Reflections On a Black Friday

First off, I would like to say that I really don't get into a whole lot of hype over Black Friday. Second off, I find that many of the sales offered on Black Friday are comparable to sales at other times of the year. With that being said, there are some good deals to be found out there. I did manage to make it to a few stores today, but I limited it to three.

As for shopping strategies for Black Friday, scouring the ads, making a plan of action (where you want to go, and what you want to purchase at that store), and getting your coupons together makes for an easier shopping day. I never wait outside the store before it opens, either. I arrive upon site at around 15 minutes after store opening, when I can snatch a parking space from someone leaving, and still be early enough to get the deals I want. And considering that there are already stories coming out about people getting trampled to death, I think it is wise to wait until after the crowd enters the store, since that is when people are getting injured/killed. No good deal is worth your life, or someone else's. The three stores I visited today all opened at different times, 3 AM, 5 AM, and 7 AM. It worked out perfectly time wise to be able to arrive shortly after the stores opened. The biggest drawback I experienced today was waiting in line to pay. And I am happy to report, that at least where I was, everyone was polite and cheery for the most part.

I would also like to add a short commentary on shopper conduct as well. For the most part, people were very friendly and in good spirits wherever I shopped at today. But please consider those who have been standing in line for quite some time before you decide to cut into line. Many of us go out of our way to find the end of the line out of common courtesy for our fellow shoppers. When you cut, you are making the pregnant ladies (ummm....that would be me), among others, stand in line for longer than necessary. You are also being rude. Just patiently wait your turn! On another note, I know I previously mentioned people being trampled. I did not personally witness anything like this, but if there is an unruly crowd, leave for your own safety. Don't participate in that madness! And as for parking, if you see someone is waiting for a specific parking spot, don't rush in and steal it from them. This did happen to me today. I was waiting as someone pulled out, I had my blinker on and everything. A purple jeep raced up and took the spot. RUDE! Extend to your fellow shopper common courtesies and kindness. We all want a good deal, but it is not worth being mean and nasty to those around you to get that good deal. And it reflects upon your character. The moral of my post is go shopping, have fun, and be polite! It makes everyone's shopping experience so much better!

Easy Mocha At Home Recipe

Every now and then, I love to treat myself to a mocha from a local coffee shop. It is only an occassional treat, as I find it difficult to shell out $3-$4 for one cup of fancy coffee. I have discovered a really easy way to enjoy a mocha at home, for basically a few cents per cup of coffee. I take a packet of hot chocolate mix, pour it in a cup and add freshly brewed coffee instead of hot water. Then I add a splash of milk. If you really wanted to get fancy, you could add a dollop of whipped cream and cinnamon on top. I am enjoying a cup of mocha right now, so yummy!

Yummy Cranberry Nut Bread Recipe

I just made some cranberry bread for the family today, and boy did it turn out yummy! Considering the season, now is the perfect time to try it out! Cranberries are on sale practically everywhere, so it is the most affordable time of year to make it. I got the recipe off of a bag of frozen Ocean Spray cranberries, and I tweaked it to make it a bit healthier, and to family size it.

Cranberry Nut Bread

4 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup honey
3 tsp baking powder
2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 cups orange juice
4 tbsp oil
2 well beaten eggs
3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup chopped nuts (I used almonds)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease two 9x5 inch loaf pans, or one 9x13 baking dish. Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Add orange juice and eggs, mix until well blended. Add cranberries and nuts and continue mixing until well combined. Spread into pan or pans, bake for approximately 1 hour, or until fork comes out clean. Serve warm, with butter if desired.

Don't Forget To Vote Today!!!

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