{Living}

DIY French Grain Sack Pillow

DIY french grain sack pillow | www.thebudgetsocialite.com

I have all sorts of obsessions and one of them is with vintage french grain sack pillows. I love the worn look of the once ornate lettering and the earthy fabrics. But, if you know anything about authentic grain sacks, they are pricey – even reproduction can set you back $50 or more. As a DIYer and boaster of ‘Look at what I made’, I figured I need to make this myself. After scouring the Internet for stencils – even those can cost a lot – I found this super easy DIY transfer tutorial using a laserjet copy. For this project, I made a neck roll, but you can use this for anything.

What you’ll need to create your own DIY French grain sack pillow:

french grain sack DIY |  www.thebudgetsocialite.com

  1. Fabric – the tighter the weave, the better your transfer will come out. I used these blue stripe tea towels for $3.99 that I picked up at World Market. You can even use painter’s drop cloth (just wash it first to remove chemicals and smell).
  2. Laserjet copy – if you don’t have a laser printer, you can take it to your local library or office store to make photo copies, just make sure the designs are in reverse (you might have to try different machines as they don’t work on all).
  3. Inner pillow or cotton filling
  4. Paint brush
  5. Clary Sage essential oil (the original DIY called for Citra-solv Natural Cleaner & Degreaser)
  6. Masking or painter’s tape
  7. Iron
  8. Sewing machine or sew by hand
  9. Your design – Graphic’s Fairy has tons to choose from and she even set ups the reverse pdf for you too! This is the one I chose.

How you do it

How to French Grain Sack Pillow  |  www.thebudgetsocialite.com

  1. Print your design on copy paper – contact paper will be too thick.
  2. Place your design face down and tape the edges to secure in place.
  3. Dip your brush in the Clary Sage oil and brush directly onto the copy until you can read the letters clearly.
  4. Using the end of your brush, begin rubbing the paper to transfer the design to your fabric. I like to go in different directions to make sure it’s all rubbed through. But, if you want a more worn look, you can do it more haphazardly.
  5. Remove paper and love your transfer.
  6. Iron on hot (no steam) to evaporate the oil and set the ink to your fabric.
  7. I removed the hems before sewing the edges together.
  8. Put your filler pillow in the pillowcase and tie the edges with string. I literally used whatever I had lying around and cut really close so you can’t see it.

french grain sack pillow diy2006-01-01 13.12.37

That’s it! Are you ready to get your DIY French Grain Sack pillow on? Let us know in the comments.

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Co-founder | Scarlett Rocourt
Scarlett creator of Wonder Curl is a Marketing Maven, DIY Diva & Glamour Girl! Her affinity for style, organization & discount designer shopping makes her a true Budget Socialite. Her flare for creativity allowed her to translate that into a career in marketing.

{Style}

Fashion Find: Floral Dress

T&THey Socialites! Floral dresses are my FAVE when it comes to warmer weather. You couldn’t find a happier print to wear when sauntering the runways of the Fashionista imagination. Ok, maybe I’m a bit dramatic, but you will agree with me when you take a glance at this recent Vintage Fashion Find. This stunning blue floral dress comes in at a whopping $25 (no joke! click here for purchase). And honestly, all I could think of was adding textures and tones to accentuate the ultimate peak of style and flare for this awesome dress.Etsy

I decided to add texture all around by using neutrals in my accessories. Since the dress has a summery feel to it, I thought this ultra chic straw bag from the Gap would be the perfect fit (click here for purchase). Playing off of the bag, I had a BCBG overload when I laid eyes on this cocktail ring (purchase here) and Belt (purchase here), which adds a flow and ease to the outfit, while making a subtle statement. Again, texture can be in your jewelry, as well, like this tassel necklace from BL Boutique (purchase here). And for the “Pièce de résistance”…we offset the subtle and bring in the POW factor of a rich and bold tone. Reds have always, in my book, gone EXCELLENT with blues. That’s why we chose this cutesy Red bow sandal by Paris Hilton (purchase here), because it brings an element of surprise to the table, while delivering a sexiness that will have you feeling like the supermodel you are.

Moral of the story: Florals are a girls best friend, but textures and tones can bring life to your personal style. Happy Findings!

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Contributor | Cadian Carter
As a lover of fashion, Blogger Cadian Carter got her first job working at indie fashion publication, V Magazine. Now she is a freelance writer helping women embrace their own personal style, one fashion find at a time.

{Food & Entertaining}

Lime-Basil Sangria

Lime-basil sangria recipe | www.thebudgetsocialite.com

Spring has officially sprung, and for me this marks the beginning of “Day Drinking Season”. Slamming down a martini mid-day might lead your nearest and dearest to stage an intervention but Sangria… yes, Sangria is perfectly respectable. Sun dress and drinking with your pinky up respectable. And lime-basil sangria is perfectly legit.

Almost a smoothie

Just so you know, sangria is practically a health drink. It’s full of fruit. That’s healthy, right? Wine has antioxidants, which helps your heart. Oxidents damage your cells! That’s right, they mess you up on a cellular level. How scary is that? Protect your cells by drinking sangria*. Bottoms up!

*No scientists were harmed in the making of this statement because none were used. It’s basis is pure conjecture based on the love of sangria and a quick wikipedia search.

Lime-Basil Sangria | www.thebudgetsocialite.com

This sangria recipe features basil, because well… I’m growing basil. It adds just that little special something. If you make this for a party, all your friends will be impressed because who puts basil in sangria? They might even erect a shrine in your honor. It’s that good. On to the  lime-basil sangria recipe!

Lime-basil sangria ingredients | www.thebudgetsocialite.com

The goods

  • ¼ cup water
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • a handful of basil leaves
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 lime, sliced
  • 1 package of blackberries
  • 1 pear sliced
  • 1 handful strawberries, sliced
  • 1 cup rum
  • ½ of a container of limeade from concentrate (can use lemonade)
  • 1 cup of lemon/lime soda
  • 1 bottle of white wine

How we do it

  1. Make a basil simple syrup – In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar over high heat. Let this boil and stir until the sugar is dissolved, and the mixture starts to get thick. Take it off the heat and add the basil leaves. Let this sit for about 20 minutes to cool.
  2. While it cools, cut up your fruit. In a large pitcher, combine your fruit, limeade, and rum. Add the syrup when it’s cool. Stir and let this sit in your fridge overnight so let the fruit get sweet and chock full of liquor. If you can’t wait, then let it sit for only an hour.. Speed racer!
  3. Now, combine your fruity goodness with your wine and soda. Serve and enjoy!

What’s your favorite warm weather drink?  Are you going to give our lime-basil sangria a try? Let us know in the comments.

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Co-founder | Trinidad Pena
Trinidad Pena is a blogger, foodie, and design superhero bent on helping others kick-ass online, world domination and convincing the world that wine belongs in the fruit food group since it’s made from grapes.

{Beauty}

Top 10 Beauty Products Under 10 Bucks – Summer Edition

Top 10 Beauty Products Under 10 Bucks - Summer Edition | www.thebudgetsocialite

Summer is around the corner – temps will rise, heat will swelter, sweat will pour. I’ve rounded out a list of my top 10 beauty picks for the warmer months and they’re all under $10!

{Working clockwise}

Tame that Mane – It’s unavoidable, hair frizzes in the heat. As moisture rises, it’s oh-so necessary to tame your tresses. These are my budget-friendly picks to help you out.

Les Corps – Keep your skin radiant, bronzed, and tight with my favorite body scrub and gradual glow. Note, I’ve confirmed that Jergens HAS changed their formula to leave you smelling less like a bag of  tortilla chips.

Kissable – My go-to summer pout has to be hydrating, lightweight and completely kissable.

Mani – Summer manicures involve lots of colors and change frequently, so when in doubt I like to keep it fresh and nude. The key to an at-home nude mani is perfect cuticles!

Ladylike Lashes – Let’s face it – I love a good lash. While I hate piling on mascara in the summer months, I opt for a full and flirty pair of lashes with a flexible and invisible band if I’m looking for that extra va-voom. For days spent out in the sun, simply toss on a light coat of mascara, nothing fancy pants.

Cheeky Pop – Summer = cream blush. Enough said.

So, what penny pinching drugstore products do you swear by? What are your 10 beauty products under 10? Let us know in the comments.

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Contributor | Lauralai Clymer
Lauralai is a beauty absorbed YouTuber and blogger. She strives to deliver tips, tricks and trends that are both practical and fabulous while being as honest and open as she is with her closest girlfriends.

 

{Food & Entertaining}

Socialite Savvy 101

Hello Socialites!

Spring has sprung, and summer is simmering on the burner!  Nice weather means tons of invitations to sift. Pour a glass of champagne and let’s talk entertaining!

Socialite Savvy - Easy centerpiece designThere’s nothing I love more than hosting a good event. Ever been to an affair and notice something small and special: creative appetizers you’ve never thought of; perhaps an exotic signature cocktail that just HAS to be costly to make; floral accents that are too good to be homemade? Be it a cocktail party, a sit-down dinner, or my annual holiday soiree, the magic is all in the details!

Know what detail is absolutely free and yet often overlooked? Manners.

It starts with making others comfortable, which is ALWAYS elegant and budget friendly! You don’t need to spend a million to make others FEEL like a million.

Here’s a few quick tips to get you off on the right foot!

Gracious Guesting:

  • RSVP. Literally, it stands for the French request, “Répondez s’il vous plait” – “Please respond.” You’ll see it at the end most invitations for a reason: your host needs to plan appropriately! There’s a big cost difference between dinner for 4 and dinner for 10. There’s also logistics that your host needs to consider: are there enough plates/glasses/ice/wine/bail money…wait…strike that last one. You get the picture.  Whether you can make it or not, please respond!
  • Arrive on time to 15 minutes after the start time.  It is SO stressful when a guest arrives 30 minutes early. You might catch your host fresh out of the shower, coated in cake frosting, or just arriving home after a last minute ice run. The polite host will stumble through excuses and apologies and pause their prep to tend to you, but you’re not supposed to see the magic before it happens – arrive when the show starts and we’ll all have a better time.  Of course, if you’re close to your host, offer to come early and help if you’d like. Key word: offer. Don’t just show.
  • Never arrive empty-handed. A host/hostess gift doesn’t have to be huge or expensive – you’re simply making a gesture that says “thank you for having me.” A bottle of wine, a set of coasters, a candle, creative spices for the kitchen – there’s many ideas out there, under $10, that are ideal to grab and go!

Heavenly Hosting:

  • Don’t flip over those who can’t make it. When RSVPs are “with regrets” instead of “with pleasure”, never guilt or hold it against your invitee. For every event you throw, there will be some on the list who simply cannot make it. Be gracious, not petty! “It’s a shame we won’t see you – you’ll be missed!” That’s all the reply you need. Last minute no-shows and cancellations are another story though. You may hold it against them…in the form of limited invitations in the future. You’d be surprised how this fixes those issues
  • As host, you set the tone of the night – plan your pre-event time well. If you answer the door in a tizzy, with half-done hair and a face that says “CRAP! You’re here!” it’s hardly a welcoming start to the evening. Plan your time out well so you’re relaxed and in party/dinner/cocktail mode when you open the door for the first guest. You should open the door, drink in hand, smile in place! You ARE the party, Socialite!
  • Make introductions. Obviously, you know everyone at your own event. But do they know each other? As each guest arrives, welcome them to the room with a quick introduction. No need to be formal or complicated – a quick “this is my friend Jane Doe!” usually leads others in the group to embrace the newcomer with conversation… or the pressing business of getting them a cocktail!

ISocialite Savvy -Table layout’m thrilled to be guesting, courtesy your fab web mistress, Trinidad!

::champagne glass >CLINK<::

We’ll chat monthly about how you can pull off feats of entertaining fab on a budget!  Being a good host doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. But you know that already, right? Afterall, you’re a Budget Socialite.

See you next month!
(Image Source: EvaSaidIt.com)

Socialite Savvy: now it’s your turn! Have any hosting (or guesting) tips to share? Have any entertaining horror stories? Let us know in the comments.

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Contributor | Eva Said It
Eva is a mother, writer, entertaining doyenne, and snark expert based in New York City. Money can’t buy happiness, but it buys her lots of wine and stinky cheese…which is close enough. Catch more of her stiletto clad sarcasm at www.evasaidit.com.

 

{Beauty}

Blue Eyeshadow

blue eyeshadow

Whenever Spring rolls around, I like to put my the coats and sweaters away to make way for all the happy dresses and skirts I own. The same thing holds true for my makeup. And the warmer weather is all about being bright and cheerful, and what better way to show that than with using blue eyeshadow.

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

I will admit, my love affair with blue eyeshadow when I got the free makeup kit with my Lancome purchase. Her name was “Luring” and she was every bit as alluring as the name implied. It was a mix of blue and gold and brown and when applied, she created this amazing brightness around my eyes. I used this as eyeliner with a small brush and water, I’d apply to the crease of my eyes to create a modern smoky eye.

NOT YOUR REGULAR OLD BLUE

Blue eyeshadow might be associated with the 80s, (which has made another comeback) but done right, can bring new dimension to your look. All you have to do is find the right shade(s) for you and use as if it was your usual brown shadow.

Would you do blue? Let us know in the comments!

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Co-founder | Scarlett Rocourt
Scarlett creator of Wonder Curl is a Marketing Maven, DIY Diva & Glamour Girl! Her affinity for style, organization & discount designer shopping makes her a true Budget Socialite. Her flare for creativity allowed her to translate that into a career in marketing.

{Style}

Vintage Clothing: Take your finds to the next level!

So, I’m not sure if you realized it, but although I have a love for modern pieces, I LOVE Vintage finds! I mean come on, in times past, things were made to last and my take is “why not modernize it?”. Trends constantly repeat themselves, so “Going Vintage” is not a new concept. However, sometimes it can be hard melding the past with the present. Here are a couple of tips I like to go by when it comes to modernizing my favorite vintage fashion finds.

  1. Use your imagination. When shopping for Vintage clothing, a little imagination goes along way. A dress may look like your great Nan’s house coat. However, adding a cute cardi and a skinny belt can instantly transform that same dress into a fashion hit straight out of an episode of Mad Men.photo (2)
  2. Have an “Alter” Ego.  Depending on the era of your vintage clothing, some pieces may need what I like to call, “Jujing”. You know, a little work to bring it to its full potential. If that’s the case, don’t be afraid to make alterations. Pay your local tailor a visit and remember dresses and skirts can be shortened and sleeves can easily be removed.
  3. Avoid the gimmicks. I love a great Mod dress, but buying a pair of white patent leather knee length “Go-Go” boots and adding Huge Twiggy sunglasses can be a bit much. Remember if you rock an era, it’s all about pairing and modernizing. Instead, try opting for a pair of pumps and a simple skinny gold bangle. We want Austin Scarlett, not Austin Powers.

So you see Socialites, Vintage Clothing can be fun and rewarding. And if you ever feel a bit skeptical, remember these three rules.

Happy findings; then tell us all about it!

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Contributor | Cadian Carter
As a lover of fashion, Blogger Cadian Carter got her first job working at indie fashion publication, V Magazine. Now she is a freelance writer helping women embrace their own personal style, one fashion find at a time.

{Living}

How To Be Frugalous!

Was Holly Golightly Frugalous? | www.thebudgetsocialite.com

Last time we chatted, I introduced “Frugalous”– a hybrid lifestyle between frugal and fabulous (If you missed that post you can check it out here).

The secret revealed to being “Frugalous” was to balance all the fabulous things life has to offer while still maintaining a nice cushion for ourselves. Sounds good so far right?

So, how do we get it?

How do we maintain a happy dose of fabulosity without depriving yourself of everything you love? Well I’m glad you asked.

Let’s first start by repeating our new money mantra.

“Money is a valuable tool and resource that allows me to explore my options and opportunities”

That’s the foundation to us fully adopting frugalous. Which is more than just a new lifestyle. It’s about embracing a whole new type of relationship with money, one that is healthy and leaves us in control. Not the other way around.

Lets break it down even further.

What does this mantra really mean?

I’m sure we have heard on every major talk show, a psychology expert saying our thoughts are more powerful than we think. Although I am no doctor, I believe this is an absolute fact in our dealings with our money.

If we believe money is the root of all evil, it will be. If we are convinced it burns a hole in our pocket… Then burn baby burn it will do, right through our skinny jeans!

If we want to improve our financial relations, we first have to improve our relationship with our finances. Did you get that? Let me repeat it..

If we want to improve our financial relations, we first have to improve our relationship with our finances.  – Tweet this

Money is not the root to all our problems, it’s the solution. We can solve more problems using our money effectively than ineffectively.

Money is valuable, which makes it something important to have in our everyday lives.

Money is a tool, which means we have to learn how to use it, just like any other tool in a toolbox. Yes that means acquiring the right skills, right here, right now! (you wouldn’t just jump onto a construction site and try to use a jack hammer would you?)

And lastly, money is a resource — which means there is a limited quantity in our possession. Therefore, like any other limited resource we should strive to conserve some and account for every other dollar exhausted.

Mmmkay valuable, tool, limited resource. The solution.

You with me so far? Great!!

Let’s keep going.

That allows us to explore Options and Opportunities. Carrie, now what does that mean exactly?

Well to put it in terms we can all understand: Those super HAUTE Jimmy Choos are an option.. The 70% sample sale that only happens once a year but, is already on its third rotation is an option. Starbucks lattes twice a day are an option.

Can you go to paris on a whim? | www.thebudgetsocialite.com

Your bestie needing a last minute travel buddy for a 10 day trip to Paris, Nice, and Monte Carlo because her beau has strep throat? That’s an opportunity!!!

Moral of the story?

Stocking up on too many options leaves you unable to take full advantage of unforeseen opportunities.

Sip on that until next month, when I bring you tried and true strategies to keep you financially prepared for both!

Let’s talk! Do you leave room financially for options as well as opportunities? Or do you need the cheat sheet? Let us know in the comments below!

(Image Source: Breakfast at Tiffany’s  |  Paris)

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Contributor | Carrie Pink
A reformed shopaholic, money MIS-manager & Chief Mom. Her taste is still champagne & croissants with balanced saving, spending & investing. Follow her recipe to true financial happiness!

{Beauty}

Crease-Free Shadow: Maybelline Color Tattoo 24 Hour Eyeshadow

It’s getting warmer out there and warmer temps mean oilier skin, especially around the eyelids. A major beauty blunder is creased eyeshadow, so I wanted to give the Maybelline Color Tattoo cream shadows a try. They boast 24-hour budge-proof wear and, while I had no desire whatsoever to sleep in my makeup, I can testify that they did not smudge during the 9-hour day I spent running around the city. A $6.99 price tag is unbeatable against the competition (Smashbox Limitless Cream Eyeshadows, $19 or MUFE Aqua Cream, $23).

Maybelline Color Tattoo 24 Hour Eyeshadow Review | www.thebudgetsocialite.com

For a quick and easy bronzed look I chose the color 45: Bold Gold – a medium-dark, shimmery gold. This shade looks fabulous on it’s own, but for the sake of a more dynamic tutorial, I decided to set it with a powder shadow. The great thing about these shadows is that while they can be worn sheer, effortlessly swept across the lid, they are completely buildable as well! Check out the video for the full scoop.

What do you think? Will you be giving Maybelline Color Tattoo cream shadows a try? Have any warm weather make up tips? Let us know in the comments.

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Contributor | Lauralai Clymer
Lauralai is a beauty absorbed YouTuber and blogger. She strives to deliver tips, tricks and trends that are both practical and fabulous while being as honest and open as she is with her closest girlfriends.

 

{Commandments}

Thou shall honor quality over quantity

Quality over quantity | www.thebudgetsocialite.com

It’s not easy being a budget socialite. There are so many things to do, places to be, and shoes to buy that things can get a tad bit overwhelming. But have no fear! To make life a little easier, we’ve come up with the Budget Socialite Commandments.  Use these guidelines to aid you on your fun, fabulous, and well-heeled journey. We wouldn’t steer you wrong.

TBS Commandment #2:
Thou shall honor quality over quantity.

Oh, the things people say. Less is more? Kinda makes you want to roll your eyes… until you are flipping channels and happen upon an episode of hoarders. When that happens, you realize those people may have a point. Don’t be a hoarder… Let’s talk quality over quantity, shall we?

If you are following TBS Commandment #1, then you should only be buying things you truly love. And since we can’t love everything, it stands to reason that you should be buying fewer things. Unless you love everything, which either means you have a problem or are my ex-boyfriend.

With commandment #2, we are going to take it a step further to only purchase quality items–items we are going to use all the time, that make us want to cry because they are so inspiring and beautiful, and of course make us a bit giddy. If you can hit all 3, well… wrap it in a bow and send it to me or buy it for yourself (selfish).

If your philosophy has been “More is More”, how do you amend your overzealous ways?
In one word: PURGE.

Step 1: Assess & Categorize

  • Things that are broken (and are beyond repair and hope)

  • Things that are broken (and can be fixed)

  • Things you don’t use/or don’t fit

  • Things you have too many of /things you don’t love (you don’t need 10 little black dresses)

Step 2: Fix it or forget it!

Tough love time. These broken items have to be fixed or kicked to the curb. If it’s still lying around 2 months later, throw it away. I know you meant to get it fixed, but you don’t love it enough to make it a priority. It’s okay, chuck it. I still love you. Think of it this way, we are making room for shoes things we love and use.

Step 3: Give it away now.

Lastly, donate, sell or swap the things you don’t use, don’t love, or can longer shimy yourself into. Craigslist is awesome for swapping and bartering. You can also sell items on eBay, to a consignment shop or donate them to charity like the Salvation Army. It doesn’t matter what you do, just get it out of your house. Don’t make me crack the whip on ya.

Quality doesn’t mean pricey.

Quality over quantity doesn’t mean that you are only going to buy uber-expensive items; we are budget socialites after all. But it does mean that we should start opting for better (whatever that means to you) rather than just opting for more. One pair of high quality shoes is going to beat out 2 pairs of sub-par shoes that hurt your feet and give you blisters. You should aim for a classic, quality pair that goes with everything. A pair that you love so much you’d think about getting them re-soled before you try to find a replacement. Outlets and discount stores like Marshalls, TJ Maxx and Home Goods are a great resource for quality items that are classic and discounted.

Quality over quantity has great side effects too. Your place has less clutter, so there is less to clean. Win! Buying less also means that you spend less. So, when you want to splurge, then you have some extra moola to go for it. Awesome! Lastly,  you’ll actually be able to find things when you are looking for them. Sweet. If none of these has you convinced, then click here and come back to us. We’ll wait.

So, what do you think of our second commandment: Quality over quantity? Are you ready to get your purge on (hello spring cleaning)? Let us know in the comments.

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Co-founder | Trinidad Pena
Trinidad Pena is a blogger, foodie, and design superhero bent on helping others kick-ass online, world domination and convincing the world that wine belongs in the fruit food group since it’s made from grapes.