{Living}

DIY Mason Jar Tea Storage

mason jar tea storage

I am so excited for this DIY project that I’m about to share with you guys – Tea Storage Jars. Okay, I’m excited about every DIY project that I share, but stay with me because it’s pretty awesome. This project combines my 2 obsessions: mason jars and chalkboard paint. Now, aren’t you excited?

I love to drink tea and the different boxes they come in can become a pain to keep. Plus, they don’t keep your tea fresh. The best way to store tea is in an airtight, dark container. You can learn about proper storage here.

I decided to create these great tea storage jars so I will be able to easily label the different tea while keeping them fresh as long as possible.

What you’ll need:

mason jar tea storage1. Hot Glue Gun

2. Chalkboard spray paint – I used this Valspar version. I didn’t read the label until I got home and saw that it was for plastic and wood. I still used it on the mason jars’ glass and had no problems.

3. Mason Jars – I used the plain ones from Walmart to make it easier for writing with the chalk

4. Gloves + Goggles (optional)

Since we’re working with spray paint, you’ll need to be outdoors or in a well ventilated room.

What you will do:

1. After the glue in your hot glue gun is ready, you can add Tea to your mason jars – if you want to be fancy, you can write the french word for it: thé

mason jar tea storage(If you’re not happy with your letters, you can easily peel them off and do it again)

2. Place the mason jars upside down and begin to evenly spray the mason jars with your chalkboard spray paint. I did about 2 coats on each jar.

mason jar tea storage3. Prime the chalkboard with the side of chalk and then wipe off.

mason jar tea storageYou’re done and ready to start storing your tea!  mason jar tea storage

Is this something you will try? 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:Fall Neutrals

 Fall-ing for Neutrals! Getting a head start on this Fall Season!Neutrals Fall-ing for Neutrals! Getting a head start on this Fall Season!

Hey Socialites! Want a great tip for saving money on the hottest fashion finds? Shop during the off season. One of the funny things I’m known for is shopping in the Summer for Fall season clothing. It’s a great way to save money and is glorious for creating your own trends. Which brings me to this week’s Fashion Find. As I perused some of my fave Etsy shops, I stumbled on this awesome vintage Fall neutral sweater dress. With it’s fringe details (a big trend for 2013) and intricate splashes of color detail in the weaving, it makes for a great edition to your Fall wardrobe and for a whopping $28 (purchase here), it is money well spent!

DressFor this dress, I decided to keep it neutral. “Why?” you may ask? Well the great thing about nude and neutral tones is that they are season-less. You can transition them to work all year round. And when I saw these tres chic pumps from Zara (On Sale NOW for $40! purchase here.) it was love at first sashay. Moving to the Asos earrings (purchase here), they provide a classic Jackie O look and feel to the ensemble, while this BCBG belt (purchase here) brings in a bit of hardware to the mix by with its over-sized stud detail. Now for the best part…can we talk about this bag? OMG!!!! Topshop knocked it out of the park when I set eyes on this gorgeous piece of arm art(purchase here)! Talk about making a statement.

So Mavens, if you love the wonderful wow factor that pops of color brings, try not to forget the POW effect Fall Neutrals can bring to a wardrobe as well. Until Next time…Happy Findings!

How do you rock Fall Neutrals in your wardrobe?

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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}

The Perfect Shrimp Ceviche Recipe

Shrimp Ceviche Recipe | www.thebudgetsocialite.com

Shrimp ceviche is one of my summer favorites. Seafood and fresh ingredients, what’s not to love? I’m half Peruvian. I’d love to tell you that this recipe has been perfected and passed down, throughout many generations. I really would. The reality is I googled shrimp ceviche recipe and tweaked it until it made me happy.

Tasty and Healthy

Boy, does this make me happy. It’s one of those rare foods that is healthy, practically fat-free and totally crave-worthy. I love broccoli as much as the next gal, but I never wake up thinking “wow, I’m really craving some broccoli right now”. Somehow, that level of food lust is reserved for gastronomic specialties that will surely shorten my life span (I’m looking at you cronuts). Except for ceviche. Ceviche is able to tickle my culinary libido without damage to my arteries, liver or waist line.

Traditionally, with a shrimp ceviche recipe you let the citrus juice “cook” the seafood. I’ve gotten down like that when using sushi-grade tuna instead of shrimp. I’m not brave enough to try that with shellfish, so I buy a bag of pre-cooked, peeled and de-veined jumbo shrimp from Costco. If you wanna be traditional or make it with fish, let the seafood sit in the citrus juice for about 2 ½ -3 hours.

Shrimp Ceviche Recipe Ingredients | www.thebudgetsocialite.com

The Goods

  • 1 pound medium-small shrimp, peeled and de-veined
  • 1/2 cup lime juice
  • 1 cup lemon juice
  • 1 small red onion – diced
  • 1 bell pepper -diced
  • 1 cup cilantro – chopped
  • 1 package of grape tomatoes – cut in halves
  • 3 garlic cloves – minced
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
  • Optional: Avocados
  • Optional: Lime Tortilla chips

How we do it

  1. Cut each piece of shrimp in 2 pieces, cover in lime/lemon juice. Make sure all your seafood is immersed in the juice
  2. Add the chopped red onion, pepper, cilantro, tomato, and garlic into the shrimp mixture.
  3. Salt and pepper to taste and add Worcestershire sauce.
  4. Refrigerate for at least an hour.

Shrimp Ceviche | www.thebudgetsocialite.com

Serve it up

I like to serve my ceviche with avocados and lime tortilla chips. If I’m making it for dinner, I’ll coarsely mash up the avocados and top with the ceviche with the chips on the side. Don’t be like me. Use a slotted spoon to drain away some of the liquid before you serve. If you don’t, it can get a bit messy and will fall apart when you try to stack it. Not I know from experience or anything.

Shrimp Ceviche Plating | www.thebudgetsocialite.com

If you want to make party appetizers, scoop the shrimp ceviche mixture into small bowls or mason jars then top it with some cubed avocado and serve alongside tortilla chips. This would go great with some delicious lime-basil sangria served up in a drink station. You could even wear this summer romper, if you were throwing such a party. I mean, why wouldn’t you throw this party? Most of the planning is already done! All you have to do is send out the invites.

Please Note: This is the first recipe that I have posted in a while that isn’t liquid. I feel like that in itself is an accomplishment. I’m not sure if I should be celebrated or chastised, but it feels worth mentioning.

What do you think? Are going to try our shrimp ceviche recipe? What are your go-to summer recipes? Let us know in the comments.

tp_contributer_pic

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.

 

{Living}

Get thee a bra fitting!

BraFittingRecently, I had a life altering moment at the mall. I was killing time at the mall while I waited for my car’s oil change and decided to go to Victoria’s Secret. This Budget Socialite almost never goes into Victoria’s Secret because the bras, while beautiful, are pricey. Having realized that my bras hadn’t been fitting me right, I naturally assumed that the culprit was because they were from Marshall’s and had to be irregular or mislabeled.

The life altering Moment

I gingerly walk into the store, and the nice sales woman asks me if I needed any help. I told her I was looking for bras in 32C. She hands a bunch of the new (and expensive) bras in my size and like a fairy godmother, sends me off to the fitting room. While in the fitting room, there is a ‘Bra Expert’. She has her measuring tape in hand and asks me when was my last fitting and if I’d like to be fitted. I shrugged, said “sure” because I already know my bra size and she’s just going to confirm what I already know. She puts the tape around my torso and says “32”, then wraps it around my chest and says “D”….record scratch “Come again?” 32D??? Me? Petite me is a 32D? Well, this explains a whole lot. All this time I was blaming the poor discount department stores and my boobs grew, despite the fact that my weight hasn’t really changed.

After a scientific survey of my Facebook friends, it had been determined that quite a few women haven’t been to the bra store for a proper fitting, and the few who had gone were equally as floored over the news as I was over my own.

Let me be a cautionary tale to all of you out there. Do not go around with the “4 boob” syndrome. Get thee to a bra store and have a fitting.

When was the last time you had a bra fitting? Let us know in the comments.

tp_contributer_pic

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.

{Food & Entertaining}

Summer Sparkle: The Drink Station!

Happy June, Socialites!

It’s time for outdoor entertaining, barbecues, elegant picnics, and all around summertime fab! And what’s a key facet of any gathering? The cocktails, of course! But alcohol can be pricey when serving a crowd. Want to take your event to the next level without spending a fortune?

::trumpet blare::

Socialites, I give you, The Drink Station!

It’s a must for all my events! Select two to three signature punches or pre-made cocktails and set up a self-serve station. Not only does it keep the booze budget down, but it leaves my time free to socialize, rather than standing by the bar with a martini shaker in hand, as I try to keep up with thirsty revelers.

Here’s how to set up an amazing drink station, laden with refreshing cocktails that are sure to impress your guests while freeing up your time and budget!

Assemble the essentials:

1. You’ll need a table suitable to the space that you can cover with a tablecloth and trust to hold two to three bowls, pitchers, or servers full of liquid. No cheapie folding tables on this one! The last thing a busy socialite needs is a crashing drink station. Oy!

drink server2. Serveware: I love this glass drink server I found on clearance, off season, for all of $8. I use it year round for everything from fresh lemonade to Christmas punch! Hunt one down – you won’t regret it. Can’t score one? Pop into a home store, head to the chef’s section and find the biggest glass mixing bowl you can – use it as a basic punch bowl. Pick up a long handled soup ladle, et voilà!  I’m also fond of colorful glass pitchers, often found at dollar stores and discount chains for super cheap! Get a few for an eclectic display!

3. Label your servers, pitchers, and punches. Give them event-related names: Pickled Picnic Punch, Saucy BBQ Sparkler, 4th of July Firecracker, etc… Add a couple loose flowers, candles, or other theme-related accents to the table. Make it fun!

 

4. Glassware: Set out a tray of pre-garnished glasses your guests will usegarnished glasses to enjoy these libations. Tip: choose easy garnishes that will keep in your setting: sweet fruits may attract flies outside or shrivel and brown in indoor heat. I’m fond of gummy candies cut and hung on each glass, easy herbal garnishes like rosemary when they compliment, and muddled mint in the bottom of glasses.

5. Select varied recipes for your drinks. I like to serve one rum based cocktail, one vodka based cocktail, and one sparkling champagne based cocktail. Not everyone drinks everything, so plan according to your guestlist.

6. Choose your recipes wisely. Especially in summer, select refreshing and simple cocktails that you can make in batches without too much scaling headache. How many 2 oz shots of vodka are there in a pitcher? I haven’t a clue, darling, but do you really want to stand there with a jigger and find out? NO! A 750ml bottle of spirits starts my punch every time. Adjust and taste as you go.

7. Make everything in advance and put it in the refrigerator to get cold. You’ll see many recipes online that call for a block of ice in your server or punch bowl. NO NO NO! Know what ice becomes? Water. Who wants a watered down cocktail? Find space on the table for a covered ice bucket and tongs. If your guests want ice, they’ll add it.  If they want water, they’re at the wrong party they’ll find that elsewhere…

It’s that simple! Your guests will arrive to find a swanky, self-service drink station and you’ll have more time to enjoy yourself, having saved a few dollars in the process. Everyone wins!

Got some serve-a-crowd-cocktail ideas of your own? Leave a comment and share! I’m all ears for a fellow Budget Socialite. 😉

See you next month!

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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.

 

{Style}

Fashion Find: Summer Romper

SummerSummer, Summer, Summer Time! This weather makes for a great opportunity to shop for the perfect Summer Romper! Enter this amazing stand out piece of fashion history. This gorgeously floral Summer romper comes in at $50, but for a quality piece that no one else is going to own, she is definitely worth it!

Character Galore

The first thing I noticed about this Summer romper is the amount of character it has. And strangely enough I hear Elton John’s “Bennie and the Jets” playing in the back of my mind when I see it…but in a good way! That’s why we chose to pair it with a cute pair of nude color sunglasses from Asos as an ode to the song writing genius. Again, because the Summer romper has so much character, light accessories that are not over done is key, so a simple Navy sandal from UK based store, Pull and Bear and then topped with a  cute nude bag from one of my fave shops, Zara  completes the look. These uber chic earrings from Nordstrom , are a casual sophistication as well, which adds character in a subtle way, while providing a polished look along with this Anne Klein Watch.Summer1

A Summer romper can be worn so many different ways! Dressed up, dressed down, but it looks even better when you’re enjoying those summer nights. So Socialites, get out there and enjoy Summer! Until Next Time…Happy Findings!!!

How would you accessorize your Summer Romper? Let us know in the comments.

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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.

{Commandments}

TBS Commandment #3: Thou shall be shameless

Thou shall be shameless | www.thebudgetsocialite.com

It’s not always 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, fellow socialites! 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. We have already covered important topics like seeking true love – when shopping and honoring quality over quantity. Now we bring you:

TBS Commandment #3: Thou shall be shameless

Long ago, in some far off land, it was decided that it was a sin to feel good about yourself, want nice things, treat yourself well, or simply buy a lot of shoes enjoy the hell out of yourself. These are things we have to earn or are proof that we are self-absorbed and not busy enough. We are supposed to be harried martyrs, rushing from one place to the other, forgetting the one person who will be there for you through thick and thin. Who is this person, you ask? You can find them in your nearest mirror (and they are looking amazing today, might I add). Now, before you say “Nah!”, and swat your hand at me. I’m going to tell you that it’s okay to be shameless (within reason). It’s even okay to be a little bit selfish (notice I said a little bit, there can be too much of good thing – unless it’s shoes or closet space). The reason I say this isn’t to quell my guilt about my shoe collection make you become a narcissist, but because if you don’t feel good about yourself and/or treat yourself well, no one else will. AND the better you treat yourself, the better you feel, the better you feel, the more you can do. The more you can do, the more you can do for others. See how what goes around comes around! Doing for you, ends up a truly altruistic affair, charitable even. How do you become more shameless? There are a few simple steps.

  1. Accept a compliment, just by saying thank you. If you’re feeling a little saucy throw in an “I know” and a wink.
  2. Own the things that you do and stop feeling guilty about them.
  3. If you are good at something, toot your own horn, lest it remain untooted.
  4. Change your mind? It’s your prerogative. Don’t be sorry but DO let those affected know within a reasonable of time.
  5. Learn the elegance of slow and enjoy the simple moments of your life.

Whatcha waiting for?

While we are being shameless, we should also stop waiting to do the things that make us happy. Too often, I hear people waiting to live their lives. When I lose weight, I’ll _____. When I get a new job, I’ll _____.  When insert clause here, I’ll begin really living my life. Don’t put your happiness on hold or wait for the perfect time. More often than not it never arrives and you’ve wasted a lot of time. Regrets don’t fill scrapbooks ladies!

I’m a firm believer that it’s the little things in life that end up really making your life, and if you wait for events or special occasions, you are missing out on the majority of it. I am not a fan of the china that only comes out for company, or the “living” room that no one can sit in. You are your best company and you deserve all the fine things everyday, especially if they are already sitting in your cupboard. Use real plates when ordering Chinese making simple meals at home. Have a glass of wine with your meal on a Tuesday. Book that vacation today! Don’t wait. Your life begins now. Enjoy it!

What do you think of our 3rd commandment: Thou shall be shameless? Are you ready to get off the shame train?

tp_contributer_pic

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}

Are you a Beauty Product Junkie?

Are you a beauty product junkie? | www.thebudgetsocialite.com

Hi, my name is Scarlett, and I’m a Beauty Product Junkie.

Ever notice when you are walking through the drugstore aisles, you become sidetracked by all the pretty packaging? You want to touch it, smell it and rub it against your skin (I’m not the only person who does that). It’s no secret that marketers are all fighting for your dollars with promises of youth, shiny hair and tasty treats.

Simply, the definition of a beauty product junkie is ‘someone who is addicted to beauty products’.

  1. Do you have 2 or more of the same exact product?
  2. Do you buy several of the same product because it’s on sale/clearance?
  3. Do you have 2 or more different brands of the same product all partially used?
  4. Do you purchase one more of an item in a different colour?
  5. Do you get easily distracted as you browse down the store’s aisles?

Did You Answer Yes?

If you’ve answered yes to one or more of these questions, then you can stand next to me, fellow beauty product junkie. Fret not, my lovely, you too can become a recovering BPJ by following a few simple steps and soon you will have freer cabinets and closets for the things that you really want and use.

  1. Clean it out – going through your drawers, cabinets and closets for old items and partially used items you won’t use again. If throwing out products makes you cringe, give them to a friend who may benefit from them.
  2. Stay out of stores unless you absolutely need something – this one is tough, especially when you see the sale signs in the store windows. You will be tempted but all junkies know that it is too hard to resist temptation – STAY OUT!
  3. Create lists and stick to them – do not walk into a store without your list of needs and do not deviate from your list.
  4. Get tunnel vision – this means, going only to the aisles where the items on your list are located. Just like staying out of stores, stay away from the other aisles.
  5. Pay cash – You hear this one all the time and it’s the most important one. You can stick to your list and budget better when you pay for only what you can afford. No debit cards either. When you actually see the money go from your hands to the cashier’s, you can better gauge what you’re paying.

Are you a beauty product junkie? Or are you reformed? We’d love to hear your tips on becoming a recovering beauty product junkie. Let us know in the comments.

tp_contributer_pic

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.