I Get By With A Little Help...

Fabulous lamp, isn't it?

Well...I wasn't convinced I needed it. Only $40, the twinkle in my eye was drawn to it but I couldn't justify my taking the plunge.  It was my "style" (Check.) and could be easily married in my office project or in our family room. Then I talked myself out of it. Blech. The white lampshade (and that dreadful plastic which covered it) threw me off.

I picked up my phone and called my sister from another mama, Annette. I sent her a quick text of this photo and the possibilities unleashed.  What about covering the shade in a deep burlap or a charcoal gray?, she insisted suggested. The lamps were BORN (and I grabbed 'em).  Thank goodness for friends; especially friends who are celebrity stylists, right? Ha!

What type of shopper are you? Confident in your decisions? Or do you sometimes need a little nudge?

One Of The Reasons I Do What I Do...

Congratulations to my dear, dear friends over at MamaLaw for building their empire! I love y'all!

Thanks, Ronnie and Lamar, for capturing what's been in our hearts for so long.

This. That. The Other.

Happy Friday, everyone!

I hope you've had a great week.  Mine has been a bit stressful but when all of the dust settled, I find myself breathing a bit easier.

As we coast into another summer weekend (trust me...we'd better enjoy them because we'll be talking about December holidays before we know it), I wanted to share a couple of things with you.

First of all, I am honored to share that Parenting magazine has named The Broke Socialite to its list of Favorite Mommy Bloggers for 2010.  Truth be told, I was taken a little off guard because...well...I do not consider myself a Mommy Blogger.  As a stepmother, The Boy (who is off to college next week...can you believe it?) made the occasional appearance over here but it is rare that I chronicle that aspect of my life. I've always admired Mommy Bloggers and how they've organized and aligned.  I'm grateful for the honor, nonetheless, and I accept it on behalf of all of the STEPmommy bloggers far and wide.

It has been my pleasure to present a series of foodie tours in multiple markets throughout the country this summer.  There is one that is near and dear to my heart that I wanted to share with everyone.  On August 28th, The Broke Socialite will host a tour for my friends who eat Gluten Free.  We'll tour restaurants in Atlanta that offer Gluten Free menus.  I got so many email from people who said they wanted to participate but their dadblasted celiac disease kept them way.  I was happy to offer a tour of this type.  We'll shuttle about the city tasting items from some of Atlanta's best restaurants and engage with their chefs.  I, for one, can not wait.  If you know someone who might be interested, here's the link to the tickets.

Finally, I've been writing a lot recently.  Along with writing sometimes comes its worrisome cousin, writer's block.  When that happens, I whip out one of my theme songs that gets me going.  Lately, I've been playing a lot of "Just Fine" by Mary J Blige.  It gets my mojo flowing and my feet tapping.  I've always felt that it's important to have a soundtrack to my life.  This song is definitely one of my favorites so I'll leave you with it.

What is the theme song to YOUR life?

What Shall You Take To The Beach? A Primer To "Doing" Martha's Vineyard Or Any Shore!

Unfortunately, I've been working so much this summer that I've not QUITE made it to a beach yet. Note to self: rectify that soon.


If I can't have fun yet, my friends certainly should (but damn them for going without me).


One of my favorite bloggers and all around most stylish peeps has been at Martha's Vineyard for the past week.  In preparation for her trip she wrote a delightful post about the things that you musn't be without when traveling there.  I contend that you can utilize this list over the next month as you squeeze in that laaasssstttt trip to the beach.

Meet the dear Kalyn Johnson. You'll learn more about her here soon but she writes a delightful blog called Possess Your Style.  She is, hands down, one of my favorite people ever.

Check out her beach-centric recommendations here.

What's YOUR must have for the beach?

Empire Building 101: The Remix

I hope that it's clear.

I'm having a blast as a blogger, social media enthusiast, brand builder, Chief Lifestyle Office and Empire Builder.  I can not imagine being happier.  Each morning, I rise to the day's possibilities and get to create things: concepts, ideas, events...I'm giddy just thinking about it.

So often I'm asked about my experience as a blogger and brand builder. It's been nearly four and a half years of working a full-time job and burning the midnight oil as I would come home from work each evening and work on The Broke Socialite interests for hours on end.  My friends would ask (and still do): When do you sleep? Well...I don't but that's another matter! Ha!

One of the critical elements of building my empire has been monetizing my brand.  While most will tip toe around the need to profit from passion, I am not ashamed to say that I've been able to do it and want to help other folks do it to.  I have been able to find my voice in the social media realm and if I can do it, so can you.

A couple of weeks ago, I conducted the first in a series of empire building webinars.  It was an absolute smash! Having been in corporate educator in my prior life, it was like "home".  Here are a couple of quotes from Empire Building 101 students:


"The class was excellent! If you want to learn from the best, take this course! " - Tamara via Twitter


If you're interested in monetizing your passion and need a little nudge, won't you join me? Don't know where you should go with your blog, empire or online business? My tips and tricks are applicable to most all lifestyle brands. Invest in yourself; you'll be glad you did.  The link to registration is here.

For TBS readers, use the discount code TBS for a $20 savings through July 13.

Hope to see you there!

I'm Giddy Today!

One of the perks of my job...remember, this is a job for me now...is meeting some of the world's most fabulous people.  Today, I get to exercise that privilege and I'm so excited that I can barely hide it.

For nearly a year and a half, I've been following and chatting with one of the most dynamic women in style, fashion and retail on Twitter.  I'm not really sure how we connected but when we did, I felt like she was a sister from another mother.  We ragged on reality shows together virtually and she taunted me with pictures of The Empire State building ('cause she lives in NYC, you know).  I got tickled when she'd appear as an expert on CNBC or Fox because surely the night before we'd just been talking about something waaaayyy less serious (like the tacky Real Housewives of Wherever) that the latest retail numbers.

Meet my friend Hitha Prabhakar!  Isn't she adorable? As it turns out, we're meeting up for a cocktail tonight.  She has to be one of the hardest working women in the fashion industry.  I admire her chutzpah and her charm.  Keep up with her blog here.  As I am The BROKE Socialite, I can only utilize her blog for inspiration. For now.

Have you met anyone from the social media dealings lately? How? Who? Isn't it the best?

Modern Manners-ish FRIDAY: What Would YOU Do?

Due to this week's holiday, our regular installment of Modern Manners Monday got a tad off schedule.

Who says I can't make it Modern Manners-ish Friday to make up for it today?

My dear friend, Tiffany In Houston, posted this question on Twitter last afternoon and it begs me to wonder what you think about it?

"Should an intern at a prominent law firm carry a Birkin bag to work?"

Won't you weigh in? This should be fun!

About Last Night: The Broke Socialite's Empire Building Celebration

Wisdom Martini from Mansion on Peachtree

Yummy Quesadillas from Mansion on Peachtree (everyone said so!)

The New TBS Team (Interns Brittany (l) and Maggie (r))

I had the most remarkable time last night!  So many people from the blogosphere (and the real world) came out to my celebration that I was brought to tears.  Mingling with the people who I've become friends with on Twitter and Facebook was really something special.  To share in this milestone in my life with so many who are brilliant, fun, encouraging and supportive made the occasion that much more lovely.

We had the most wonderful time at Mansion on Peachtree.  Miller Jackson and her team really rolled out the red carpet. In true TBS fashion, a free appetizer and a Wisdom Martini (vodka, lemon, blackberries and lavendar) was only $10.  Did I mention this included valet parking? The team's hospitality was unparalleled.  I just wanted to hug everyone on staff a million times over.

As you may have noticed, I've a new coif.  Tah-daaaahhhhhhhhh. Yep. On Monday afternoon, I took the plunge and whacked the little bit of hair away.  Though I didn't think much of it at the time, methinks it was symbolic. Out with the old and on to a fabulous new time in my life. I'm actually digging the 'do.

I also read an excerpt from my novella, Instantly!: How Quickly I Realized I Hate My Job,to the group of thirty or so and they seemed to like it.  I am becoming more excited about it each day and look forward to it hitting shelves in Fall 2010.

Finally, I'd like you to meet my new team! Everyone should wave at my interns Brittany and Maggie.  These two made the cut above the legions.  Each is dynamic, smart and hardworking.  Their first day on the job is next Monday.  It was so great to have them come out and celebrate with me.

I thank everyone who came and those of you who supported me virtually.  Here's to becoming the Chief Lifestyle Officer of my own empire! Cheers!

A special thanks to Nyssa and Nicole from The Greenroom Agency for making my make-up look pretty (despite my grumbling)!

The Broke Socialite Does...Sugar Coma Redux! Recap

Without fail, last weekend was a remarkable one.  I'm still reeling myself from the litany of emotions associated with the remarkable success of the latest installation in my tour series, Sugar Coma Redux!

We had remarkable sponsors, great attendees and a good time all around.  I'm always a sucker for meeting new people.  Truth be told (and I think I've said this before), I'm painfully shy but I really find myself in my element when I have an opportunity to really hang with good people.  It was also cool to see a group of veterans from our first tour back in January; they truly feel like family now.

I could opine all day about the tours but some of the attendees did dynamic jobs of capturing their experiences; so I thought I'd give them a little link love! Do enjoy!

Tickets have gone on sale for my next series of swanky soirees:

• June 12 - Sugar Coma OTP (read: Outside The Perimeter aka The Northern Suburbs of Atlanta)
• June 19 - Freeze! (all things frozen and delightful)
• June 26 - Graze! (small plates and cocktails)

All of the June events are in the Atlanta area but turn that frown upside down if you don't live here! I'm hitting the road beginning in July! We've already inked Sugar Comas in Savannah, Charleston, Baltimore and DC! Conversations are immediately rumbling in Columbia, SC, Chicago, New Orleans, Philadelphia, LA and a few other cities.

Enjoy!

• Mark of LeahAndMark - our exclusive tour photographer - has previewed amazing shots
• You Are What You Eat...Or Reheat
• Mele Cotte
• Eat.Shop.Drink.Love.: Part 1 and Part 2
• The Transient Pod

Photo credit: Mele Cotte/Chris Arpante

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!

One thing I love most about this time of year is the beautiful weddings.  The more people I meet, I've realized how much preparation and planning goes into a wonderful celebration of marriage these days.
When Mr TBS and I married nearly ten years ago, we had a small, intimate morning ceremony followed by a brunch reception with our immediate family and closest friends. I'll never forget it. It was perfect.

To the contrary, I can't help but think about how much less stressful my life would have been if I'd had the benefit of a wedding planner like my new friend, Michelle, of Studio Wed Georgia. She and her staff keep busy with the business of making couples' special days memorable.

If you or someone you know is planning a wedding of a lifetime, do join Studio Wed at it's soiree on Sunday, May 2. It musn't be missed!  Details can be found here.

TBS And Networking: Meh. (But Not This Time!)

Next Monday, I've been asked to sit on a panel for Crave Atlanta's monthly chat and I could not be more excited.  Though most will be surprised to find this out, I am actually painfully shy.  Not so much that it's awkward but I DO have hermit-like tendencies (I know...I must do better).  I'd much rather be home curled up on the sofa watching reality television than totally glammed out for a red-carpet event.

But occasionally, I look forward to getting out and networking. This Crave Atlanta chat is going to be the bees' knees.  Run by local connector and communicator, Laura "Don't Call Me A Publicist" Scholz, Crave is a consortium of women-run businesses and a think tank for the exceptional and brilliant. Trust me when I say that I have been afforded the opportunity to meet so many women through Crave that have literally changed my life!

I'm sitting on a panel that's been dubbed "Secrets of Social Media Superstars" (picture me looking around the room because the balance of them may be stars NOT me).  I'll be joining Katie Birmingham of Noon Midtown, Tucker Berta of Serenbe and Michael Erickson of Fifth Group Restaurants. I can not wait!

If you're in Atlanta, you should definitely join us! If there's a Crave consortium in your market, get involved. Seriously, it's the best.

Do you network? Like it? Hate it? Any tips coping mechanisms to share?

Meet The Mrs.

I don't know who Mrs Lillien is or what her backstory might be but alls I know is that I simply adore her.  She is a genius.

I came upon her blog a couple of months ago. I think my friend, Tami, sent me a link for a pair of sick shoes that the Mrs happened to feature in one of her daily montage musings.

Isn't it remarkable how many talented people that you stumble across in the blogosphere? I can't get enough of the shoes, baubles, fashions and what-nots pulled together by Mrs Lillien.  It was on her blog that I found Elva Fields and now I'm obsessing over her.  This all can be such a onion....one blog leads to another and another and another. I dare not complain.

What blogs do you read for eye candy?

Image credit: Mrs Lillien

Corsages Are ALL The Rage!

As I prepare for Gareth to go to the prom this weekend, i.e. ordering his date's corsage, this reminded me of the beauty of the corsage.

Last year, I was reading one of my favorite blogs, pve, and came upon their recommendation for another blog, emersonmade. emersonmade and their beautiful handmade (from different fabrics) flowers melted my heart. Of course I had to have one.  Over the past six months, I've gotten mixed reactions....some people tease me because the circumference is 9 inches and as nearly big as my head. Others are stopped in their tracks and love it so much that they are tempted to yank it from my collar.  I was thrilled to see that TBS was included in one of emersonmade's photo tributes to their creations and the customers who love them.  Peek in the top left corner and you'll see me.

Are lapel flowers in your wardrobe this season?

The Maven's In Town! The Maven's In Town!

Ronda, Hollis and I

Ronda and Atlanta Bloggers

I had the most delightful Sunday evening.

As it turns out, one of my favorite lifestyle bloggers, Ronda Carman of All The Best Blog, is in Atlanta and hosting a soiree with Sferra, the fine linens company.  I've been following Ronda's blog a couple of years now and it was my pleasure to meet her for dinner on Sunday night at Tom Colicchio's craftbar restaurant here in town.  Ronda, though she's too modest to agree to this, is blogosphere royalty.  She's garnered the attention of everyone from Preston Bailey to Tory Burch.

I've had the pleasure of watching her from the wings and when I think of my sphere of inspiration, she's definitely one of my go-to colleagues; the Fairy Godmother of Lifestyle Blogging even!  What I love most about Ronda is, though she lives in Scotland, she's a country girl at heart.  Originally from Texas, when I finally met her in person, we embraced each other like long lost girlfriends. She is MOST delightful.

If you haven't done so before, please enjoy Ronda's blog.  You'll love it, too.

Finally. January. Eddie.

For nearly a month, I've gotten email asking me when I was going to write about my wonderful January. With Sugar Coma on the brain and all of the logistics associated with making it a successful event, I can honestly say that it's taken me nearly a month to wind down and actually process all of the encounters and blessings from the first month of 2010!

The festivities began on the 4th of January when the delightful Eddie Ross and his partner, Jaithan, joined me on the New Year's edition of my Blog Talk Radio show, Gasp. Swoon. Faint. (and if you haven't joined the Facebook page, click here!). We dished everything from Eddie's stints at Martha Stewart and House Beautiful to NOT karate-chopping throw pillows (I'm still tempted to whack mine down the middle though Eddie says doing so is an atrocity...WHATEVER, Eddie!).  You know, I've grown to love Eddie and Jaithan like brothers. Who cares that they're bloggerati and just won Bloomingdales' Big Window Challenge (I do because I KNEW they could do it!)? They have become "just" Eddie and Jaithan to me. The two happened to be in Atlanta that particular week for a couple of events: their guided tours of Scott's Antique Market and Larson-Juhl (*waving* Hi, Steve, Lynn and Arlynn!) hosted a framing workshop on their lovely campus that featured Eddie and some of his projects.

While they were here, Larson-Juhl hosted a fabulous dinner to welcome Eddie and Jaithan to town. Imagine my surprise when I realized that Eddie's cast mate from Top Design, designer Kerry Howard (a.k.a. "Big Daddy"), would be joining us. Since I dashed out of the house without my camera, the dear Tami was kind enough to let me snatch a couple of her photos. Think we were having fun much?

above - "Big Daddy", Me and Eddie surely laughing at something inappropriate. After much wine.

above - My other boyfriend, Jaithan. Watch out, Eddie...I'm a cougar. Grrrr! (or is it a roar? Maybe I'm a wolf...not a cougar....LOL!) And how about my $5 bib necklace from one of my secret haunts?!

We wrapped up the weekend with the framing workshop, sure enough. Do check out Larson-Juhl's signature project, Artaissance...it's amazing and the price points are wonderful. Betwixt and between cocktails and canapes, we enjoyed a tour of their studio.

I can't say enough about how much I enjoy blogging, the people I've met and the places it's taken me. If I  were forced to give it up right this minute, I'd have soooo many stories to tell my grandchildren. Each day in blogging is a new adventure. When I started this little hobby three years ago based on a charge from a REAL Atlanta socialite when I stumbled in one of her designer tag sales, I had no idea where my passions would take me.

Tuesday. Martha. I promise.

Have a great weekend, y'all!

TBS Cooks Prep School 101's Banana Bread

One of my most recent obsessions is this delightfully fresh blog, Prep School 101. Penned by Jennifer, an arbiter of all things preppy with her own twist, I've had so much fun peeling back the layers.  One of her posts from the weekend struck a chord from me.  She talked about her Sunday rituals and how she's evolved over the past few years.  One of the things she likes to do with her daughter on Sundays is make banana bread. Oh! My mouth began to water.

I decided I'd give her recipe a try! It is sooooooo good.  I very rarely bake from scratch but this was simple and didn't take much time...even on a weeknight.  Next time, I think I'll throw in some walnuts for a bit more texture. 

My banana bread (it MAY look a little meatloaf-ish but it's divine!)

Since I'm participating in the Eat on $30 For A Week Challenge (more details about that tomorrow), this fit right into my budget.

You can find Jennifer's recipe here. Enjoy!

When was the last time you made a dessert from scratch?

I Feel So GILT-y!

If you've not heard of Gilt...the on-line sample sale for women, men, children and home...now consider yourself informed.

Here's the notion:

Invitation Only Shopping
Gilt Groupe provides access, by invitation only, to Men’s, Women’s and Children’s coveted fashion and luxury brands at prices up to 70% off retail. Each sale lasts 36 hours and features hand selected styles from a single designer.
First Come, First Served
All sales take place only on www.gilt.com and our full collection of merchandise is always available at the start of the sale, so be sure to log on early.
Advance Preview
To introduce each brand, our designer bios and reels give you a preview of upcoming sales, must-have pieces and featured designers.

They even have a blog!

Today's sales included Cole Haan, Mrs John L Strong, and Donna Karen....yummy!

Here's your own personal invite from TBS!

Cheesing For Bleubook! A New Blogroll Must

Their tagline reads "Smug, Disdainful, Elitist and Awesome". LOVE IT! What a cacophony of well-chosen words! I think I've found my new best friend. I do believe that I am the Whitney Port (MTV's "The City") to their Olivia Palermo. Though their full-blown site launch is still pending, I've so enjoyed the existing cheeky entries. The wit and brilliance abound.

I was provoked to write a short note to them.

Dear Bleubook,

Will you be my friend?

Please check yes or no.

__Yes

__No

Image Credit: Bleubook.com

The Broke Socialite On The Chatterbox - TODAY at 10 AM EST!

Join one, join all tomorrow at 10 AM EST on The Chatterbox, a fab online radio show!

The ever-so gracious hostess, Christie Crowder, and I will discuss tips on how to throw a delightful New Year's Eve soiree on a budget!

The Chatterbox is a live, interactive experience and TBS had a blast on the holiday budget edition in November.

Doesn't it sound grand?

I'll be there! You should too!

Great Bargains If You're In Atlanta (Or Know Someone Who Is)!

Two of my fave ladies, Dee and Carrie Neal, were kind enough to forward some killer deal details for me to share with everyone. If you are in the Atlanta area, here are a couple of options to add to your shopping repertoire this weekend.

Just The Thing - a quaint boutique chocked full of jewelry, purses, scarves, gifts and the like - is offering their entire inventory at 30-50% off through December 24. Just The Thing is located at 529 Pharr Road; Atlanta, GA 30305.

Thanks, Dee!

And the lovely Carrie Neal has just shared that Victoria's Red Carpet , a boutique specializing in shoes and accessories from Spain, is liquidating its inventory due to the owner's pending move 'cross the pond to Germany. All shoes are currently $50-80 and accessories are 50% off. Check out Carrie Neal's review on Yelp!

Happy Shopping!