It’s summer and the weather is nice and while the travel bug may bite, most of us can’t afford the soaring costs that  that entails. So what’s a person on a budget to do? Entertain your friends, of course!

We used to have lots of house parties at our place. I loved to pick themes since it’s a great way to maximize your budget while looking like you did or spent a ton! We had a toga party one year (regular old bed sheets are the key for dressing the part) and a tropical party and a pajama party and our friends had an 80’s cartoon party! The themes are seemingly endless and fairly easy to make your pad (even the tiniest) look fab!

For our tropical themed party we put a big fishing net on the table and made a lovely tropical punch (check out recipes: www.foodtv.com or www.allrecipes.com) in a big bowl. We had both an alcoholic and virgin one so guests could choose to imbibe if they felt so inclined while leaving out those all-important designated drivers (always have an option!). Finding the right music mix is so easy now, too with all of the online music resources available today (we didn’t have iTunes yet when we threw our parties…just my mix tapes). Check out other people’s recommended playlists on sites like www.lala.com (can listen to entire songs once for free!!!) and of ocurse iTunes!

Then of course you must entertain your guests! I know, it’s not all tiki mugs and paper umbrellas…you have to DO something, too! But hey, this bargain huntress has got your back! I found a fatastic sale over at www.perpetualkid.com (prices do not include shipping). Here’s stuff you and your crew may get a kick out of:

The Headcase Water Game $6.79                                                             http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3645 Yes! It’s what it looks like: you strap a bucket to your head and try to catch water balloons (crumpled paper might be nicer) in the bucket! Fun!

 Answer Me Buddha $9.99                                             http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1670 Similar to the classic “Magic 8 Ball” you ask the Buddha a question and receive one of twenty responses. Good times!

 Pirate Shoot! $29.15                                                                   http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2326 Not the cheapest of the bunch, but it does look like fun! Carnival style! Comes with some semi-high tech features like LCD scoreboard and more! Just think how fun this will be when you’re all hopped up on that tropical “punch”?!

Hello My Name Is…coasters! $5.99                                                 http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=827 Not the best price for disposable coasters, but that’s because these aren’t disposable! They’re reusable and therefore a great value! No more mixing up who’s drink belongs to whom…write your name on a coaster and stick your drink on it! Perfecto!

Beach Break Mini Executive Sandbox $6.75                                                      http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1042 Cute mini sandbox to entertain your friends or just as a great decoration!

Desktop Swin Ball $6.79                                                             http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1548 Again I have to admit that this looks like it’d be more fun when your guests are a little on the buzzed side of things. Just like the teather ball of ye olde playground, this smaller version is great for small spaces and you entertain two people at once!

 Snap A Party $8.45                                                                               http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2100 DIY place settings for your guests! Very cool idea! It reminds me of the toys I’d get in the 80’s when you’d have to snap out all of the pieces from the frames. Retro fun for everyone!

Strawz $8.99                                                                                          http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2643 I know my friends could think of a few games using these fun “strawz”! Construct your own fun with these fun drinking devices!

 Fiki Basketball #3.95                                                                         http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1923 Includes a genuine leather basketball for your flickin’ fun! I love the idea of this little tabletop game! Again, I always keep small spaces in mind! I can picture some hot 1 on 1 competition with this little guy at your party!

Glow Bangles $4.45                                                                             http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3452 So 80’s and so fun! A friend had these at their Halloween party a couple years ago and we had a blast turning off the lights and playing with these fun bangles! (Note: trying to take pictures of glow bangles in the dark is fun, but difficult! Ha-ha!)

 Diagnose Your Nuerosis & Yes, You’re Probably Dying $4.95 http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3486 & http://www.perpetualkid.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3485 Because nothing says partytime fun like diagnosing your friend’s neurosis and what they’ll die from! These fun spinner style games will break the ice or at least create some hilarious conversations!

Hamilton Beach Snowman Ice Shaver $24.99                          http://www.target.com/Hamilton-Beach-Snowman-Ice-Shaver/dp/B00008IH9N/sr=1-5/qid=1247079300/ref=sr_1_5/185-8558651-3085253?ie=UTF8&search-alias=tgt-index&frombrowse=0&index=target&field-browse=1038576&rh=k%3Asno%20cone&page=1 Just think of all of the drinks you could make with this bad boy on your side! I’m thinking margaritas or even classic sno cones! You could even use this at kid’s birthday parties! I love the value of this super reusable and fun appliance!

So, what’s the point to all of this? You get to have a blast and not kill your budget and not even leave your house! Rad, right?! Sure you could hit the local party store and spend a fortune on balloons and streamers, but in the end you’ll be glad you didn’t! When you can get fun and unique items like these online, why waste the gas?

Like what you see? Have another idea? Did you buy one of these items? Let me know about it by commenting! I’d love to hear your own party tips and tricks for summer time fun!

http://community.intuit.com/contests/cIX6nizRCqllvkab8P4pmk
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Some of us love handbags. Many reasons come to mind…For one a handbag can be appreciated by people of All shapes, sizes, beliefs, ethnicity, etc! Of course many prefer a bag that is both fashionable and functional. Certain necessities must be carried with us at all times: chap stick, lipstick, hand sanitizer, tissues, wallet, keys, cell phone, pen, checkbook, notepad, condoms, tampons, contact lens case…the list can go on and can contain some interesting items depending on the owner. While I love handbags and have far more than I could use on a given day/night I find it particularly interesting the excitement and awe that designer handbags bring out in people.

I understand when the bags are all glitz and glam because we all want a touch of that in our lives. But when a bag looks like any other and has no discernable features other than that famous logo? Not to mention the price tag the name carries with it? Forget it! Not for me! Sure, I’d love to own an original “Kelly” bag by Hermes…but for $5,000+? Nah, I’m good! I’ll stick with my Ross (Dress for Less) purchased Nine West bag.

I do love a more recent trend of having high-end designers carry lines in regular-Joe stores like Vera Wang’s bags and clothing at Khol’s. Very cool and super cute…still a bit out of my price range though (I stood holding a bag I longed for with a price tag of $79 or $89 and I just couldn’t do it). Target often has designers do limited lines (Isaac Mizrahi comes to mind) and at very good price points, too.

But then there is the part of me that just can’t bear the thought of walking around with a bag, while designer, that I purchased for a bargain on say eBay.com…people might actually think that I’m stupid enough to spend $500 on this bag?! How embarrassing! (Yes, this is how I think sometimes). I once lusted after every Tokidoki bag ever created and stalked the internet for the right one for me! As though his whimsical designs would somehow enlighten or complete me. No such luck (I ended up with a *counterfeit bag and had to fight with the seller and paypal.com to get my money back).

One of the other things about buying such a highly sought after bag regardless of that price tag is that you run a great risk of bumping into other people with the exact same bag! The horror! So, what’s a person who loves bags and designer bags at that to do? Oh my darlings! Buy handmade of course! What better way to get the style or color or design you want and almost guarantee that no one else will have the same bag! Plus, you save hundreds of dollars while still looking stylish! You cannot go wrong with this!

Don’t get me wrong though…there are high-end handmade bags, too! Many would even rival those of the mass produced set. But what you end up with is a work of art and not just some signed/stamped/numbered product created in a foreign land by who knows who. No love! And when you can get a custom bag? Why not?! Yes, I said custom! There are many people out there who make handbags and sell them online. Many of which would be more than happy to create one especially for you! You can tell them how many and what style of pockets and zippers and buttons…the possibilities are truly endless! Or perhaps you love a specific thing or design or color? No worries!  I have personally purchased a few handmade and custom handbags on www.Etsy.com and I can assure you that the sellers are beyond nice! (Including myself, ahem…but I make aprons. Although I may still have a couple of pouches left!) You can find someone to make you virtually anything on Etsy!

When you do go onto www.Etsy.com for your handmade handbag searching, may I suggest that you know what you want…at least in terms of style or color or theme (or vegan, cruelty-free). For instance, I love Amy Butler’s fabrics, so I typed into the search box at the top: Any Butler Handbag. And I got about 56 pages of Amy Butler fabric bags! You can even sort them by price (low-high or high-low) or by when they were listed (recent-older or older-recent). Did I mention how the possibilities are endless? I even saw some bags that were band themed or animal or flower (I love daisies!). Have fun with it and if you find something you like, but it isn’t exactly what you want, Just Ask! You can **convo the sellers and ask them about stuff. They can do so many amazing things! Also, check out the vintage selection…it’s incredible! All you need to do to buy anything on Etsy is create a username and password and have a www.PayPal.com account for when you pay. It’s that easy!

This post was inspired by this post from aol.com which lists the ten most searched handbags on the internet. I had never heard of some of them and, well…#3 just perplexes me all together. Their top ten?

Top Searched Handbags from AOL Search:
1. Coach 2. Miche 3. Buxton 4. Chanel 5. Gucci 6. Louis Vuitton 7. Juicy Couture 8. Hermes  9. Vera Bradley 10. Kate Spade                  Thousands of dollars to be spent!

Or maybe you really love a bag on one of the designer sites, you can post a picture and the price you’re willing to pay for the bag and post it on Etsy Alchemy: http://www.etsy.com/alchemy/

Here’s some near look-alikes I found on etsy with the original designer’s style in mind:                                  (Please see links by number for each item pictured at the end of this post)

 

Hermes: http://usa.hermes.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=10202&catalogId=10052&langId=-1&productId=38627&categoryId=61173&leftCategoryId=58013&topCategoryId=50967&parentCategoryId=58013&nbItem=

Vera Braldey: http://www.verabradley.com/Site/Store/ViewCategory.aspx?dept=7

Kate Spade: http://www.katespade.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2620198&cp=1863844&view=all

Or if you would just like the idea of the designer bags or are looking for a gift or party favor idea:

 

And have you used or heard of the very popular purse organizer?

 

Like Miche bags, but want a more unique “shell” for yours? Try this: http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_type=tag_title&search_query=miche+handbag                   a few sellers on Etsy.com understand and are here to help you! You can even request a custom shell!       Just ask!

And have you seen the mega-genius purse hooks? They are the answer to many purse problems:

 

And here’s a shop I just love to drool over the bags (Handbag Porn?): http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=1358&ga_search_query=green+leather+clutch&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=4&min=&max=&order=price_asc

*Know what you want before you hit eBay for designer bags! I found a wonderful and informative site for the Tokidoki bags that was how I found out mine was a fake! I even included links to the info in my Paypal.com claim! Knowing what you want will also help you find the price you can live with!

**You can convo an Etsy seller by clicking “Contact” next to their profile/shop picture on the right of the page. It will say Shop-Profile-Contact, just click on that “Contact” button and the lines of communication are wide open, baby!

1:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_13&listing_id=23558306&ga_search_query=croc+clutch&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=&min=&max=&order=     2:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_15&listing_id=17319361&ga_search_query=croc+clutch&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=&min=&max=&order= 3:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_2&listing_id=21930068&ga_search_query=green+leather+clutch&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=4&min=&max=&order=price_asc 4:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_12&listing_id=23313630&ga_search_query=green+leather+clutch&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=4&min=&max=&order=price_asc 5:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_12&listing_id=20732324&ga_search_query=bowling+bag+purse&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=4&min=&max=&order=price_asc 6:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_15&listing_id=22519309&ga_search_query=bowling+bag+purse&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=4&min=&max=&order=price_asc 7:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_11&listing_id=22641325&ga_search_query=spring+handbag&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=6&min=&max=&order=price_asc 8:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_21&listing_id=23078470&ga_search_query=spring+handbag&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=8&min=&max=&order=price_asc 9:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_1&listing_id=18160227&ga_search_query=floral+handbag&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=2&min=&max=&order=price_asc 10:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_11&listing_id=23093753&ga_search_query=floral+handbag&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=4&min=&max=&order=price_asc 11:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_13&listing_id=8938674&ga_search_query=quilted+handbag&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=5&min=&max=&order=price_asc 12:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_4&listing_id=22506180&ga_search_query=quilted+handbag&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=25&min=&max=&order=price_asc 13:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_3&listing_id=19747325&ga_search_query=quilted+handbag&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=26&min=&max=&order=price_asc 14:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_3&listing_id=22269622&ga_search_query=quilted+handbag&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=31&min=&max=&order=price_asc 15:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_10&listing_id=18007204&ga_search_query=amy+butler+handbag&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=10&min=&max=&order=price_asc 16:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_7&listing_id=16465600&ga_search_query=amy+butler+handbag&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=11&min=&max=&order=price_asc 17:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_8&listing_id=23591968&ga_search_query=amy+butler+handbag&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=12&min=&max=&order=price_asc 18:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_7&listing_id=18761112&ga_search_query=amy+butler+handbag&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=12&min=&max=&order=price_asc 19:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_3&listing_id=15497665&ga_search_query=amy+butler+handbag&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=15&min=&max=&order=price_asc 20:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_1&listing_id=19073098&ga_search_query=amy+butler+handbag&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=16&min=&max=&order=price_asc 21:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_6&listing_id=19063106&ga_search_query=amy+butler+handbag&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=16&min=&max=&order=price_asc 22:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_19&listing_id=21797904&ga_search_query=amy+butler+handbag&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=25&min=&max=&order=price_asc 23:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_8&listing_id=19511130&ga_search_query=amy+butler+handbag&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=26&min=&max=&order=price_asc 24:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_3&listing_id=20839008&ga_search_query=amy+butler+handbag&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=40&min=&max=&order=price_asc 25:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_21&listing_id=23066062&ga_search_query=amy+butler+handbag&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=40&min=&max=&order=price_asc 26:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_18&listing_id=22166261&ga_search_query=leather+handbag&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=12&min=&max=&order=price_desc 27:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_14&listing_id=22622960&ga_search_query=leather+handbag&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=8&min=&max=&order=price_desc 28:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_2&listing_id=15236625&ga_search_query=leather+handbag&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=5&min=&max=&order=price_desc 29:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_20&listing_id=18717524&ga_search_query=leather+handbag&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=&min=&max=&order= 30:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_1&listing_id=7189926&ga_search_query=designer+handbag&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=3&min=&max=&order=price_desc 31:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_10&listing_id=14466523&ga_search_query=kate+spade&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=2&min=&max=&order=price_asc 32:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_11&listing_id=23024087&ga_search_query=hermes&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=2&min=&max=&order=price_asc 33:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_11&listing_id=10880141&ga_search_query=floral+handbag&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=&min=&max=&order= 34:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_16&listing_id=22659333&ga_search_query=floral+handbag&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=3&min=&max=&order=price_asc 35:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_14&listing_id=21582320&ga_search_query=floral+handbag&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=11&min=&max=&order=price_asc 36:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_1&listing_id=17155701&ga_search_query=purse+organizer&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=36&min=&max=&order=price_asc 37:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_21&listing_id=21229808&ga_search_query=purse+organizer&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=36&min=&max=&order=price_asc 38:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_10&listing_id=21622385&ga_search_query=purse+organizer&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=35&min=&max=&order=price_asc 39:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_20&listing_id=23359955&ga_search_query=purse+organizer&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=37&min=&max=&order=price_asc 40:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_4&listing_id=22243661&ga_search_query=purse+organizer&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=72&min=&max=&order=price_asc 41:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_17&listing_id=19919624&ga_search_query=purse+hanger&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=&min=&max=&order= 42:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_4&listing_id=22984034&ga_search_query=purse+hanger&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=3&min=&max=&order=price_asc 43:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_7&listing_id=19121973&ga_search_query=purse+hanger&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=3&min=&max=&order=price_asc 44:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_16&listing_id=22959375&ga_search_query=purse+hanger&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=6&min=&max=&order=price_asc 45:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_7&listing_id=20322670&ga_search_query=purse+hanger&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=7&min=&max=&order=price_asc 46:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_6&listing_id=17496750&ga_search_query=purse+hanger&ga_search_type=tag_title&ga_page=8&min=&max=&order=price_asc                                                

I am a big fan of white boards or dry erase boards or whatever people call them these days. I have one on the inside of my front door. This helps with so many things. My husband and I can leave each other notes, messages, lists (shopping), etc. I jot down my day’s to do list and any phone messages we get. The only problem is actually getting up and writing things on the board sometimes. You know how it is, if it’s not within reach or sightline, forget it!

So, today without much intent or aspiration I decided I should make a mini version for my online notes and things. Because sometimes I’m waiting for something to download or what have you and I think to myself, “Self! You gotta remember to look up _____.” And of course I forget whatever it is before whatever it was is done downloading. Ugh!

It took me all of three minutes to make and I had all of the items needed around my tiny apartment, so I’m sure you do, too! =0)

What you need: Cardboard, Paper, Scissors, Glue Stick, Ruler, Pencil, Clear Shipping Tape, Dry Erase Pen

 1.)    Find a piece of sturdy cardboard. The size and shape are entirely up to you. I just used a piece that was in a package of labels.

2.)    Find a nice piece of paper.  It can be plain white, fancy, lined, or just leave the cardboard as-is! It is your preference.

3.)    Glue stick the cardboard and adhere the paper to it. I love the “UHU Stic” brand because it goes on purple (so you can see where your glue’s going) and dries clear!

4.)    Measure the cardboard on the blank-back side so that you can draw a line down the middle to create two equal halves. This should allow for your memo board to be two-sided when it’s done.

5.)    Cut the cardboard (with the paper glued to it) in half.

6.)    Tape the two sides together, covering the decorative paper, to “seal” the entire deal.

7.)    Yeah…Uhhh…Now it’s done! You can write notes all over this baby with a dry erase pen and simply erase with a tissue or paper town or your finger. You’re ready to rock ‘n roll!

8.)    If you make this, send me a picture of your finished project!