Black Friday.  A phrase that came to fruition in the 1960's to mark the start of the holiday shopping season as it helped retailers and their ledgers to move from red to black.  The retailers realized that the day after Thanksgiving was the perfect day to offer deep discounts and sales to their customers as that is a day that they have off.  And the customers loved it!  They could do most of their holiday shopping without having to wait for the weekend to arrive and save money as well.  The retailers loved it because even though they slashed prices almost 50%, they gained many more customers leading to more profits.  Win win, right?  

Well, maybe it became too much for a good thing.  With the economy lagging and customers looking to save as much as they can, retailers began to look for ways to edge out their competitors.  The fight for the consumer dollar had retailers starting to open their doors even earlier.  So much so that suddenly Black Friday creeped into Thanksgiving day!  Why wait until Friday, retailer began to ask.  Start getting the bargains right after Thanksgiving dinner.  Who needs dessert when that giant screen TV can be wheeled out in your shopping cart? How about that Xbox that your kids have been begging you for all year long?  Thanksgiving dinner can be cut short for that, right?  So what's the big deal?  

Here is big deal, or at least a small portion of it.  There has been a bit of a back lash toward Black Friday.  Or at least the Black Friday that has encroached on Thanksgiving.   Yes, some stores will be open Thanksgiving day, but while you are enjoying your meal with family and friends, the people who work at the stores will be behind their registers or in the stock room, waiting for you to arrive.  This has made some people upset over the fact that the workers at some of these stores will not get the chance to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday like everyone else.  Boycotts have been called for, and petitions are being signed. Some retailers have listed to their customers and made the decision to  wait until Friday as they have always done in the years pass.

So where do you stand on the issue?  As a consumer, I appreciate a great deal as much as the next person.  However, I do feel bad for the people who have to work on a day that we are meant to give thanks for all we have and to share that good fortune with family and friends.  I guess that is why I like being a direct seller.  I have the advantage of offering Black Friday deals to my customers and am able to do so from the comfort of my own home.  My customers in turn can take advantage of these great deals from their homes and more importantly, in their own time.  Thanksgiving can still be enjoyed by all concerned. 

I guess what I am trying to say is, whatever you decide to do, please keep direct sellers on your shopping list.  They are small business owners and while they not have a brick and mortar store, they depend on your business as much as the retail chains do.  Moreover,  they have something that those big box stores will never have.  One on one attention and familiarity to your personal needs.  It would be like having a personal shopper with you at all times.  

If you do not have a direct seller as of yet, here are a few that you should look into.  One name may already be familiar to you.  Hint, hint - wink, wink! :)   LOL

Avon: 
Tracey Fisher
www.youarvon.com/traceyfisher

Tastefully Simple: 
Tracey Fisher 
www.tastefullysimple/web/tfisher4

Thirty One: 
Kathy Aul
www.mythirtyone.com/422525

Mary Kay: 
Michele M Ray
www.marykay.com/mray2

Initials Inc:
Mary Jean Eraci
www.myinitials-inc.com/MJE

                                           Happy Thanksgiving! 

Thanksgiving is a day that is filled with food, family, and football. Travel plans are being made right about now. Plane and train tickets are being purchased, routes are being planned for those who are driving and menus are being planned. Thanksgiving is a holiday that families try to be together for.  Even more so than Christmas I think. Yes, Christmas is a holiday that families and friends get together for, but the focus  is primarily about the gifts. But Thanksgiving, it is all about sharing a delicious meal with friends and family. 

This is where coveted family recipes make rare but important appearances.  The fine china and silver are laid out on the family table.  Long remembered stories and family anecdotes are shared. Family memories and traditions are important, especially during the holiday. 

So, if you are planning your first Thanksgiving, give a thought to what you would like your tradition to be.  If you are travelling to visit family or friends, then relish the memories and the time honored traditions that your family brings to the holiday.  

Have you seen the latest Target commercial?  For a 30 second spot, it does what it is supposed to do.  It catches your attention with that 60's pop tune So Groovy.  Then as you are drawn into the party preparation, you find yourself wishing you were invited.  As I write this, that catchy tune is playing in my mind in an endless loop.  But I have to admit, it is doing it's job.  I am remembering the Target spot.  And that is the point, isn't it? Mission accomplished! 

So yes, the Target commercial is cool and hip.  Makes you want to throw a party of your own.  But will it live up to the Target party?  Will the guests be as cool and sexy as the guests are in the commercial.  Will the decor that  you picked be as nice as the ones that are advertised?  More important, will the guests that were invited show up and when they do, will they have a good time?  All valid questions.  But the only way to find out is to plan the party!  It being October, Halloween is right around the corner, and who does not love a great costume party?   Have fun setting the scene.  Imagine your guests coming in and seeing the all of the Halloween accents set up around the house to compliment all of the costumes that will be worn by them and you! Whether you are planning a Halloween party for the kids or something more adult be creative and have fun! 

Halloween kicks off the party season for rest of the year. You have Thanksgiving, the biggest dinner party of the season, followed by Christmas  and of course New Years eve.  So whether you are planning the party or attending one, just remember, it's a party!  Don't get too caught up with how you want the party to look,  No need to panic if you don't have the exact pattern to match that table cloth or you may have dishes was not what you had in mind.  The point is to have a great time.  As the song in the commercial says: " I think it’s so groovy now, That people are finally getting together."

Have you ever been at the grocery store and they have food item or product at the end of the counter, then after they ring up your groceries, they ask: "Would you like to donate $1 for (fill in the blank) charity?".  More often than not, most people say yes because, they have already purchased my groceries and hey, what is an extra dollar?   

How about when you get that call on the phone to ask if you would please buy a magazine subscription at a ridiculously low rate to help a particular charity to raise money?  Again, most people would sign up because well, they like to read and always wanted that particular magazine.  Normally you would not subscribe to it as it is an unnecessary expense.  But now it is for charity so, why not?  You get the enjoyment of your favorite magazine and the charity gets the funds it needs.  

These methods are just some of the ways that charities have instituted to help them to raise funds. Rather than ask outright, why not give people something that they may already want while asking for a donation.  Retailers have similar way of working.   Product Red aka  (PRODUCT)RED was formed to raise awareness to awareness and funds to help eliminate HIV/AIDS in Africa.  

And as most people know, pink products are what Avon has to raise awareness and funds for the fight against breast cancer.  They have also introduced purple products for the fight against domestic violence.  

Tastefully Simple has also joined the ranks of retail brands introducing products for charity.  Their cause is Share Our Strength via No Kid Hungry campaign to fight against child hunger in America.

These are just some of the ways that charities try to make it easier for people to give.  Whether it be beautiful clothes and jewelry or delicious gourmet food, charity can now be more than an annual event.  Giving to charity is no longer something that is considered obligatory.  You can give when you want, how ever you want and feel rewarded by not only in making the contribution, but getting something that you can enjoy as well.  Charity can truly begin at home.

 Fashion will also change.  Light weight clothes will go into storage. Long sleeves, sweaters and long pants will once more reign supreme.  What to wear will not only have to be fashionable but must also be able to keep you warm and cozy.