Surviving An Outdoor Vendor Event

Are you new to the world of vendor events? Well, let me start off by saying welcome, and I'm glad you found me in the vast world of the internet. I am a small business owner who has been setting up at both indoor and outdoor vendor events for over 20 years. With this experience, I believe I have some valuable tips and advice that may help you in your vendor journey, especially when it comes to outdoor events.

Be Prepared for Bad Weather

The most obvious advice, but also the most crucial, is to be prepared for bad weather. Event organizers have no control over weather conditions, and most smaller events don't have rain dates. These events are usually marketed as rain or shine. If bad weather will upset you greatly, outdoor events might not be the best fit for you.

I'm a member of multiple vendor groups on Facebook and am always a little shocked when I see people ranting about a pre-paid event that had bad weather. When I say "be prepared," I mean mentally prepare yourself as well as physically prepare to shield yourself and your merchandise from the elements.

Invest in Quality Equipment

For new vendors, you're likely using a tent rather than an enclosed trailer. Investing in a high-quality, durable tent is essential. Inexpensive tents might seem appealing, but they are often a one-and-done expense. I recommend this tent brand I've been using for years and swear by.

Additionally, buying sides and making weights for your tent is a smart investment. Tents typically do not come with sides, but in bad weather conditions, you'll definitely appreciate them. They come in panels, allowing you to decide how many sides to close in. During rain, having three sides closed can make a significant difference. It also helps if you're attending a multi-day event and can leave some items in your booth space overnight.

Essential Accessories

You'll also want to invest in folding tables. Most events, even indoor ones don’t provide tables. You can find some here. If your budget allows, I strongly suggest fitted table covers. They wash well, have no wrinkles, and look very professional. You can find great table covers here.

Practice Your Setup

If this is your first event, take the time to set up your tent and tables in your yard. This allows you to decide on a layout that works best for your products. Waiting until you arrive at the event can be time-consuming, especially when you’re first starting out.

Understand Your Space

Having a conversation with the event organizer is crucial to know where your vendor space will be located and if there are other vendors directly against your booth. Some events have enough space between each tent, while others place tents side by side. Knowing this helps you plan your table placement effectively, as your customers might only be able to access your booth from one side.

Consider Electricity Needs

Not all outdoor events offer electricity, and if they do, it's usually limited. If you absolutely need power, speak with the coordinator to check availability. I’ve covered more about the basics of vendor events in another blog, which includes questions you should ask before you pay and schedule to be a vendor.

Weights and Wind

Wind is a constant challenge at outdoor events. Believe me when I say you will experience wind. A gust can ruin your day if you're not prepared. It's advised to have at least 40 lbs of weight on each leg of your tent. I’ll create a blog specifically on tent weights in the future, as I've tried it all. A tent can literally pick up and fly through the air, causing damage and potentially injuring someone. BE PREPARED. You've been warned :)

Plan for the Temperature

Outdoor events during the summer can be brutally hot. Being prepared for high temperatures is just as important as being prepared for bad weather. Investing in battery-operated fans can make a big difference. There are also cooling towels available that you can wet and they stay cool for some time, providing much-needed relief. Staying hydrated is crucial, so pack a cooler with plenty of drinks.

Research the Event

Before booking an outdoor event, research it thoroughly. Find out if it’s the first time this event is being held or if it has been ongoing for years with good attendance. Also, plan how you will handle bad weather. Most events are booked well in advance, making it hard to predict the weather. Consider if you will be okay losing your vendor fee if the weather turns bad, and you decide not to attend. This can be stressful and disappointing, especially when you’ve invested time and money into your merchandise.

Final Thoughts

I hope you found these tips helpful. If you have any questions or topics you’d like me to cover next, please comment below. Happy vending, and may your outdoor events be successful and enjoyable!

Cool Car Gadgets You Need for Your Vehicle

If you're like most people, you spend a lot of time in your car. Whether you're driving to and from work or taking road trips, your car is an important part of your life. That's why it's important to have the right gadgets and accessories to make your time in the car more enjoyable. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the coolest car gadgets on Amazon that you need for your vehicle!

One of the coolest car gadgets on Amazon is the Portable Car Jump Starter. This device is perfect for emergencies, and it can jump start your car up to 20 times on a single charge! If you're ever stranded on the side of the road, this gadget will be a lifesaver.

The Cleaning Gel is the perfect solution for those hard-to reach spaces. This product can be used on car air vents, steering wheels and consoles as well!

Another must-have for your car is the Car Phone Holder. This holder attaches to your car's air vent and holds your phone in place so you can use it as a GPS or for hands-free calling. It's a great way to keep your phone safe and within reach while you're driving.

So what are you waiting for? Add these cool car gadgets to your Amazon shopping list today!

LEOPARD PRINT CAR COASTER

Like riding in style? Frugal Fashionista offers an array of car cup coasters perfect for keeping your cup holders so fresh and so clean clean.

Pennsylvania Spring Events: A Guide to Fun in the Sun

Looking for some fun plans this spring? Pennsylvania has tons of events happening all over the state! From arts and culture events to food festivals to outdoor activities, there's something for everyone to explore. Keep reading for a guide to some of the best spring events in Pennsylvania.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh also has a ton of events coming up for spring. One of the most popular events is the Pittsburgh Folk Festival which takes place each spring in downtown Pittsburgh. The family friendly event celebrates world culture and features events like live performances by international musical acts, arts and crafts vendors from around the globe, and lots of delicious food! The event features over 100 different events during its three day run.

Future events in Pittsburgh:

Pittsburgh Winter Beerfest - Feb. 25th & 26th @ David L. Lawrence Convention Center

See here for tickets!

Pittsburgh Arts & Crafts Spring Fever Festival - March 18th-20th @ Monroeville Convention Center

See here for tickets!

Philadelphia

Food events are a popular choice in Pennsylvania. There's always plenty of these events happening throughout the year but springtime is when they really ramp up! The Philadelphia Flower Show is one of the most popular events in all PA and it takes place each March at Lincoln Financial Field (home to football team). This event features live music, food trucks, carnival games, and more!

Future Events in Philadelphia:

Philadelphia Auto Show - March 5th -13th @ The Pennsylvania Convention Center

See here for tickets

Harrisburg

Harrisburg is known for its events, and the city has a ton of events coming up for springtime. One of these events is ArtsFest which takes place at Riverfront Park in downtown Harrisburg. This event features live music, arts and crafts vendors, food, and more! Another popular event in Harrisburg is the Pennsylvania Farm Show which takes place at the PA Farm Show Complex. This event is billed as "the largest indoor agriculture exposition in the world" and features events like livestock shows, a giant petting zoo, tractor pulls, and more!

Future events in Harrisburg:

ArtsFest - May 28th-30th @ Riverfront Park

Learn more here!

So whatever your interests are, Pennsylvania has an event for you this spring! Be sure to check out the events calendar on your state's tourism website for a complete list of events. Have fun and enjoy the warm weather!

The Frugal Tee: Get a New Shirt Every Month with Our Monthly Shirt Subscription!

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Check out our March Box Sneak Peek!

Holiday Gifts for Every Budget

The holiday shopping season is upon us! No matter your budget, you can still surprise and impress your loved ones this season with the perfect holiday gift!

The holidays are supposed to be about spending time with those we love. But as the bills stack up over the winter months, it's easy to find yourself strapped for cash as you start shopping around for presents and you might get stumped on gift ideas. But don't worry, we've got you covered! Here is a holiday gift guide for affordable gifts and stocking stuffers for every budget.

For the Budget-Conscious

If your funds are tight, consider giving gift cards from stores, restaurants, or even a gas station. The person receiving them can choose what they want when it's their time to buy making this the perfect gift! While small, these are practical, perfect stocking stuffers sure to please the whole family! Check out the links to these other cute and affordable stocking stuffers!

• Decals

• Gift Cards

• Matching Mousepad & Coaster Set

For the Self-Gifter

Don't forget about you this season! Treat yo' self! Whether it's a gym or yoga membership to uphold your New Year's resolutions or a bottle of wine! Always remember to give back to yourself this holiday season!

SOMETIMES WINE IS JUST NECESSARY WINE CADDY - CUSTOM MADE DRINKWARE ACCESSORY - GIFT IDEA

For the Foodie

If your friend or loved one loves cooking, consider giving them a subscription to a food magazine, such as Taste of Home or Good HouseKeeping. They'll get recipes from award-winning chefs, helpful tips on making any meal taste better, and stories about local restaurants.

For the Homebody

Have family or friends who like to stay in? They would probably appreciate having a gift card to their favorite take-out restaurant, or Netflix subscription. This way they can sit comfortably at home and enjoy some "me time". You might also consider "smart home" gifts and tech gifts such as an led lights or wireless charger to make their nights in more enjoyable!

For the Outdoorsman

For the outdoorsy type, perhaps an portable outdoor cooking kit, yard games or a JBL CLIP 3 - Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker for Christmas! They'll have everything they need to entertain, survive and cook up their favorite meals while enjoying the fresh air.

Splinter Woodworking Co. Yardzee, Farkle & 20+ Games (All Weather) - Yard Dice Game Set with Red or Green Collapsible Bucket, Lid, 5 Big Laminated Score Cards & Marker

There are many ways you can make this holiday season even more special! You don't need a lot of money or time on your hands to get people excited about the gifts they receive. Frugalfashionista.biz has some great gift ideas for all budgets; Custom pieces and holiday specials. Don't forget that supporting small businesses and small business owners is important too! Fast and free shipping!

Top 5 Things You NEED To Do By Yourself

By Tasha Stevens

Self-care baby! YASS! When was the last time you took a day to do something by yourself? I was surprised to hear from several close friends of mine that they are almost NEVER alone. What?! To me, that is crazy! 

It is important for your own mental health to check in on yourself sometimes. This might mean taking a walk around your neighborhood or even window shopping at the mall. 

Being alone doesn’t necessarily mean you are lonely. I feel it is imperative that each person value their “me time” and use it to do something they truly love or to even try something new! 

My top five things to do by myself are:

1. Go to the beach. I am fortunate enough to live in a place where there is a beach within pretty much 2-hour driving distance in either direction. If you have no beach near you, no worries! A pool, swimming hole, creek, river, etc will do the trick. Warning! Going to the beach, pool, springs, etc alone could result in some serious tan lines so be sure to bring the SPF! 

2. Go to the movies. Alright. I know this one sounds weird and pretty lame but I actually love going to the movies by myself. Now there are some people that say there is no freaking way they ever would but try it once, you might be surprised! No guilt for ordering the extra buttery $15 small popcorn or smuggling in dollar tree candy in your purse. No shame. #treatyoself. 

3. Take up a hobby. I have several hobbies. One of which is painting. Michael’s craft store always has some type of coupon and cheaper acrylic paint, some brushes to use and bundle packages of canvases on the low. I just happen to enjoy painting with a nice big glass of Malbec by my side. Call it my “creative juices”. 

4. Jigsaw puzzles. Ok ok…. Pull out the jello and Bengay. I guess this one makes me seem like I’m an 89-year-old retiree. And you’d be right. But my god, the satisfaction of putting in that final piece is like a fresh sip of ice-cold water on a hot day or a mouthful of freshly made cheesy garlic pasta. If jigsaw puzzles aren’t your thing, no worries! You can do other mental games such as sudoku, crossword puzzles, word searches, or even test your thumb strength with some classic Mario. 

5. Fine dining. This is a MUST. You NEED to go out and eat by yourself somewhere. Think it’s going to be awkward? Bring a book or a magazine or your phone to read while you’re there. Or people watch. Do whatever you must to keep your mind off of the fact that you think everyone is staring at you. (They’re not.) Sitting down and eating by yourself is an acquired taste BUT one of the most satisfying things I have done by myself thus far. You can even do baby steps with this one and make yourself dinner at home. Start there and progress to big boy steps and take yourself out for a nice dinner later. You can make it even more fun by dressing up and having a date with yourself. Who knows? If you’re single, you might take home more than leftovers. HIYO!

I hope you take the time to try even a few of these things and practice in some real self-care. Remember you can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself. If you enjoyed this post make sure you click the little heart below. Make sure to share your own experiences in the comment section below. If you step outside the box and try any of these comment below and let me know how it went.

Outward Hound Slow Feeder Dog Bowl Product Review

Hi, I’m Lincoln!

Hello my name is Lincoln. Even though I am completely spoiled and fed on a regular basis, I eat every meal as though it’s my last. Inhaling every last crumb in record time…..

Because of Lincoln’s eating habits, we decided to purchase a slow feeder dog bowl. Our concerns were growing that she’d choke on her food or worse. Aside from feeding her a small piece of food at a time, we couldn’t seem to stop her from scarfing down her food. Then this glorious dog bowl came into our lives. I decided to do a product review, because this item is a MUST HAVE if you have a speed eating dog. For the full review, please watch the video below.

I hope you find this review helpful. As promised, below is a link for the specific feeder we purchased. If you would like to purchase one or learn more, simply click on the image and you will be lead to the product on Amazon. You may also be wondering what the delicious looking food was in her dog bowl that was featured in the YouTube video. That is my homemade dog food, and the recipe was featured on the blog not too long ago. If you missed that blog post you can read it here.

Feel free to comment below if you found this review useful and make sure you click the little heart to let us know you visited the blog post. Stay tuned for more product reviews in the future. If you own a business and would like for me to do a product review please contact me and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Shopping On A Budget? We've got you covered ;)

In case you didn’t notice, people call me The Frugal Fashionista……that’s for a reason. I take great pride in the merchandise that I carry. Whether it’s handmade or manufactured by a partnering company. You will know when you shop with Frugal Fashionista that there’s thought and consideration put into every single item, including the price. Below are just a few of the items presently in stock, that won’t break the bank.

Both of these rings are on clearance for $5! Yes, you read that correctly. Each ring is on clearance for $5 and both are stainless steel, which means no tarnishing. Now that’s a deal. Oh yeah and did I mention there’s a TON of clearance items available right now?

That’s just the tip of the iceberg people. If you have visited the website lately, you may have seen some of our new categories. For even easier shopping you can click once and see the $5, $10 $15 and $20 items. Click any of the images below and you’ll be directed to the website. :)

I promise it’s worth the time to visit the website and see everything that we have to offer. I also suggest following on facebook and instagram (@frugalfashionistabytoni), because there are new items, contests and giveaways posted frequently. If you are ever looking for a particular piece and don’t see it online, email and I’ll do my best to create what you are looking for.

Thank You

I wanted to take the time to give a sincere thank you to the businesses that have collaborated with me to make the Diva Care Packages better than ever!  Without your help it wouldn't growing in popularity. 

Thus far the Diva Care Packages have includes samples from Jamberry Nails.  Thanks to consultant Kristina Tharp.  There have also been cute little sample kits provided by MaryKay consultant Renata Trice. An array of samples were provided by Kelly Gentry Rossman of Perfectly Posh. Most recently Matt and Ken from Candles In The Cove have provided 4 oz soy candles that smell amazing!

Again thank you for your support.  For those of you that aren't sure what a Diva Care Package is you can view more info here.