Recycling Party- Great Girls Night Out

We all have it.  The bag or box of clothes or shoes that we really do mean to donate to charity, yet it still sits there neglected and unused in the dark scary recesses of our closets.  Well ladies (and gents for those of you who like fashion) dig those old outfits out and invite your friends over for some vino and play dress up.  It's called a recycling party and it's not a new concept, but unfortunately this idea still hasn't caught on.  In this economy when times are so tight, a recycling party is a great way of trading items you no longer want for treasures your friends are willing to give up. 

So dig up the stuff you mean to sell in a yard sell, throw together some finger foods and snacks and Facebook all your pals asking them to bring their used clothes, shoes, purses, ball caps, backpacks, jewelry and anything else they want to unload.  Organize the items into groups.  Then let everyone go to town.  It's FREE shopping!  It has all the gratification of spending the night at the mall with your girlfriends and none of the guilt associated with a high credit card bill.  So grab up a funky new evening bag, some retro suiting, seriously fierce ballet flats and a fabulous new formal for FREE.  Just open your home and present the idea to your posse, trust me, they will come and they will have a blast.  Did you notice that other than the costs of snacks, this is FREE? 

The Shout House-Part Two

Girl's night had finally arrived.  After much planning and trying to coordinate everyone's busy schedule, we'd finally made plans to meet at the Shout House.  As many of you know, it is one of my favorite places to go hang out.  It's casual, entertaining and always educational. I'm amazed at the talent of the guys who play.  The dexterity of the wait staff.  The enthusiasm of the crowd.  Unlike karaoke, no one is put on the spot and yet everyone sings as loud as they can.  It is so much fun, but not for the faint of heart.  If you are easily offended, you know who you are, then this may not be the place for you.  The entertainers switch up the lyrics and add rowdy naughty lyrics occasionally, don't go if that could upset you.  However, the food is good and hot.  The drinks are ice cold.  If you drink cheap yellow beer this may be the place for you, because on Wednesday nights their special is $1.50 domestic bottles and $3.00 fish tacos and there is no cover charge on Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday.  Talk about some cheap entertainment.

A special thanks to Sarah and Aryn.  Since relocating last year, starting a new job, working from home, and caring for three kids under seven, well it hasn't been easy.  There have been a few times when I was honestly deeply depressed and melancholy.  I love my family, don't get me wrong, but I never have any private time anymore to do anything just for myself.  Girl's night was exactly what I needed and I got to hang out with two of my best buddies.  Thanks girls for being there for me and making time for me in your busy schedules.