Mama You Know I Love You...

Hola boughiettos! Happy Cinco de Mayo! I hope you're all out working hard so you can take off from work early, grab some chile con' carne, and party with $2 drink specials somewhere!

I've been gone and I certainly missed you! I hope you've been checking out the Facebook Group because there are plenty of daily deals, steals, and bougie appeals posted for everyone.

Moving on to more news: MOTHER'S DAY! It's just around the corner!



I love Mother's Day! What better way to show appreciate to mom then a day completely devoted to how awesome she is? Realistically we should tell tell our mother's how much we appreciate her everyday, but Mother's Day gives us a chance to make up for all of the forgetful moments, the gaffs, and the mistakes.

And Mother's Day doesn't just have to be for your mother... I like to surprise my aunts, my grandmothers, and some of the other important "mom" figures in my life with cards or little tokens to say "I appreciate you."

But how do you show someone you appreciate them without breezing through all your worldly savings? Or in my case, how do you show a group of women that already have everything that you love and appreciate them?

1. Be "around": If you're mom is the emotional sort or loves your company, she'll love the idea of you being around... even if it's just for a day or two. You might not have the money to throw buckets of stuff at her, but you can hang out with her for the weekend, cook her breakfast, take her to the movies, and do simple stuff for her (like clean the house or take out the trash). This is a great option if you live semi-close or within traveling distance. Check out Expedia, Travelocity, Priceline, and Kayak for last minute airfare travel deals, use AAA to get a 10% discount on Amtrak, or just hop on the various cheap travel buses like New Century Travel (do it for mom)!

2. Give her an "experience": Take mom out to dinner, take her to a play, or take her to her favorite garden. If you want to get really sentimental, take her somewhere that has significance for both of you. Are you and your mom science geeks? Take her to the Body World Exhibit! Another example - my grandmothers are both fans of The View... so I got them tickets to go hang out and sit in the audience ... it was also an economical decision since tickets are free :) Be creative with this one since there are lots of interesting and fun things you can do here!

3. Be "material": Is mom a rare flowers fanatic? Send her a combination of her favorite flowers. Send her on a day-long spa trip. Get her a cute charm bracelet... is she a technology wiz? Send her the latest in scanner technology!

4. Be "creative": Make a photo album with memorable moments from her life, starting with childhood. Plan a home-cooked brunch for all of the dynamic women in your life, and honor them each with a little handwritten memory card... call your mom at the crack of dawn and sing her favorite song over the phone!

So bougies, how do you celebrate the women in your lives? Do you do anything special? Any memorable moments come to mind?

Good luck and cheers!

-the bb

500 Bougies Deep and Still Rising!

Bougies! I'm happy to report that the Bougie Ballin' on a Budget Facebook Group has reached 500+ members! Wow! Stuff like that really gets me excited and keeps me motivated.

So to help me along on this adventure, please continue to encourage people to join the group. The more the merrier! I am working on a few things here and there so keep your fingers crossed... because it would mean great things for you, the readers and forum members!

I'm also interested in getting your feedback. Like the site? Hate it? Wish we talked more about "guy stuff?" More posts on lifestyle? Let me know by leaving me a comment or sending me a note. I live and breathe for your comments, so know that I will respond!

Moving on, I had to let you in on a purchase I made last week. One word: phenomenal!



MAC Primer: Prep+Prime Skin is amazing. You apply the primer after you have applied moisturizer to fresh and clean skin. The primer acts as an enhancer by evening out your skin tones, reducing redness, and getting rid of excess oil. The primer resembles skin moisturizer in color (white) but contains silicones... after applying a small amount, my skin felt incredibly smooth! The product is non-comedogenic and oil free so it will not cause break outs.



MAC Primer also comes in SPF 50 Flavor which is useful if you do not use a moisturizer with sunscreen (you should!)... since I use a moisturizer with sunscreen, I prefer the regular PRIMER since it is a bit lighter in density.

But back to the most important part... how does it work? Well after putting on the primer, I put on my makeup (tinted moisturizer, a bit of concealer, and a bit of blot powder), mascara, and lip-gloss and ran to my appointment... by the time I got home 5 hours later... my makeup hadn't budged! No streaking... no shiny factor, no smudging... no looking warn and run-down from the NYC heat and congestion! I used the primer again on Saturday... same results! My makeup looked just as good as when I departed for the event... I'm sold!

The primer runs about $22 from your local MAC store. $22 might seem a bit pricey for the bougie baller in all of us... but it's definitely worth the money since your makeup will last longer and your skin will look and feel more radiant!

For an alternate, try Velvet Veil by Face Time Cosmetics. It's comes highly recommended from beauty bloggers!

So my bougies - do you use skin primer? If so, what's your favorite?

Until next time!

Cheers,
BB

Still Ballin'... and Still on a Budget

Hi Bougies...

I have some good news... first, my self-imposed traveling/working nightmare exile is almost over (well at least for the next two weeks)... a breather for me means a new post for you! Hooray! I've got so much stuff stored up and ready to share with you guys... you can catch a quick peek at some of my more recent finds by checking out the Facebook Group.

More good news... the sample sales, outlet shopping, and seasonal fashion sales aren't dead yet! While in Austin and Vegas, I had a bit of a mini frenzy... buying a gazillion lifestyle items... and yet when I tallied my receipts*, I hadn't dropped more than $200 (and I bought over 10 items, including an Armani Exchange leather and wool sweater... booya)! If you're into power-budget shopping like I am, I suggest you sign up for Outlet VIP Status. VIP Outlet Status is a free service that gives you access to sales, deals, and good buys at Simon Premium Outlets. You choose your outlets of interest (and yes you can modify at any point in time) and you receive regular e-mail updates with coupons and announcements. Even more exciting, when you arrive at the Outlet Mall... you receive a coupon book full of discounts not available online!

In food news, Restaurant Week is (clearly) over... but April feasting events are just starting. In the case of MEGU NYC that signals an opportunity. Megu is teaming up with the City Harvest Campaign to "promote awareness in the fight against hunger"... they are offering a $125 pre-fixe menu which includes Wild Red Snapper, Sashimi, Signature Dish Sampler, Kobe Beef Flambe, Sushi, Soup, and Dessert. 10% of the proceeds will go to the Spring for City Harvest Campaign. Expensive? Compared to Megu's regular menu... no. Compared to their Restaurant Week menu? Yes. But, it's a great opportunity to do something great for charity, and sample one a great restaurant at a low price. Interested in other charity events like this? Try out the American Cancer Society's Taste of Hope scheduled for April 30, 2008. GVG is also the King of the charity wine and dine, and I'm sure he'll also have a few events scheduled for the future! PS - vote for him!

And finally, although I try and keep my posts appealing to both women and men... I know it can be rough out here in these streets for guys, especially with things like high-end sample sales... which is why I am happy to announce that the Gilt Groupe will now be selling men's designs as of April 16! The first four sales includes: John Varvatos, Hickey, Dolce & Gabbana, and Lambertson Truex. Enjoy!

Cheers,

BB


*My habits/advice: When I shop, I have a habit of mentally calculating how much I've spent. Once I'm done shopping, I go home and tally the receipts for my budget records (if I'm on the road, I keep all my non-business related receipts in a business envelope).

This is also useful if I think I've overspent, or if I think I spent frivolously (yes there is a difference), or if I think I just don't want/need something anymore. And if that's the case - I'll return the item(s) with a quickness.

Don't believe me? I bought a pair of shoes in Las Vegas... please believe I shipped those bad boys back to Vegas to get a full refund! Turns out the shoe wasn't what I expected... no need for regret, especially since most stores have excellent return policies... even on sale items.

Bits and Pieces from an Exhausted "Baller"

Hello my bougie brethren!

A little about my state of mind... I'm EXHAUSTED! From traveling to the chilly plains of Ann Arbor... to celebrating the birth of loved ones in DC... to braving killer winds and monsoon rains in Texas... the bb is beat!

But a few things inspired me to post... first and foremost... SALES SALES SALES! And all kinds of sales too... the nice thing about business trips is that I usually have a few moments to slip out and do some exploring... Ann Arbor was no exception and I was stunned to find Poshh is a fabulous boutique with a unique sense of style... and yes, they have amazing sales! Check them out on Facebook too!

While bumming around in my homie's abode (who is on a level of bougie ballin' fabulous I can't even describe... shout-out to Ms. Sai!)... I found a viritual treasure chest in ASOS Online. Run to the clearing rack folks... they have tons of goodies for women (clothing, beauty, accessories, etc.) and they carry men's clothes/items as well. I ended up purchasing this stunner:



and jazzing it up with an invisible belt and a pair of rhinestone open-toed sandals. **Remember to switch to US currency so you can see the price in dollars... not pounds!** Guys, click here to visit the men's section so you don't feel left out!

Great, isn't it? Just a brief self-plug here, check out the Bougie Ballin' on a Budget Facebook Group for regular updates on deals, steals, & bougie appeals :)

Given that I'm on the road, I also thought it'd be fun to do a "travel on a budget" post sometime next week. So if you have any suggestions for locales on a budget, let me know!

Cheers,
The BB

Plug Me? Well I'll Plug You!

Congrats Eva... you're really doing it!

Consider this an official plug :)

Folks, do me a favor and check out SASSY an amazing new website and online community for Smart, Ambitious, Sexy, Sophisticated, and Young women.

SASSY was created as a resource and as a support group for young female professionals transitioning from college, graduate, and professional school into the "real world." The goal of SASSY is to provide an environment to nurture, educate, and endorse rising female stars.

Remember to visit regularly ... SASSY has a ton of great writers, all of whom have great ideas and suggestions. On facebook? So is SASSY SASSY!!

And be sure to check out my Op-Ed Lifestyle Column on SASSY ... I live and breathe for your suggestions, so comments are definitely appreciated!


Cheers!

The BB

PS - Apparently I've gone MIA. Blame Michigan! Not to worry... I'm back now and I've got a couple of ideas up my sleeve!

What Women Want: The 2008 Valentine's Day Edition!

Happy Valentine's Day my bougie folks!



*sends the readers bougie besos*

So... Valentine's Day... a day for sunshine and roses, candlelight dinners, and pricey baubles? Perhaps not so much... Valentine's Day is one of those weird "non-federal" holidays that inspires a range of emotions in the general population. Old flames get nostalgic, couples argue over expectations then apologize with stolen kisses, and single folks run rampant in the streets spreading love galore. Quite the exaggeration, I know *smile*

One thing I've realized over the years is that I don't want Valentine's Day to be about fancy gifts or forced declarations of love infinite. At the same time, I'm a romantic hypocrite (of course), so if Prince Charming shows up on my doorstep with a Tiffany's bangle and a bouquet of roses... surely I am not going to deny him the pleasure of my V-Day company!

To my male readers, I know - confusing, conflicted, contradictory! So in order to help you out, I prepared a brief list - "What Women Want: The 2008 Valentine's Day Edition!" A gift for every occasion, an action for every desire. And really, this isn't only good for Valentine's Day... also useful for birthdays, Christmases, special occasions, and meaningful dalliances.

So without further ado...

"What Women Want: The 2008 Valentine's Day Edition"

1. Thought - Do you know me? Do you know what I like? Do you know what makes me giddy? It really doesn't take much, all you have to do is listen! Being thoughtful doesn't have to involve a material object either. If you know that I'm stressed with work... surprise me by cleaning the apartment, washing the laundry, or doing the dishes. Have I been homesick lately? Arrange for a surprise phone-call from my family and/or friends. Am I avoiding my taxes because I'm clueless when it comes to this kind of thing? Provide me with a list of certified pro-bono tax accountants (with a cute note attached, of course)!

Thrifty suggestion:
*Hire your sweetie a professional cleaner for one day (suggestion courtesy of Angela W.)... expensive? Not necessarily. Cleaning services can run as low as $10 an hour depending on apartment size and "mess" - check out http://www.maids.com/ http://www.merrymaids.com/locations/

2. Creativity - Standard V-Day stuff is cute but often *yawn-worthy*. Chocolates are boring, flowers *can* be exciting... but they die. Ever tried scrap-booking? Make a book of "all your favorite moments (or pay someone else to do it)... go "paint-balling" with a group of friends, arrange a private "sample-sale party" through a style consultant!

Thrifty suggestion:
*Has your lady always wanted to shoot a rifle? Gun range! Or maybe she's a golf aficionado... sign her up for 5 golf lessons at her local golf course. The trick is to find something unusual that she loves/wants.

3. Experience - I've been hearing a lot of discussion about providing someone with an "experience" rather than a "material object"... I couldn't agree more! Take your honey to her favorite off-broadway play, get her a personal-day shopper from Nordstrom's, take her to Mohegan Sun for a couples day-spa trip.

Thrifty suggestion:
*Buy your lady a ticket to a sample sale extravaganza like Shecky's Girl's Night Out ($10-$30), or if you want to do something together, take her to a restaurant that has special meaning to the two of you... that could be a place as snazzy as French Laundry... or as bootleg as Old Country Buffet - price doesn't matter, "meaning" and "shared experience" does.

4. Material - No lady is going to turn down diamonds... but you don't need to offer something that crazy/outrageous in order to show her that you care (in a material way). Is she a Tiffany's fan? Buy her a cute and affordable charm for her bracelet (or just the bracelet and add to it on special occasions)... feeling a little braggadocios? Plan a budget get-away to Washington, DC, Miami, or Puerto RIco... use tools like Priceline, Hotwire, and Kayak to figure out affordable and fun options for a quick domestic or foreign jaunt.

Thrifty suggestion:
Check out the jewelry selection from your local discount retailer or online store (no one has to know!)... for example, check out the jewelry selection on Overstock.

So just some fun suggestions folks! And remember that V-Day isn't necessarily *that* serious... but it can definitely be a time for fun and memories too! For my single ladies/men... revel in yourself and treat your body to something special (who says you can't spoil yourself?)... go out with your friends, hit the lounges, hit the bars, have a nice dinner and celebrate your friendships!

And ladies, remember that if you do choose to celebrate V-Day... it's not a one-way street. Do something to show your dude that you care... he'll appreciate it :)

So let me know your thoughts! How did/didn't you celebrate Valentine's Day '08? What worked? What didn't work?

Cheers!
The Bougie Baller

Bits and Pieces

Salutations my bougie brethren!

A few "bits and pieces" from the mind of the bougie baller:

*NYC Restaurant week is *not* to be missed. Megu was amazing. I urge you to check out restaurant week in your region.

*Online sample sales are the truth - and yes, the stock goes just as quickly as it does in real life.

*Check out ValStyle. She's taking men and women's shopping to the next level.

*'Tis the season to be bargain shopping... well at least until March arrives!

*Overstock.com is my secret weapon. So is ShopStyle.

*Thanks for the fashion week insight...

*Welcome back C. Dot!

*Be on the lookout for a Bougie Balling Facebook Group. Cliche? Perhaps. Constructive and productive? Always!

*Vote.

*Next post: "What Women Want: The Valentine's Day Edition"...

ETA: Facebook Bougie Ballin'! Click here, or type "bougie ballin" in your facebook search box!

Cheers,
The Bougie Baller