someone to check a store's website for you.

o Shopping bags.  It's best to bring your own sturdy, re-useable bags. Make it Green Friday in this regard.

o Comfortable shoes. Trust me. This is no time to test your 5-inch heels. You won’t be a happy camper.

o Dress in layers. If you’ll be standing outside before entering a store and it’s a little chilly, no need to turn into a Popsicle. Also, as the day goes on, you might grow warm and prefer the luxury of removing a coat or blazer.

o Water. Hydration is key.

o Snacks. Trail mix, fruit or veggies to nosh before or after lunch. Yes, it will be tempting to wolf down a Cinnabon but is it right? Especially the day after Thanksgiving.

o A Partner In Crime. Being solo takes the fun out of Black Friday, no? You'll need someone to increase your odds for those hard-to-snag items!

o Patience. Enough said.

Follow me on Twitter via @brokesocialite on Friday morning. I, with sidekick in tow, will be out on Black Friday and will chronicle my experience in Cadillac's SRX Crossover and using OnStar's navigation system!  I'll be using #TBSsaves...won't you join me if only virtually?

Will YOU participate in Black Friday shopping this year?

Photo credit: ABC News

Faith. Trust. Pixie Dust. = A Powerful Cocktail

I didn't leak it until the last minute but, as most of you have figured, I spent a few days aboard the Disney Wonder -  one of Disney Cruise Line's finests - last weekend.

Joined by two other Disney Cruise Line Divas, Classy Mommy and The Divine Miss Mommy, I headed down to Cape Canaveral on Thursday afternoon.  From there, we set sail to Nassau, Bahamas and Castaway Cay (Disney's private island).

One of my goals was to enjoy the trip from an adult traveler's perspective.  Normally when you think of Walt Disney World, don't kids come to mind? Of course they do.  But I think you'd be surprised to know that there is a full portfolio of offerings for adults to enjoy whether or not children are in their parties.  As we embarked the cruise liner, I was amazed to see girlfriend groups, honeymooners, retirees...with no little ones.

As we prepare Gareth to transition on to college, Mr TBS and I will have a little more time on our hands and we've decided to travel a bit.  If you'll remember, we'll be headed to Paris on a budget next year to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. But I've digressed...

Truth be told, I'm still a bit too overwhelmed to truly do this post any justice (I just returned on Sunday afternoon).  My senses are still overwhelmed: the service, the accomodations, the victuals, the entertainment...the experience.

So this will be the first in a series of posts. I'll review each element of experience (and even include a few pictures) over the course of the next week but what I can say is that I was remarkably moved by a couple of the performances in the Walt Disney Theater during the cruise.

I can not get "faith, trust and pixie dust"...Peter Pan's formula for pursuing dreams...out of my head to save my life.

I promise. I'll talk state rooms and price points in the next installation. Pinkie swear.


Photo credit: Walt Disney Company

Modern Manners Monday: What Would You Do?

You're out shopping with a friend.

For Pete's sake, she can't manage to use her "inside" voice.  She's talking at the top of her lungs about everything from work to her new favorite cocktail.

Other shoppers are beginning to glance your way; it's obvious that they are appalled that she's having a conversation nearly at the top of her lungs.

What do you do?

Bon Voyage from The Broke Socialite!

I'm A Rockette...

...in my head; but a Rockette nonetheless.

Last night, I had an opportunity to see The Rockettes at The Fox Theater in Atlanta.  It turned into a girls' night out with 8 of us giggling at Santa, fawning over the Rockettes' costumes and their every high-kick and enjoying the dancing poinsettias, bears and mice.

I don't know about you, but I'd never seen The Rockettes' Christmas production.  You really couldn't tell the difference between me and the legions of kids in the audience when it came to sheer amazement.  "Wow!" is certainly an understatement.

This year's show, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, in Atlanta is sponsored by the AFLAC Cancer Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA).  Prior to the kickoff of the show, one of the chairs of this installment of the event series mentioned that CHOA cares for nearly 275,000 children each year. Now that deserves a superlative! My younger sister spent a great deal of time within this hospital system when she was a child as she suffers with sickle cell anemia, a hereditary blood disorder. This, of course, made attending last night's show that much more special.

Tonight's festivities reminds me that going to the theater, whether it be a national tour or a local production, is a budget-friendly option for entertainment.  We popped into Churchill Grounds for a post-show toast and then we were on our way. Home before 11 PM.

When was the last time you went to the theater? What'd you see?

Photo credit: Radio City Entertainment

For Anissa, Too...

From The Broke Socialite: The post below is a reprint from the ladies at Aiming Low blog. Our mutual friend, Anissa Mayhew, a fellow blogger (that's her on the left), suffered a stroke last evening. Versus writing a lifestyle-centric post today, I was led to bring awareness to this unfortunate situation.  If you are inclined to pray, please do so. There is also information to assist Anissa's family (which recently moved here to Atlanta).  Anissa and I were scheduled to be together (tonight at The Rockettes show at The Fox here in town and this weekend on a bloggers Disney cruise) for the next few days and I'm certainly going to miss her. My faith, though, has me know that she's going to be alright. I'll miss you, Anissa but will (gasp!) take a photo of me in my bathing suit in your honor. (But you know I'll be wearing a sarong, right?)

From the Aiming Low Team (below):
As you may have heard, Anissa, our beloved friend and leader here at Aiming Low, suffered a stroke on Tuesday afternoon. She is in the hospital right now, in the ICU.

More than anything, Anissa needs your prayers and positive thoughts but to the many people in the Atlanta area who have offered help to the Mayhew family, we have set up a form for you to fill out so we can have everyone’s contact info in one place (please be assured your information will be kept private).

Things that would be helpful right now are gift cards to restaurants and gift cards to the movies or to Blockbuster (to help keep the kids’ occupied) and gas/hotel gift cards for her extended family. We will be setting up a PO Box on Wednesday and posting the address here along with any updates. Please don’t send anything to the hospital or the Mayhew home. If you have questions, please email helpforanissa@gmail.com

We ask that you please respect the Mayhew family’s privacy by NOT calling the hospital and we thank you all SO MUCH for your outpouring of love and support for Anissa and her family.

With thanks and love,
The Aiming Low Team

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?

Welcome To Gasp.Swoon.Faint.! It's Our FIRST Episode...

Welcome To Gasp.Swoon.Faint.! It's Our FIRST Episode...

Modern Manners Monday: What Would You Do?

A group of ten girlfriends gather on a monthly basis for a Girls' Night Out.  Everyone has been friends for at least a decade.

The gatherings mostly rotate from home to home.

To curtail costs, everyone is asked to bring a casserole or dish each month and contribute to a kitty for adult beverages; however, without fail, a couple of the friends complain each month about contributing a dish. One says she just doesn't have time and the other detests cooking.  Fine.

After much circuitous email, they each say that they will contribute money for the cocktails but "may or may not" bring a dish.

You are the hostess.

What do you do?

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?

Gasp.Swoon.Faint.: A New TBS Project

I've been teasing everyone over the past couple of weeks about a remarkable new project that I've been working on.  Though I've just had a soft launch of the concept, I thought it time for the BIG reveal.

Beginning Monday, November 16 at 7 PM EST, The Broke Socialite will add BlogTalk Radio hostess to her resume (this is where you clap, OK?)...and I could not be more excited.

Enter Gasp.Swoon.Faint.  It's a talk show about people, places and things that have the tendency to take your breath away.  Get it?  I've met so many remarkable folks and encountered so many lovely what-nots/concepts in the blogosphere (and Twittersphere) that I wanted to tell the world about them.  I've coupled my gift of gab with my love of people and stuff: Taaaaaaadaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!

My first guest is a surprise for now.  The hints I've given thus far are: The First Lady. Fashion. White House. Oh, it's a doozy.  You'll have to listen to find out. No strategic "leaks" here.

Please follow the show on Facebook and Twitter.  Here's the link to the show!

What's making you Gasp.Swoon.Faint. these days? You never know...it could end up on the show!